News

Mike Lindberg, former Portland city commissioner, has been selected to receive the 2006 Nohad A. Toulan Urban Pioneer Award for Public Service from the College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University.

“Mike Lindberg is a rare Portland treasure whose life has been driven by a passion for public service,” said Lawrence Wallack, dean of the College. “The difference he has made is a legacy that we benefit from every day we live in this beautiful region.”

Lindberg will join Williams and Dame, recipients of this year’s Urban Pioneer Award for Civic Leadership, at the fifth-annual dinner and banquet May 2, 2005, at the Portland Hilton Hotel. The Urban Pioneer Award recognizing an outstanding community organization will be announced at a later date.

A commissioner of the Portland City Council for 17 years, Mike Lindberg helped pass the first parks levy in 40 years. He also negotiated complex agreements to clean up the Willamette River, won the Governor’s Award for championing the arts in Oregon, and led the effort along with Charles Jordan to build Pioneer Square. Lindberg currently is senior counsel for Fleishman-Hillard International Communications in Portland and volunteers for numerous nonprofit organizations. Mike serves as president of the Board of Oregon Repertory Singers, chair of Portland Aerial Transportation Inc., chair of River Renaissance, and as a board member for Oregon Food Bank’s Waterfront Blues Festival. He also was chair of the College of Urban and Public Affairs Advisory Council for many years and on the committee that helped raise funds for the PSU Urban Center.

“My goal at this stage of my life is to use my experience to be of service to the community,” said Lindberg. “I feel blessed and honored to receive this particular award. The faculty and students at PSU’s College of Urban and Public Affairs have played a critical role in shaping our city. What really makes me feel great is that this banquet raises money for scholarships!”

The Urban Pioneer Award was created to honor community leaders who exhibit many of the ideals taught to students, and valued by College of Urban and Public Affairs’ faculty and community partners. The College trains and educates the next generation of leaders who will address government, health and urban issues.

In 2005, Urban Pioneer Awards were given to Mayor Vera Katz (Nohad A. Toulan Urban Pioneer for Public Service), Kay Toran (Urban Pioneer for Civic Leadership) and Central City Concern (Urban Pioneer Community Organization). For more event information, please contact Rod Johnson at 503-725-4044 or rod@pdx.edu.

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Source:
Trish Hamilton (503-725-5209)
College of Urban and Public Affairs

For Immediate Release (#05-169)