Exhibits
Exhibits Open Tuesday
Atrium Ballroom, Public Square, Plaza Level
Visit #MpactPDX Exhibitors in the Atrium Ballroom in the Public Square, Plaza Level
Monday 7:00 am – 6:30 pm, including the Wind-Down Reception & Exhibitor Showcase 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Networking
Mpact Innovators Presents – Practical Wellness for Visionary Work: Tools for the Whole Self
Skyline I (23rd floor, via elevator)
There’s always work waiting to be done, but which version of you will show up? The fueled and focused you? Or a self that’s depleted and dragging? When visions get big and bold, we need practices that bring us back to center. Join us and learn gentle, desk-friendly stretches, science-backed breathing techniques and guided visualizations designed to reconnect you with your body, attention and intention. These repeatable practices build clarity, focus and presence, not just for crossing off today’s tasks, but for nourishing the deeper vision that brought you to this work in the first place. No gear or experience needed. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to see what shifts when you give yourself permission to pause.
Facilitator: Shantelle Dreamer, Certified Yoga Teacher / Vice President, Sustainable Transportation Planning, WSP, Boulder, CO
Plenaries
Tuesday Plenary – Reconnecting Communities
Grand Ballroom (Grand Ballroom Level Escalator)
Today’s plenary spotlights two bold initiatives at the crossroads of infrastructure and community renewal. ReConnect Rondo in St. Paul, MN, and Albina Vision Trust in Portland, OR, are working to build vibrant, inclusive futures that are rooted in local voices and cultural heritage. Keith Baker will share the vision of a community land bridge that would restore what was lost with the original I-94 construction, making up for the loss of over 700 homes and 300 businesses. It is the catalyst for inspiring a vibrant African American cultural enterprise district. JT Flowers will share plans for the Albina district, a project aimed at returning displaced residents to the former heart of Portland’s Black community while also creating space for generations to come. Together, these stories provide a model of for the ways that visionary leadership, community ownership and strong partnerships can create economically sustainable and vibrant futures.
Emcee: Caitlin Reff, Major Projects and Transit Division Manager, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), Portland, OR
Welcome: Lynn Peterson, Council President, Oregon Metro, Portland, OR
Keynotes
- Keith Baker, Executive Director, ReConnect Rondo, St. Paul, MN
- JT Flowers, Government Relations and Communications, Albina Vision Trust, Portland OR
Economic Development, Highway Capping, Transit-Oriented Communities, Community Development.
Mobile Workshop
MW16 Transit to Recreation in Troutdale
$65 purchase lunch
About 12 miles east of Portland in Multnomah County, the City of Troutdale – at the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers – is a go-to recreational destination for people across the region. Especially in summer, this leads to congestion, making access a challenge. To respond, the city launched a transit feasibility study and in the summers 2025 and 2026 a pilot program to evaluate the before and after effects of a shuttle on traffic congestion, parking, and river safety. The study also is looking at economic development, access by all community members to river recreation and how a shuttle could connect to other transit options in the region. Be part of the public engagement process as you check out the proposed shuttle route and either raft or hike along the Sandy River. Hear how a small community is navigating service planning and learn about funding sources. The the feasibility study and the pilot program are funded by Travel Oregon. The workshop will include a lunch stop in Troutdale; please plan to purchase your lunch.
Note: This description updated July 21 to remove kayaking and replace with either rafting or hiking, depending on conditions. Updated August 14 to adjust end time to 4pm.
Economic Development, Funding, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Planning, Transit.
Mobile Workshop
MW17 4Ts: Train, Tram, Tilikum, Trolley
$45
Experience the 4Ts! Explore the history and innovation behind the Portland’s transit systems and discover how they have shaped its culture, mobility and livability. The Portland Streetcar, aka trolley, is the city’s first post-war streetcar. Tilikum Crossing is the nation’s longest bridge for transit and active transportation but not private autos. Soar the heights in one of the nation’s few urban aerial trams and hop aboard Portland’s MAX train: just the third light rail system built in the U.S., it was born out of the death of an eight-lane freeway project. As you ride and walk Tilikum Crossing (1/4-mile at a 5% grade), hear the stories of collaboration and innovation that brought these modes into operation as well as how they combine to serve Portland communities.
Light Rail, Streetcar, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Aerial Tram, Transit.
Tuesday morning concurrent sessions
Session
Getting Regional Transit Right! Modes + Stations + Routes
Skyline II (23rd Floor, Skyline Level)
How do you match the right transit mode to the right locations at the right scale? Let’s talk about regional decision-making and tradeoffs that shape transit investments in communities large and small. From light rail to commuter rail to bus rapid transit, we’ll explore how regions weigh mode, alignment and station placement. The conversation will dig into coalition building, community engagement and implementation. Expect candid lessons on challenges, breakthroughs and the hard-won wisdom that comes from building transit that truly fits its place.
Meghna Khanna, Deputy Executive Officer – Mobility Corridors, Metro, Los Angeles, CA
Emily Betts, Planning Manager, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), Petaluma, CA
Adrienne Torres, Chief of Staff and Acting Chief Development Officer, Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) , Richmond, VA
Moderator: David DeRosa, Associate Vice President, AECOM, Los Angeles, CA
Light Rail, Station Design, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Corridor Planning.
Session
BRT Bits and Bytes: Data Insights for Corridor Planning
Broadway III&IV (Plaza Level)
When resources are limited, where do you invest in transit service that really counts? Take a deep dive into the ways that agencies are using location-based services, big data and new planning tools shape high-frequency service and bus priority networks. The goal? Networks that reflect community vision, respond to local needs and elevate mobility where it matters most. It’s an engaging look at how agencies are thinking smarter about high-quality bus rapid transit corridors, not in theory, but in the reality of budgets, ridership needs and the future of bus travel.
Kate Lyman, AICP, Manager – Service Planning and Development, TriMet, Portland, OR
Keith Jasper, Principal – Transportation Planning and Programming, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, Vienna, VA
Sam Zneimer, Senior Project Manager, Cambridge Systematics, Los Angeles, CA
Moderator: Dalia Leven, National Planning Lead for Transit and Shared Mobility, Cambridge Systematics, Washington, DC
Session
Project Funding Alchemy: Turning Collaboration into Capital
Galleria North (Grand Ballroom Level - Escalator)
Why just talk about financing when you can play it out? Heads up: This is not a sit-and-listen session. Through role-playing, case studies and group ideation, learn about and then experiment with unconventional partnerships, coalition-building strategies and creative funding frameworks that can unlock opportunities that wouldn’t be possible in isolation. Expect examples of what’s worked and what hasn’t, plus the chance to stress-test your own ideas in real time. By the end, we’ll gather the most promising strategies, compare them to real-world models and highlight insights you can take back to your next project. Bring your curiosity and a willingness to think out loud.
Justin Skoda, Transit Architect and Urban Designer, SmithGroup, Oakland, CA
Janet Attarian, AIA LEED AP, Senior Mobility Strategist, SmithGroup, Detroit, MI
Kasheica McKinney, Esq., Transit Oriented Development Director, Bay Area Rapid Transit, San Francisco, CA
Dan Kinkead, Urban Design Director, SmithGroup, Detroit, MI
Adam Stepherson, Planning Manager, Drago Vantage, Folsom, CA
Alex Krieg, Director – Enterprise Planning, Sound Transit, Seattle, WA
Session
Culdesac and Towerside: Bringing Connected, Community-centered TOD to Life
Grand Ballroom (Grand Ballroom Level Escalator)
What happens when you start a neighborhood from scratch and put transit — not cars — at the center? Go deep into two ambitious case studies: Culdesac in Tempe, AZ, and the Towerside Innovation District in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Both harnessed transit stations as catalysts for mixed-use, community-driven growth, pairing affordability and sustainability with housing and vibrant, small-business ecosystems. Along the way, they tackled thorny issues like stormwater systems, financing and anti-displacement investment strategies, including a first-of-its-kind Community Investment Cooperative. Walk away with lessons on policy navigation, innovative design and building economically viable, car-free neighborhoods that can scale. It’s time to rethink transit-oriented development, not as an add-on, but as the backbone of thriving communities.
Ryan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Culdesac, Tempe, AZ
Stephen Klimek, Executive Director, Towerside Innovation District, Minneapolis, MN
Moderator: Akasha Lawrence Spence, Chief Executive Officer, Fifth Element, Portland, OR
Housing, Businesses, Mixed-Use Development, Funding, Design, Transit-Oriented Communities, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Session
What is Transit’s Role in Supporting Unhoused Individuals?
Pavilion West (Plaza Level)
Transit was designed to move people, not house them. And yet, as housing costs skyrocket, more and more people without shelter are turning to stations and vehicles as places of refuge, since they’re warm, lit and safer than many other public spaces. This reality affects the daily experience of riders, operators and agencies alike. So what’s transit’s role here? Can we stay true to our core mission of mobility while also showing up with compassion for those who have nowhere else to go? Come hear candid stories of the ways different regions are responding to the housing crisis and seeking out compassionate, innovative solutions for helping our most vulnerable residents.
Cortni Desir, Executive Program Manager, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Newington, CT
Gretchen Baisa, Community Outreach Supervisor, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Jose, CA
Marissa Clarke, Senior Coordinator of Vulnerable Populations, TriMet, Portland, OR
Moderator: Lynn Peterson, Metro Council President, Oregon Metro, Portland, Oregon
Session
Not Just Scooting By: Shared Micromobility for Everyone
Broadway I&II (Plaza Level)
Remember when shared bikes and scooters showed up like the cool new kid in town? Fast forward a few years and cities have seen mixed results. Some neighborhoods got new options for quick trips. Others got piles of scooters blocking sidewalks. Many cities have been through multiple generations of shared micromobility, whether by changing policies or partners. Fortunately, leaders shaping best practices for shared micromobility are here to share their lessons with us.
Celeste Brown MPA, Policy and Partnerships Manager, Veo, San Juan, PR
Breen Masciotra AICP, EcoDistricts AP, Senior Mobility Planner, evolve environment::architecture, Pittsburgh, PA
Anne Brask, Shared Micromobility Program Manager, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland, OR
Andrew Glass Hastings, Executive Director, Open Mobility Foundation, Seattle, WA
Session
Missing Middle Housing in TOD: A Workshop
Galleria South (Grand Ballroom Level - Escalator)
Missing middle transit-oriented development offers a sweet spot for tackling multiple goals at once. By creating medium-density, multi-family housing for middle-income residents in walkable, transit-rich places, communities can advance social, environmental and economic priorities together. Come hear from a housing developer, a TOD planner and a national policy advisor about how missing middle housing is being pursued and what still stands in the way. Join in roundtable conversations to brainstorm solutions that fit your local context. Learn why zoning is only one lever in the toolbox, how transit agencies can champion housing and what developers really need to make these projects come to life.
Ian Carlton, Ph.D, Senior Advisor, ECOnorthwest / Co-founder, MapCraft.io, Portland , OR
Michael Swan, AICP, Assistant Director, NJ Transit, Newark, NJ
Andrew Malick, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Malick Infill Development, San Diego, CA
Housing, Zoning, Funding, Design, Health, Planning, Policy, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Session
Leveraging Public Land: Groundbreaking Partnerships in Joint Development
Pavilion East (Plaza Level)
What do a transit agency, a city hall and a hospital system have in common? They’ve each found themselves at the center of development projects that reimagine what can happen on land next to transit. These public champions had to do more than dream. They had to lure the private market to the table in challenging real estate conditions and prove that walkable, mixed-use TOD can really work. Their stories show that when vision aligns with need, unlikely public-private partnerships can thrive. The big takeaway? Public land near a station isn’t just an asset. It’s an invitation. The question is, who’s that strategic public land owner in your city?
Daniel Chatlos, Director of Real Estate Services, Jackson Health Systems, Miami, FL
Jessie O’Malley Solis, Director of Multimodal Planning and Real Estate, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San José, CA
Moderator: Oliver Hartleben, Principal – Practice Group Manager, Placemaking, Arcadis, Vancouver, BC
Mobile Workshop
MW18 Walk Portland with Better Wayfinding
$45
Walking is arguably the best way to see any city. That’s especially true in downtown Portland, where the blocks are small and the grid is tight. But, how do you decide where to go? Or the best route to catch the most interesting places? What could build the confidence to explore, for visitors and locals alike? To better support people walking and businesses in downtown, Portland launched a pilot program to explore wayfinding needs, ideas and possible interventions. Among them: defined walking routes, signage integrated with AI, sidewalk decals, banners, art installations, and other creative placemaking. Explore some of the pilot routes as you hear from project partners about the design of the pilot program, coalition building and funding.
Photo credit: Nick Mendez Photography, Travel Portland
Walking, Businesses, Economic Development, Technology, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Planning, Community, Placemaking.
Mobile Workshop
MW19 Street Plazas: Design, Partnerships, Operations and Activation
$65 purchase lunch
What are street plazas? Streets repurposed into community-oriented spaces, where businesses and the neighborhood come together. There are more than 20 of them in neighborhoods across Portland. Most street plazas feature simple design elements and temporary, movable amenities. They are popular outdoor spaces for socializing, enjoying coffee or meals and community events, or just relaxing. Ride bikes to visit four plazas, two new and two existing, in a roughly 8-mile loop. Find out what it takes to turn streets into community spaces and the partnerships that are critical for success. Each plaza stop will feature a distinct aspect of plaza design, operations, partnership and activation, with details from program partners including community and business collaborators, service contractors, and the city. One of the stops, Rainbow Road Plaza, will include time to buy lunch.
Photo credit: Celeste Noche, Travel Portland
Businesses, Economic Development, Design, Public Space, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Community, Placemaking, Street Design.
Downtime – Lunch on your own
Networking
Mpact Innovators Presents – Guided Tour of Powell’s City of Books
$25 Meet in Lobby
For over 50 years, Powell’s Books has been a beloved Portland landmark and a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Still the largest independent bookstore on the planet, Powell’s is full of stories, and not just the ones on the shelf. On this exclusive tour, explore its rich history: uncover hidden details of the building, peek into the world of bookselling and step inside the famed Rare Book Room to see first editions and signed treasures. Every participant will leave with a special Powell’s gift as a memento of the experience. Option: join the group at a spot to purchase lunch after the tour.
This is a paid tour. Space is limited to 20 participants. Please register in advance when signing up for the conference.
Networking
Mpact Innovators Presents – Walking Tour: Portland’s Halprin Sequence
Meet in Lobby
The Halprin Sequence in downtown Portland isn’t just a string of fountains and plazas. It’s a living, breathing piece of Portland’s identity. Join the Halprin Landscape Conservancy for a guided walking tour highlighting innovative mid-century efforts to reimagine the city’s urban landscape and how they have evolved. See how the Market Street Connector initiative is improving east-west pedestrian connections while transforming the Keller Auditorium and Keller Fountain into a more integrated, dynamic civic destination. It’s a case study in urban revitalization, showing how strategic design interventions and public space programming can strengthen the ties between cultural landmarks, neighborhood fabric and the waterfront.
Purchase lunch on the tour.
Facilitator: Robert Hastings, Architect Emeritus, By Design / Board Member, Halprin Landscape Conservancy , Portland, OR
Session
Open Discussion New Metrics for Capital Investment Grants
Galleria South (Grand Ballroom Level - Escalator)
In light of changing travel patterns since the pandemic, the Federal Transit Administration has signaled interest in identifying new ways to measure the value of Capital Investment Grants (CIG) beyond daily transit boardings. Potential measures include economic development at station areas, improved access to opportunity, and the “trip not taken” metric, developed in Portland to capture value beyond ridership. Take a seat for an open discussion about new ways to measure value and whether they can be replicated across multiple communities.
Jeff Boothe, President, Boothe Transit Consulting, LLC, Sarasota, FL
Randy Knapick, AICP, Director, Arcadis, Portland, OR
Jamie Snook, Director of Major Projects, TriMet, Portland, OR
Mobile Workshop
MW20 SW Capitol Highway: Legacy Arterial to Multimodal Corridor
$45
Like many American cities, Portland annexed areas in the 20th century that included rural or suburban arterials with very little infrastructure. Hear how Portland completely transformed one such roadway, SW Capitol Highway, a legacy rural residential highway with 8,000 vehicles per day and served by TriMet’s #44 bus line. Walk segments of the corridor to see specific elements of the project: sidewalks, protected bike lanes, consolidated transit stops and stormwater facilities. Learn about the opportunities and challenges involved in upgrading previously rural or suburban arterial streets into true multimodal corridors.
Photo: Before and After on SW Capitol Highway
Bicycling, Walking, Funding, Design, Bus Stops, Bus, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Corridor Planning, Street Design, Sustainability.
Mobile Workshop
MW21 Ride the FX on a TSP Cloud: Tech for Faster BRT
$45
TriMet’s Frequent Express (FX) bus rapid transit (BRT) offers high-capacity service for faster and more reliable bus trips on the system’s busiest routes. Jump on a special FX articulated bus outfitted with screens for a demonstration of how FX uses next-generation transit signal priority (TSP) to prioritize buses for faster trips between Downtown Portland and Gresham, a suburb east of the city. Learn how cloud-based TSP improves speed and reliability. Also learn about FX stations, including design concepts that integrate protected pedestrian and bicycle features with transit priority projects.
Station Design, Design, Technology, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Corridor Planning, Street Design.
Mobile Workshop
MW22 A New Interstate Bridge: Design and Redevelopment for OR and WA
$45
The Interstate (I-5) Bridge connects Oregon and Washington across the Columbia River. Replacing the aging bridge with a modern, seismically resilient, multimodal structure is an opportunity to improve mobility for people, goods and services. Learn about the plans for a new bridge, including the unique geographical challenges presented by the Columbia River, as well as proposed pedestrian and biking facilities. Examine development opportunities at the terminus of TriMet’s Yellow Line extension into Vancouver, Wash., where the Expo Future project proposes to redevelop 53 acres into a sports focused complex. Walk along Vancouver’s waterfront where new development reconnects 35 acres along the Columbia River to the city’s historic core, welcoming new jobs, restaurants, shops, housing, a hotel and a park.
Note: Not ADA accessible due to stairs
Bicycling, Walking, Light Rail, Project Management, Economic Development, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Sustainability, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Mobile Workshop
MW23 Portland Streetcar Extension and TOD District
$45
Since it began service in 2001, Portland Streetcar has been a catalyst for housing and jobs, starting with the Pearl District, Oregon’s densest residential neighborhood, and extending to South Waterfront, where it connects major institutions and neighborhoods. Building on this legacy, the city has developed a plan for a new transit-oriented district on recently rezoned underutilized industrial land in Northwest Portland. Walk the alignment and explore the opportunities around the planned extension of streetcar service to Montgomery Park. Hear about efforts to leverage project funding to address a maintenance backlog. Learn the details of a unique public-private benefits agreement that captures the economic benefits of land use changes and transit investment, directing them toward benefits for the broader public, including housing for an array of income groups, middle-wage job targets, a new public park and more. Also explore nearby Slabtown, where a dense mixed-use area has developed near transit on a previously industrial site. Slabtown offers a similar example of what is possible for Montgomery Park. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how Portland is approaching preservation of industrial jobs with creation of new jobs and housing, all around transit.
Note: There are gaps in ADA accessibility along the new streetcar alignment
Photo credit: Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland
Housing, Streetcar, Mixed-Use Development, Economic Development, Community Benefit Agreements, Zoning, Land Use, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Tuesday afternoon concurrent sessions
Session
Mobility Hubs: Your Community’s Nexus
Galleria North (Grand Ballroom Level - Escalator)
If you’ve seen one mobility hub . . . you’ve only seen one! These spaces aren’t stamped out of a mold. The components are crafted to create active, functional places that fit the people and places they serve. Whether rural, suburban or urban, mobility hubs can serve as powerful nexuses that link transit to transit-oriented development and community spaces. Catch up on the latest strategies for identifying mobility hub sites, securing funding and designing features to integrate with existing stations and neighborhoods.
Stacy Cook, AICP, National Practice Lead – Planning & Management, Cambridge Systematics, Madison, WI
Priscilla Feduah-Agyemang, PMP, Senior Regional Planner, Southern California Association of Governments, Los Angeles, CA
Heather Dalmolin, General Manager, Mountainline Transit Authority, Flagstaff, AZ
Micromobility, Design, Community Development, Transit, Mobility Hub, Placemaking, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Session
Advancing TOD at the Local Level: Partnerships and Financial Innovation
Pavilion East (Plaza Level)
State and local governments are increasingly tasked with advancing transit-oriented initiatives despite limited authority and resources as well as constantly changing market conditions. Increasingly, the viability of TOD projects depends on finding new partnerships and funding tools. Learn how collaborative models in different states are catalyzing development, bridging gaps between project approval and construction, and capturing value from growth. Get the details about the ways these partnerships are helping transit agencies and state and local partners achieve the twin goals of stronger regions and stronger transit.
Sean Massey, Senior Director, Transit Oriented Development, NJ TRANSIT, Newark, NJ
Jen Mecca, Deputy Chief of Transit-Oriented Development, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA
Katie Parks, Director of Community Development, Maryland Economic Development Corporation Baltimore, MD
David Zaidain, Chief, Transit Oriented Development, Maryland Department of Transportation, Hanover, MD
Moderator: Dennis Wood, Managing Director, Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group, New York, NY
Funding, Transit, Policy, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Session
What the BRT Are We Talking About?! Local Definitions of Bus Rapid Transit
Broadway III&IV (Plaza Level)
BRT! It’s a magical acronym but what does it mean?! The definition is the thing – and there’s power in setting it locally. Let’s explore how three agencies — and the communities they serve — are cutting through the confusion by establishing their own local definitions of bus rapid transit. These homegrown standards have a lot of upsides. They align stakeholders around a shared vision. They are grounded in local context and help establish clear expectations for BRT infrastructure, service and performance quality – thereby guiding decision-making in the face of difficult trade-offs and helping maintain control of project scope and costs. They formulate goals for rider experience that can shape investments toward real improvements and align community goals with long-term mobility strategies. If you’ve ever found yourself in a meeting wondering, “Wait . . . is this BRT?” – this session is for you. Developing local standards can bring both clarity and catharsis!
David Aulwes, RLA, Capital Planning Manager, TriMet, Portland, OR
Kyle Burrows, Planning Manager, Arterial Bus Rapid Transit, Metro Transit, Minneapolis, MN
Moderator: Tom Brennan, Director of Business Strategy, Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Portland, OR
Project Management, Design, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Corridor Planning.
Session
TOD Eh? – The Canadian Transit Build-Up
Skyline II (23rd Floor, Skyline Level)
When people think “TOD in Canada,” it’s easy to picture Vancouver’s glittering skyline crowned with glassy towers. But is this really the picture all across Canada? What does transit-oriented development look like in the large prairie cities and in Toronto or Montreal? How are major metropolitan areas integrating transit-oriented communities into their new and existing subway and LRT lines? And can BRT attract TOD? It’s not just one story! Learn how TOD is planned and delivered across Canada. Find out how projects are financed and the evolving roles of transit agencies, municipalities, developers and consultants. Wear your flannel jacket if you’ve got one.
Jennifer Podmore Russell, Executive Vice President, Real Estate Development, Nch’ḵay̓, West Vancouver, BC
Rebecca Ramsey, RPP, AICP, Vice President, Development – Real Estate and Development, Metrolinx, Toronto, ON
Tyson Orlie, Vice President, Development, Infrastructure Ontario, Toronto, ON
Liana Besler, Principal, SvN Architects + Planners, Toronto, ON
Georg Josi, Ph.D., P.Eng, Partner, DIALOG, Edmonton, AB
Jeff Doble, AIBC, OAA, LEED AP, Director, Transportation Design; Principal, Perkins & Will, Vancouver, BC
Project Management, Architecture, Funding, Design, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Session
Are Highway Caps Good for Communities?
Grand Ballroom (Grand Ballroom Level Escalator)
Highway capping has emerged over the past decade as a leading strategy for remedying some of the worst effects of auto-oriented infrastructure – the demolition and division of neighborhoods. Covering the roadway with parks and suitable development, these projects seek to close the physical gaps created by highways and address the lasting implications for nearby communities. But how does the vision measure up? How do design choices affect air quality, noise and heat concerns? Are these spaces safe and welcoming for all, including vulnerable populations? How successful are they at rebuilding community ties? Given sometimes extreme costs, are they the best approach to community revitalization? Join us as we tackle these questions and many more.
Megan Skornia, AICP, Associate Principal, Nelson\Nygaard, Portland, OR
Keith Baker, Executive Director, ReConnect Rondo, St. Paul, MN
Fiona Ko, MPH, MCRP, WELL AP, Transportation Planner, Nelson\Nygaard, Portland, OR
Becky Simon, PE, PMP, Senior Manager, City and County of Denver, Denver, CO
Moderator: Ian Coss, Podcast Producer and Designer, Boston, MA
Design, Health, Land Use, Highway Capping, Safety, Public Space, Community Development, Street Design, Sustainability.
Session
Seamless by Design: Regional Coordination that Works for Riders
Galleria South (Grand Ballroom Level - Escalator)
Riders don’t care how many agencies it took to get them somewhere. They just want the trip to be seamless. That’s why transit agencies nationwide are rethinking regional collaboration to deliver customer-focused networks. Take a seat as we highlight three models. In the Bay Area, 27 operators are working together on fare integration, unified wayfinding, transit priority and accessibility improvements that put riders first. Raleigh-Durham’s agencies, working together under the “GO” brand, use coordination to strengthen service and maximize new capital investments. And in TX, the voter-created Austin Transit Partnership is building a light rail system, collaborating with local partners to integrate new service with existing modes. Come learn about the management structures and design choices that break down silos and put the rider first.
Paul Black, Manager of Project Planning, GoTriangle, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Melanie Choy, Regional Network Management Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, San Francisco, CA
Jennifer Pyne Executive Vice President of Planning, Community & Federal Programs, Austin Transit Partnership, Austin, TX
Session
Building Community Stamina: The Ultimate Marathon
Pavilion West (Plaza Level)
There’s no doubt: transportation and development projects take a long time. Across this long arc, how do planners, designers, engineers, project managers and elected leaders ensure they are building systems rooted in trust from all members of the community? Let’s explore how to sustain community stamina by looking closely at three phases: at outset of visionary planning, in the trenches of implementation after years of preparation, and during pivotal shifts following long durations of project development. Following quick presentations, step into an interactive project showcase and see the real behind-the-scenes drama — community pushback, leadership shake-ups, stalled timelines and shifting political winds — and how to keep moving forward. Find out how different locations approach issues of belonging and cultural identity and how they translate technical work into community-responsive action. We’ll consider together how to keep communities engaged all along the route to finished projects.
Lizzie Moll, South Downtown Hub Planning Manager, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle, WA
Sloan Dawson, Land Use Planning Manager, Sound Transit, Seattle, WA
Kathleen Podrasky, Supervisor – Community Outreach and Public Engagement, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Jose, CA
Emily Perchlik, AIA, LEED AP ND, Senior Urban Designer, HNTB Corporation, Seattle, WA
Lucien Ong, Station Area Planner, City of Seattle Office of Planning Community Development, Seattle, WA
Communications, Project Management, Funding, Transit-Oriented Communities, Community Engagement, Policy.
Session
TOD for All: A Systemic Approach to Transportation and Housing Policy
Broadway I&II (Plaza Level)
Transit-oriented development has the potential to connect communities, expand access to opportunity and foster thriving, mixed-income neighborhoods. But too often, past and present policies have created barriers to opportunity and led to disinvestment and displacement. Practitioners in transit-oriented planning and development will examine the legacy of exclusionary planning decisions and share forward-thinking policies and practices that promote truly inclusive, connected communities. Drawing from national frameworks and local case studies, this conversation will equip participants with actionable strategies. Interactive components will offer tools for community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable, community-centered development. Leave with practical insights and best practices about how to create communities that work better for all.
Alberta Read Bleck, Transit-oriented Development Strategist, City of Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development, Seattle, WA
Ruedigar Matthes, Policy Manager, Salt Lake City Department of Community and Neighborhoods, Salt Lake City, UT
Lucy Hall, Planner Senior, Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Systemwide Team, City of Austin, Austin, TX
Co-Moderator: Andrea Pastor, Senior Development Project Manager, Oregon Metro Housing and TOD Program, Portland, Oregon
Co-Moderator: Ryan Curren, Housing, Land, and Development Director, Race Forward/GARE, Portland, OR
Transit-Oriented Communities, Community Development, Community Engagement, Policy, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Mobile Workshop
MW24 Rose Lanes: Speeding up the Buses and Streetcars
$45
Portland’s Rose Lane Project gives buses and streetcars priority on the road, helping more Portlanders get where they need to go more quickly and reliably. Rose Lane projects include multiple facets: planning, public engagement, multi-modal design, construction, monitoring and evaluation, as well as modifications. Ride transit along and walk to Rose Lane project areas in Portland’s Central City. Hear from the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation, TriMet and Metro about innovative tools to identify transit delay and both quick-build and permanent improvements to speed up the buses. Hear about the most crucial aspects of Rose Lane projects as well as how this work is continuing through the Better Bus program and Transit Priority Spot Improvement program partnerships.
Photo: City of Portland
Streetcar, Bus, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Corridor Planning, Street Design, Transit Riders.
Mobile Workshop
MW25 New Housing in North Portland: Policy and Investment on MAX Yellow Line
$45
The MAX Yellow Line light rail, which opened in 2004, runs from downtown through northeast Portland, including some areas that have experienced disinvestment, rising housing costs and displacement. Learn how city and regional government are responding with investments, innovative policies and zoning changes. Get a close-up look at middle housing, transit-oriented development and medium-density projects near MAX stations—all influenced by the Residential Infill Project (RIP), Better Housing by Design (BHD) and recent updates to the City’s commercial and mixed use zones. Hear about newly built housing funded by the City of Portland and Oregon Metro affordable housing bonds. Learn about programs designed to help displaced residents return to their communities. See first hand how planning, housing and development efforts are coming together on the ground and serving all parts of the community.
Photo credit: City of Portland
Housing, Economic Development, Zoning, Funding, Land Use, 2025 Conference - Portland OR, Policy, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Tuesday late afternoon concurrent sessions
Session
Let Knowledge Shape the City: Youth-led, Collaborative, Silo-busting Change
Grand Ballroom (Grand Ballroom Level Escalator)
The kids are more than alright. They’re leading the way. Join us for an energetic trio of stories that celebrate the power of young people to reimagine and reshape public spaces. Begin with a story of youth who are building skills, sparking intergenerational conversations and turning ordinary streets into places that buzz with life. Then, hear how kids were involved in a scrappy experiment that not only added bus lanes to city streets but also reshaped the organizations that were involved, re-tuning their sense of social and industry progress. Lastly, delve into a personal and professional journey through a decade of breaking down silos, reimagining collaboration and making cities better for the people who call them home. Join the discussion as you learn about the tools involved, from curriculum-led action to visual storytelling and more.
Ryan Hashagen, Managing Director, Better Block PDX, Portland, OR
Lisha Shrestha, Executive Director, Division Midway Alliance, Portland, OR
Gwen Eckelman, Senior Transit Corridor Designer – Major Projects, TriMet, Portland, OR
Moderator: Hunter Gibson, Founder, Transit Hunter LLC, Los Angeles, CA
Communications, Health, Safety, Public Space, Transit-Oriented Communities, Coalition Building, Community Development, Community Engagement, Building Leadership, Capacity Building, Transit, Street Design, Sustainability.
Session
Emergency Response & Resiliency Planning: Transportation During Extreme Events
Broadway I&II (Plaza Level)
Resiliency planning has never been more urgent, as natural disasters and disruptive events increasingly shake up our everyday lives and how communities function. And since crossing fingers has never stopped a wildfire or hurricane, let’s explore how emergency response management actively informs long-term transportation resiliency planning. We’ll highlight the critical role transit systems and highway infrastructure play in keeping people safe and connected during unforeseen crises. Real-world examples from Los Angeles and Houston will showcase responses to recent events, while lessons from the Ports-to-Plains trade corridor will underscore ongoing efforts to sustain vital highway infrastructure in the wake of disaster. Together, these stories illustrate the power of preparedness, adaptation and collaboration in the face of uncertainty.
Breanna Horne, CHMM, ENV SP, WEDG, WELL AP, Fitwel, Principal/Director of Resilience, STV, New York, NY
Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, LA Metro, Los Angeles, CA
Lauren Garduno, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ports-to-Plains Alliance, Abilene, TX
Kurt Luhrsen, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Houston METRO, Houston, TX
Session
Belonging in Motion: Community Engagement as Cities Grow and Evolve
Galleria South (Grand Ballroom Level - Escalator)
Lean in as we explore how development and rezoning efforts can partner with communities — especially those most at risk of displacement — to shape futures rooted in local identity and shared vision. What are some of the strategies for centering communities in the processes of urban change? Ground up engagement models that are adaptable to different cultural contexts. Changes to policy and planning structures. Placekeeping as a framework for resilience. Tools to support existing residents and help keep them from having to move due to project development. Learn how these have been applied in transit-adjacent neighborhoods across the country. Leave with a stronger sense of what it takes to move from consultation to co-creation – to build transit along with trust and belonging.
Cathy Morrison FAIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, Chief Executive Officer, Neighboring Concepts, Charlotte, NC
Luke Volkmar, Partner, Neighboring Concepts, Charlotte, NC
Miranda Redinger, AICP, High Capacity Transit Development Manager, Sound Transit, Seattle, WA
Erin Ishizaki, Partner, Mithun, Seattle, WA
Communications, Zoning, Transit-Oriented Communities, Community Development, Community Engagement, Planning, Transit, Placemaking, Policy, Sustainability.
Session
Free Parking to Free Money: The Policy Revolution Transforming Cities
Pavilion West (Plaza Level)
Parking reform is gaining momentum. Cities are eliminating minimum requirements and states are advancing policy to reimagine how space is used. Once seen as a technical detail, parking policy is now a lynchpin for safer, more vibrant communities. Park yourself in a seat as we showcase how reform can close funding gaps, generate revenue and reshape mobility. We’ll explore how local control over parking policies and pricing can create certainty in transportation planning, how “Parking 1.0” has long shaped access and circulation and how “Parking 2.0” can align with a city’s broader vision for land use and mobility that serves all parts of the community. You’ll leave your spot knowing how parking reform is shifting from a regulatory hurdle to a powerful tool for change.
Jane Wilberding, AICP, Senior Mobility Manager, HNTB / Co-founder & Board Member, Parking Reform Network, Chicago, IL
Ann Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, Ann Cheng Consulting, LLC, El Cerrito, CA
John Gahbauer, Founder, Helium Motion, LLC / Chair, City of Walla Walla Transportation Benefit District Advisory Committee, Walla Walla, WA
Curtis Rogers, Associate Project Manager -Parking Enterprise Division, City of Austin, Austin, TX
Parking, Coalition Building, Policy, Street Design, Sustainability.
Session
Microtransit: Holy Crap!! It Can Work!!
Pavilion East (Plaza Level)
Communities nationwide are embracing microtransit as a flexible feeder service that strengthens larger transit networks and expands access to opportunity. In areas without the density to support permanent fixed routes, these on-demand systems are helping close critical mobility gaps, linking riders to jobs, schools, healthcare and regional transit hubs. Let’s take a no-BS look at the promise and the challenges of microtransit, examining how agencies have approached planning and implementation, the strategies behind day-to-day operations and the evolving methods used to evaluate success. Most importantly, we’ll dig into the big question on everyone’s mind: Is this just another investment destined to fizzle or are we finally at the point where we can say, “Holy crap, it actually works!”?
Hal Johnson, Director of Innovative Mobility, Utah Transit Authority , Salt Lake City, UT
Hans-michael Ruthe, Director of Service Planning, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Dallas, TX
Moderator: Ryan Wheaton, Chief Planning Officer, Pierce Transit, Tacoma, WA
Communications, Technology, First-Last Mile, Microtransit, Transit, Transit Riders.
Session
Complete Communities: Building Support and Delivering Thriving Commercial Spaces
Broadway III&IV (Plaza Level)
Great transit doesn’t guarantee great places. Even the best station-area plans can stall. Outdated zoning, wary neighbors, empty storefronts, missing community space—we’ve all seen it happen. Come and hear from national experts in transit, design and retail who are working hard to break that cycle. You’ll learn how to reframe the story around transit-oriented communities to win hearts and headlines, understand the conditions and design features that let ground-floor retail flourish and how to build partnerships that weave childcare and community services into new development. Walk away with an actionable checklist and fresh case studies — including a standout San Francisco project — to turn your transit and TOD investments into vibrant, durable community hubs.
Austin Gibble, Project Manager, Transportation Planning, Stantec, Indianapolis, IN
David Dixon, FAIA, Vice President, Urban Places Fellow, Stantec, Boston, MA
Anne Torney, Partner, Mithun, San Francisco, CA
Chris Zahas, Managing Principal, Leland Consulting, Portland, OR
Businesses, Mixed-Use Development, Economic Development, Transit-Oriented Communities, Community Development, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Session
Work that BOD! Successful Bus-Oriented Development
Skyline II (23rd Floor, Skyline Level)
TOD doesn’t stand for “Train-Oriented Development,” yet development along bus lines — whether BRT or local — is too often overlooked. Let’s put BOD – bus-oriented development – in the spotlight with examples from across the country. See how Boston, long known for walkable, transit-oriented development along rail lines, is working to extend that pattern of success to key bus routes. In Austin, TX, local leaders are phasing in multimodal developments near transit centers, delivering affordable housing and essential services, while Columbus, OH, is advancing development along BRT routes. Together, these examples show how agencies and cities can build vibrant communities around buses. Hear from BOD leaders nationwide on designing for density, resilience and vitality at those not-so-humble bus stops.
Anna Lan, Transit-Oriented Development Manager, CapMetro, Austin, TX
Joe Blankenship, Director of Transit-Oriented Development Planning , MBTA, Boston, MA
Moderator: Kiernan Maletsky, Project Manager – Planning, RTD, Denver, CO
Bus, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Networking
See and Be Seen Ride: Bike to Revolution Hall
Meet at Salmon Springs Fountain, 1000 SW Naito Pkwy - on the riverfront, a short walk from the Hilton
Join a fun evening ride to the Mpact PK Slam, lead by the PBOT Education and Encouragement Team. We’ll roll through streets and paths designed for riders who may be “interested but concerned,” showing how comfortable and safe biking can feel. The pace is easy (8–10 mph), no one is left behind, and families are welcome. Meet at Salmon Springs Fountain at 5:30 pm to show off your style, with roll-out at 6:00 pm for an 8-mile ride through Portland’s eastside. We’ll end at Revolution Hall at 7:30. The PK Slam program starts at 8:00 pm.
Free and open to all. BIKETOWN and Adaptive BIKETOWN bikes available for rent. Bring your helmet if possible.
Networking
Mpact Innovators Presents: Mpact PK Slam
Networking
Mpact Innovators Presents – The Mpact PK Slam
Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark Street, Portland 97214
Get ready for one of the most high-energy events of the conference—the Mpact PK Slam, presented by the Mpact Innovators. Fast, funny and full of surprises, this showcase features stand-up style presentations delivered in the rapid-fire rhythm of PechaKucha™. This year, we’re taking over the main stage at Revolution Hall, the iconic former high school turned music venue that’s hosted legends and now welcomes the next generation of big ideas. Bonus: Mpact is celebrating its 30th anniversary, so we’re throwing it back to 1995. Come dressed in your best retro look and join the party!
Rachel DeCordoba, Youth Mobility Program Manager, King County Metro, Seattle, WA
Emily D’Antonio, Transportation Planning Assistant, DKS Associates, Portland, OR
Cameron Bennett, Engineering Associate, Kittelson & Associates, Portland, OR
Josh Stock, BSc CET ENV SP, Structural Technologist, DIALOG, Edmonton, AB
Rohit Tak, Associate – Urban Designer , WRT Design , San Francisco, CA
Olivia Krishnaswami, Director, Aloe by Olivia, Portland, OR
Sarah Goforth , Transportation Demand Management Specialist II, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation , Portland, OR
Luigi Barraza Cardenas, Associate – Urban Planner, Arcadis, Mexico City, CDMX