Emcee: Carlotta Collette, Acting Council President, Metro, Portland, Oregon
Mayor Sam Adams, City of Portland, Oregon
Ron Stewart, Principal, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, Chair, Rail~Volution Portland Host Committee, Portland, Oregon

Why the World Needs a Portland
Gordon Price is a long-time commentator on the Portland region’s evolution into a more Livable Community. A six-term member of the Vancouver, BC City Council, Price’s recent travels and photo essays about urban issues have provided him with an even broader perspective from which to evaluate Portland — both its successes and current challenges. Look for a sound, no-holds-barred critique of Livable Portland from one of its most knowledgeable observers.

Gordon Price, Program Director, The City Program, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia

The State of the Rail~Volution
Even as the economy resists a quick rebound, local and federal partners are discovering how wise investments can help shape our communities and our future. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, the nation’s premier spokesperson for Livable Communities, will lay out the latest challenges to creating Livable Communities and provide the inspiration needed to take our movement to the next level.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer, 3rd District, Oregon

What is transit’s role in addressing the economic, environmental and demographic issues facing today’s communities? Hear from APTA President William Millar as he presents his thoughts on transit’s latest contributions to creating livable communities, and sets the stage for this year’s focus on new partnerships for success.

William W. Millar, President, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC

Our generation’s fundamental challenge is to rebuild our economy so that it secures a sustainable future for the next generation. This is no easy task. Businesses understand the value of investing in locations that provide a diversified economy, an educated and well-trained workforce, sound transportation and housing options, and a high quality of life, yet they still must compete on a global scale. Our economy is inextricably tied to the ability of our urban, suburban, and rural communities to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

This plenary session will explore the emerging partnerships at the federal and regional levels to build sustainable economies and will provide a spirited discussion of the challenges and opportunities for creating a new, sustainable economy.

Moderator: Harriett Tregoning, Director, Office of Planning, Washington, DC
Shelley Poticha, AICP Director, Office of Sustainability, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC
Rocco Landesman, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, DC
Erin Flynn, Urban Development Director, Portland Development Commission, Portland, Oregon
Beth Osborne, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation Policy, US Department of Transportation, Washington, DC