IMS Charter

CHARTER

Institute of Metropolitan Studies
College of Urban and Public Affairs
Portland State University

PURPOSE

The Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies (IMS) advances the economic, environmental, and social goals of the Portland metropolitan region by gathering and disseminating credible information, convening regional partners, and stimulating dialogue and action about critical regional issues.  In addition, the IMS provides statewide information about demographic trends through the Population Research Center, an affiliate program of IMS.

In fulfilling its Purpose, the Institute:

• Conducts research, marshalling resources from higher education, governments, and for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
• Emphasizes academic methods, expertise, discipline and the longer-term view in studying issues and identifying opportunities
• Facilitates the creation and sharing of information, using such technology as appropriate
• Supports the Vision and Mission of Portland State University 
• Fulfills the requirements set out in ORS 190 regarding the independent population estimates of cities and counties, and its responsibilities as the lead agency for administering The Oregon State Data Center (SDC) and Business and Industry Data Center (BIDC) program in Oregon.

GOVERNANCE

Portland State University

All policies and procedures of Portland State University and the Oregon State System of Higher Education apply.

The President of the University appoints the members of the Board, based on recommendations from the Institute Board and its Director, and those of the Board and the Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs.

Board

    Membership

The Board will have 23 voting members.  The Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs will serve ex officio. 

Seven members will be elected officials from within the six counties of Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill, including at a minimum one from a large city (Beaverton, Gresham, Vancouver or Portland) government, a county government, METRO, a medium city government and a small city government. 

Ten members will be private citizens from the six counties, selected to achieve a fair balance of geographic and business/industry/citizen/social sector representation.

Six members will be individuals selected at large to bring specialized expertise to the Board.

The Board in total should aspire to be representative of the Portland Metropolitan region with respect to race, gender and ethnic background.

Members of the Board will serve three-year terms and may serve any number of additional terms.  Members selected to fill a seat open prior to the end of the holder’s term shall serve the remainder of that term and an additional three-year term.

    Meetings

The Board will meet no less than quarterly and may meet more frequently.

    Officers

The Board will have a Chair and a Vice Chair. In the fall of odd-numbered years, the chair elect will become the chair for two years and the past chair will become the vice chair for one year. In the fall of even numbered years, the board will choose a chair-elect who will serve for one year as vice chair and then for two years as chair, followed by one year as vice chair.

    Duties

• Regularly attend board meetings
• Guide the Institute in fulfilling its purpose
• Establish policy regarding Institute operations and subject matter focus
• Validate the list of critical issues and research questions for the Institute
• Identify and cultivate public and private funding sources for Institute programs
• Review and approve the annual operating plan submitted by the Director and any substantive changes thereto during the course of an operating year as necessary to respond to changing conditions
• Serve on such Board and substantive committees as agreed to with the Director, including at least one project advisory committee
• Advocate for the continuing existence of and financial support for the Institute
• Assist in the hiring and evaluation of the IMS Director in conjunction with the Dean
• Approve applications for grants outside of the work plan, as requested by the Director
• Support the dissemination of IMS publications and materials

    Quorum

A majority of those presently seated on the Board will be a quorum.  The Board will seek consensus in decision-making but should consensus not be possible, a majority of votes will carry.  Members may vote in person at Board meetings or by electronic mail.

    Committees

The Board will maintain standing committees for development and nomination. The Board may form such other standing or temporary committees as it chooses or on the recommendation of the Director.

    Exclusions

The Board will have no involvement in or influence over the population estimates developed by the Population Research Center.

Director

• The Director will manage the ongoing affairs of the Institute, including:
• Preparing the annual operating plan and budget
• Recruiting, appointing and managing Institute staff
• Authorizing expenditures, as required to execute the annual operating plan
• Recruiting and managing such academic and community resources as the Institute engages collaboratively or convenes on a particular issue or opportunity, as identified in the annual operating plan
• Applying for and administering grants

Administratively, the Director will report to the Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs.

FUNDING AND OTHER SUPPORT

Portland State University

The University will provide operational support to the Institute, including, at a minimum:

• The salaries of the Director and an Administrative Assistant
• Office space, utilities, equipment and supplies

Regional Governments

The Institute will regularly solicit financial support from local governments within the six counties for ongoing Institute operations.  Contributions will be voluntary and in the nature of support for regional research and not as clients or sponsors of particular research studies.

Other Support

The Institute may solicit corporate, private and foundation support for ongoing Institute operations and specific projects.