Planning & Sustainability

Building capacity for a sustainable and resilient PSU

The Planning & Sustainability Office (PSO) serves as a strategic hub, connecting long-range vision with the daily operations that keep our campus thriving. We act as a connector and collaborator, uniting university policy, practice, and community engagement to ensure PSU remains a vibrant experience the Portland community.

picture of a wand with a green start and the words "spark awards"

SPARK Awards: Call for Applications DUE June 21

Whether it’s a temporary installation, a performance series, a sculptural bench, or a new mural; if it sparks joy and fosters a sense of pride in our urban environment, we want to HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN. Multiple $2,500 awards are available to help ignite PSU Placemaking projects.

Get SPARK Award Details

Picture of brick plaza with students, a fountain, a clock tower, tree, and Portland Streetcar

Placemakers Exchange

Each year, the Planning & Sustainability Office hosts the Placemakers Exchange. This annual symposium brings together students, faculty, and community placemakers to engage each other on the tactical strategies to enliven our city and campus

Placemakers Exchange

Supporting the PSU Ecosystem

Planning

We translate university vision into physical space through strategic placemaking and GIS mapping. By setting the standards for how we move, study, and gather, we shape an urban campus that functions efficiently and supports our collective academic success.

Planning & Sustainability

The Planning & Sustainability office connects long-range vision with daily operations. We lead campus planning, placemaking, and standards, while coordinating sustainability efforts.

Learn & Connect

Campus Programs & Initiatives

Student Programs & Leadership

Public & Private Collaboration

Get the latest from the Planning & Sustainability Office

Dog park sign being unveiled by two women standing on each side of the sign.

May 21st 2026

Downtown Portland's first off-leash dog park opens at PSU

Portland State opened downtown Portland’s first dog park May 20, filling...

October 29th 2025

Riding the Next Career Wave: Water@PSU

Water isn’t just essential for life, it’s part of the daily routines and experiences of living. Whether it's helping us make our morning cup of coffee, nurture our garden or warm up in a hot shower, water plays the supporting role in nearly everything we do....

July 1st 2025

Study: What we learned from record-breaking 2021 heat wave and what we can expect in the future

The deadly, record-breaking heat wave that hit the Pacific Northwest in June...

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