Fall 2025 Newsletter

Message from the Director

Dear Friends at the Center for Public Service (CPS),

As the calendar year nears its end, we reflect on our collective efforts to strengthen governance, civic capacity, and public administration. This period has been filled with critical activity, as we navigate the significant challenges currently facing public institutions and the dedicated public servants who work within them. Enhancing the legitimacy of, and citizen trust in, these institutions is central to our mission, and we continue to pursue this endeavor with urgency.

This quarter's work, which you'll find highlighted throughout the rest of this newsletter, underscores our unique "pracademic" approach—blending academic research with essential applied experience. I am thankful to all of these individuals who continue to show up with determination, creativity, and hope to make meaningful contributions to our community.

We are incredibly proud of the students who are the heart of CPS. Our current student staff, Graduate Assistants, and Public Service Fellows continue to provide crucial capacity and expertise in areas like research and policy analysis to our partner organizations. We are also inspired by our research faculty leading applied research projects that continue to provide critical insights to advance their fields and practical tools to benefit our partner organizations.

I am deeply grateful for your consistent support and partnership in achieving our mission. We hope that reading about these endeavors inspires you to continue engaging with us as we work to strengthen public service in our region and beyond.

With gratitude,

Sara Saltzberg | Director, Center for Public Service

How CPS is Furthering The Clean Industry Initiative 

CPS is working with the City of Portland, community, and private-sector partners on the Clean Industry Initiative. The collaboration is focused on building a resilient industrial economy built with investments that reduce carbon emissions, increase circularity,  support and grow businesses, and deliver lasting community and workforce benefits.

In 2025, this collaboration was awarded a $20 million Portland Clean Energy grant. As part of this grant, CPS will continue to support the collaborative work and develop an evaluation and measurement program to describe the impacts. The CPS/PSU team includes Beth Gilden, Dr. Sahan Dissanyake, Dr. Randall Bluffstone, and Graduate Research Assistant Ginger Jensen.

Student support is essential to CPS's mission and the work of the Clean Industry Initiative. The center has assisted PSU students in this endeavor by offering Graduate Research Assistantships and collaborating with Urban Planning Master's students to create a plan for a Green Resilient Industrial District in Portland's Columbia Corridor. In the upcoming year, a capstone project will be launched, bringing together Business and Engineering students with local manufacturers to help reduce industrial air pollution.

CPS’s work with the Clean Industry Initiative exemplifies the Center’s ability to activate PSU’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve." Prior to the Portland Clean Energy Fund grant, Portland State was central to activating and supporting disparate cross-sector partners in defining a vision and aligning their work. In 2024, PSU won a Department of Energy Prize for the Clean Industry Collaborators, which activated their work together and supported students and staff in engaging more deeply with this critical and innovative initiative for our region. 

Sustainability and Climate Commission Youth Program

As part of Portland’s new form of government, a Sustainability and Climate Commission was created, with four seats reserved for youth voices. CPS Sustainability and Resilience Manager Beth Gilden worked with the commission coordinator to develop a program to ensure that youth commissioners have the resources to participate fully and have their voices heard, not tokenized. CPS leads a seminar-style course on Sustainability and Climate Governance taught by Dr. Peter Chaillé, as well as a mentorship program led by former state Senator Jackie Dingfelder (PhD) that pairs advanced PSU students with youth commissioners throughout their service.

Welcome, Peter Chaillé! Research Assistant Professor and Community Environmental Services Director

CPS is thrilled to welcome Peter Chaillé as Research Assistant Professor and CES Director. As a member of the research faculty at CPS, Peter leads projects that explore leadership development, climate governance, public policy, workforce development, sustainable industries, and innovation in higher education. He also works with organizations across the Pacific Northwest, helping build leadership and change-management capacity.

2026 Public Service Fellowships

The primary goal of the Public Service Fellowship program is to connect exceptional recent and current graduate students with a passion for public service directly with agencies that advance this work. In 2025, the Public Service Fellowships program placed 2 Oregon Summer Fellows and 9 Hatfield Resident Fellows. Fellows consult on projects with agencies across Oregon, including the League of Oregon Cities, the City of Portland, Oregon Health Authority, Washington County, and the Rural Development Initiative.

CPS is currently seeking sponsors for the 2026 program year! Fellows are equipped to assist agencies in many ways, including research, project management, and community outreach, among many others. If you are interested in learning more about how a Public Service Fellow can support your agency, please reach out to the Public Service Fellowship program at psfellows@pdx.edu. 

Certificate in Tribal Relations

This certificate is designed for agencies at all levels of government, as well as non-profit and trade associations that work regularly with tribal nations and native communities. Its primary aims are to foster understanding of tribal perspectives, increase effectiveness and accountability when working in tribal communities, and improve working relationships between participants and the communities with whom they work. The certificate launched on December 5th, but there are a few remaining seats.

Please email tribalg1@pdx.edu for registration details.