Better Block PSU Project Inquiry Form
Submit your application to the Better Block PSU program by completing this form. We encourage you to submit your transportation project idea, regardless of how detailed it is at this time. Transportation projects ideally will focus on placemaking and potentially pop-up projects that could connect to larger transportation project plans and goals. Applications from organizations that support and/are led by historically marginalized groups will be prioritized in order to facilitate an equitable process.

Submissions to be considered for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning course are due Monday, March 10th, 2025 by 8pm.

Visit https://trec.pdx.edu/better-block-psu to learn more about the Better Block PSU program.

Questions? Contact Nathan McNeil at nmcneil@pdx.edu. This program is managed by the Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University in partnership with the all-volunteer organization Better Block PDX.
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Email *
Primary Contact: First Name *
Primary Contact: Last Name *
Organization Name (if applicable)
Phone Number *
Project Background
Portland State University’s transportation students in engineering and planning are ready to support your idea with their expertise. We are looking for public places where small changes to the streetscape will make a big difference. This is an opportunity for you or your community organization to partner with us to lay the foundation for your project. Based on your projects needs, you may start in any of the following phases (NOT ALL PHASES GUARANTEED) :

-->Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning (April-June): Examines the importance of walking and bicycling as means of transportation in a sustainable urban environment. Covers planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of bikeways and walkways, as well as ancillary facilities such as bicycle parking. The students in these courses will work with you to develop community engagement plans, activity monitoring, and data collection plans.

-->Active Transportation Planning and Design Studio September-December: The students in these courses will work with you to develop a comprehensive transporation plan that includes detailed existing conditions, design alternatives, and cost estimates.

-->Civil Engineering Capstone January 2025-June 2025: The students in these courses will work with you to develop and engineering plan that includes design alternatives, traffic control plan, and other materials that can assist with city permitting process.
What is the location (e.g., street, address, intersection, etc.) of your proposed Better Block project? *
What is this place like currently? Can you describe some of the issues or needs your community is facing and why a redesign will help address these issues / needs? *
What steps (if any) have you already taken around this project?
What ideas do you have for re-imagining this space? *
Community Support
Our program offers the ability to connect your idea with the planning and engineering expertise of Portland State University transportation students. These students will offer technical assistance. However, it is up to you to work with your community and navigate the implementation of these ideas. We want to know what local support you may already have.
Do you know of any existing partnerships or events that could help leverage this project? *
Who are the local leaders and champions for this idea? *
Describe your community and how do you plan to engage your community in the process. *
What are some ways to make the space inviting to all? *
Objectives and Performance Measures
Due to the extended planning for these projects, it is important that we document the process and have performance measures in mind. It is okay if your ideas here are not exactly specific yet, but consider how you want the project to feel in the end.
What are the desired outcomes of this project? *
How might you measure success?
 *
What would you like to learn in exchange for participating in the program?
Rough Site Plan
Please attach a drawing or another visual element that demonstrates your idea in an email to asktrec@pdx.edu with the subject line "2025 Better Block Proposal". This does not need to look professional.
A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.
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