Background 

Portland has become a magnet for community leaders throughout the world wanting to learn more about the “Portland story.” Delegations come to Portland seeking tools for central city vitality, sustainable development, multimodal transportation solutions, resource land protection, regional governance, and effective community involvement.  

First Stop Portland was developed in 2008 to answer the numerous requests for information, on-site tours, and colleague-to-colleague discussions about innovative strategies and best practices. Within the College of Urban and Public Affairs and the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies at PSU, First Stop Portland is well-positioned to lead this program.

We are knowledgeable about the region’s history and the factors that have affected its growth and development. Our faculty and students are connected to key business and citizen leaders who are at the forefront of sustainability and livability practices. As a university, we provide a neutral, non-partisan forum for discussion of Portland’s past, present, and future.

Our Partners

We are funded in partnership with Portland State University, local government agencies and the private sector.  Our investors are:   

Gerding Edlen Development Company
Williams & Dame
Howard S. Wright Constructors
Carroll Investments, LLC
Group Mackenzie
OTAK, Inc.
Schwabe Williamson Wyatt
Lease Crutcher Lewis Construction
GBD Architects
Walker Macy
Thomas Hacker Architects
KPFF Consulting Engineers

City of Portland
Portland State University
Metro
TriMet

Advisory Council 

The First Stop Portland Advisory Council is composed of experts who are leaders in sustainability. Current members are:
Dike Dame, Principal, Williams & Dame
Dennis Wilde, Principal, Gerding Edlen
Frank Pierson, Regional Manager, Howard S. Wright Constructors
Phillip Beyl, Principal, GBD Architects
Mark Clemens, Associate Principal, Group Mackenzie
Don Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Schwabe Williamson Wyatt
Matt Pearson, Operations Manager, Lease Crutcher Lewis
Carol Zekez, Principal, Walker Macy
Blake Patsy, Principal, KPFF Consulting Engineers
Jeff Cogan, Multnomah County Commissioner

Staff

First Stop Portland Program Manager Nancy Hales works with visiting delegations, to design the tour experience around key program elements. Her office coordinates with faculty, presenters, government officials, and business to assure the visit is well-designed, comprehensive, and meets the desired outcomes.

She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Vermont and a Masters in Public Administration from Lewis & Clark College. She has an extensive background in communications and non-profit management.

Ambassador Program

Graduate students and faculty at PSU participate in First Stop Portland through the Ambassador Program.  Students assist in materials development, preparation and tour logistics support.  Faculty deliver guest lectures and participate in debriefing and knowledge-sharing.