Center for Urban Studies

Cyclist on Hawthorne Bridge

Sustainability & Resiliency

Sustainability & Resiliency Research in Urban Studies

The climate is rapidly changing, and communities need solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future. Several Urban Studies faculty explore this field of research. Dr. Liming Wang, Dr. Jenny Liu, Dr. Jennifer Dill, and Dr. Aaron Golub explore transportation solutions. Dr. Yu Xiao researches disasters and resiliency while Dr. CNE Corbin and Dr. Connie Ozawa explore environmental policies.

Cover of the report that shows two people walking with a stroller near an intersection.

Active Transportation Return on Investment

Dr. Jennifer Dill with Dr. Jenny Liu and Dr. Marisa Zapata examined the benefits of active transportation infrastructure in the Portland, OR region in The Active Transportation Return on Investment (ATROI) study. Overall, they found positive effects for the retail and/or food sectors in nine of the 12 study areas.

 

Max train at PSU campus

Applying an Equity Lens to Automated Payment Solutions for Public Transit

Dr. Aaron Golub conducted a multi-year study on automated transit fare collection that found that the rush toward cashless fare systems has created barriers for lower-income riders seeking to use transit. Using a detailed cost-benefit model, the researchers explored the costs for agencies to maintain some cash options.

I-405 interchange in Portland

Incorporate Emerging Travel Modes in the Regional Strategic Planning Model

Dr. Liming Wang, Dr. Jennifer Dill, and Dr. Kelly Clifton worked to incorporate broad stroke multi-modal travel choices in the RSPM tool. This proposed project hopes to leverage the ODOT and NITC funding to further study, along with existing modes, emerging travel modes, including car sharing, bike sharing, and autonomous cars.