Every year, we commission original artwork for the Mpact Transit + Community conference.
We work with a small team from the host city, talking about the elements of the city and region that showcase the connection between transit, other kinds of mobility, development and community. We then work with an artist to bring these ideas to life. We want locals to say, yes, that’s us, and for potential attendees to be intrigued, getting a sense of what they can see and explore during the conference.
For the 2025 artwork, we worked with Portland-based artist, Mika Rane. Here is her piece for #MpactPDX. Thanks to Mika and to the team from TriMet, the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation and Oregon Metro who helped guide the project.Â
Here’s what Mika Rane said about the piece:
“This illustration of Portland is inspired by the daily rhythm of buses, light rail, streetcars, and bicycles. I sought to capture the dynamic interplay between transportation and community life.
From the iconic bridges to neighborhood cafes, parks, thrift shops, and playgrounds, the transit lines move not just people, but connect diverse communities across urban and natural landscapes. I layered these scenes to reflect a view from the Pittock mansion: how one can see the city, neighborhoods, river, forest and mountain.
Each mode of transportation is shown side by side with scenes of human connection—children playing, families biking, neighbors meeting. These moments echo the idea that transit isn’t just about getting from place to place, it’s about building a connected, vibrant, and equitable city.” — Mika Rane
We’re already having fun with the artwork, matching its details with actual places in Portland. Here’s a sample. Look for more on Mpact social media, @mpactmobility. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and BlueSky Social to add your thoughts. Have you been to these places? Do you recognize other elements in the artwork? Tell us about your favorite Portland places. Get ready to explore at #MpactPDX this October!Â
Portland is known as The Rose City because the climate makes roses easy to cultivate. Washington Park is home to the Portland International Rose Test Garden, the oldest testing ground for new rose varieties in the US, and many other attractions, including Hoyt Arboretum, the Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden. Get there from downtown Portland via MAX light rail or a shuttle.
A streetcar passes by the “Fairhaired Dumbell,” a mixed use office building just over the Burnside Bridge from downtown Portland. The Burnside Bridgehead area” is home to some of Portland’s most exciting and interesting new architecture.” Check it out, via transit, at #MpactPDX this October.
Source: Travel Portland and FFAdesign.com