Celebrating 20 Years of Vision: The Center for Real Estate’s Commitment to Portland’s Future

The Center for Real Estate, Portland State University celebrated its 20th anniversary by channeling the spirit and vision of the real estate industry leaders that recognized a need to invest in the future 20 years ago.

With the conference theme of “Investing in the Future”, Alisa Pyszka, Executive Director of the Center for Real Estate, shared how the graduate Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) and the undergraduate Minor or Certificate in Property Management programs are developing a talent pipeline for the real estate industry.

The MSRE program consists of students that are an average age of 34 years, typically working full-time and many have families. They are committed to enhancing their current career in real estate or making a career pivot. Between their drive and the academic education led by Dr. Julia Freybote and Dr. Riette Carstens, they are achieving an average income increase of $35,000 within one year of graduation.

“Portland is fortunate to have real estate and business leaders that are passionate about the city and PSU. The annual conference is an opportunity to inspire and appreciate the people that are helping to move the city forward through innovative development,” says Alisa Pyszka, director of the Center for Real Estate and PSU.

The event focused on a compelling discussion of how the real estate community can invest in the future of Portland with a keynote speaker and panel of local leaders. Tracy Hadden Loh, Fellow with the Brookings Institute, provided six examples of programs from different cities that are developing equitably. She shared that her one-time passion for process was misplaced now knowing that outcomes are what matter in order to achieve these results.

The panel furthered Loh’s message with the following key remarks:

• Earl Blumenauer, Senior Fellow with PSU, remarked that the City of Portland was in a far worse position during the 1980s yet it became a national model for the country.
• Winta Yohannes, Executive Director of Albina Vision Trust, shared the history of the project’s bold vision that originally faced resistance. The project now is underway with the first phases of construction that will transform a central core of the city with a meaningful focus on restorative economic justice.
• Dr. Ann Cudd, PSU President, highlighted that PSU provides the human capital needed to sustain a resilient economy as well as providing a Performing Arts Center that will be a catalyst for downtown.
• Alisha Sullivan, Executive Director of the Willamette Light Brigade, challenged the audience to tap into its creative DNA and provide a forum for artists to flourish.

The Center is incredibly thankful for the generous support of industry leaders that sponsored the event and annual operations of the Center. Because of their investment, PSU can invest in the future with talent development and thought leadership to build a better future.