Portland State University (PSU) would like to share information about its upcoming Community Transportation Academy (CTA), a free educational opportunity open to community members. The CTA introduces the fundamentals of transportation planning and provides practical guidance on how community members can engage meaningfully in transportation decision-making.
The Community Transportation Academy continues the legacy of the long-running Portland Traffic and Transportation Class, which has been a valuable resource for neighborhood association members across Portland for many years.
The 2026 Community Transportation Academy will run from March 31 through June 2, 2026, and applications are currently open through February 16. Community organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with their members.
Additional details are included below.
Sincerely,
Nathan
Nathan McNeil (he/him)
Research Associate | Portland State University
503.725.8581
nmcneil@pdx.edu
Community Transportation Academy
Extending the tradition of the Portland Traffic and Transportation Class, the Community Transportation Academy at Portland State University teaches community members across the greater Portland region and Oregon how the transportation system works—and how to get involved to make a difference.
The course is free to Oregon residents, and applications are open through February 16.
Participants in the Community Transportation Academy will:
- Understand the basics of transportation planning
- Learn how transportation decisions are made and how they shape communities
- Meet transportation practitioners working across Oregon
- Learn which agencies at the city, county, regional, state, and federal levels influence transportation and how they interact
- Gain tools for effective public participation and learn when and how to engage in transportation-related discussions
Class Schedule:
Tuesdays, 6:00–7:40 PM
March 31, 2026 – June 2, 2026
Participants may attend in person at the Portland State University campus or online. The program is offered at no cost, and stipends are available for eligible participants to help offset expenses such as childcare or transportation. Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 16 for priority consideration.
For more information and to apply, visit:
https://trec.pdx.edu/community-transportation-academy
The Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University partners with Metro, TriMet, and the Oregon Department of Transportation to deliver this 10-week program.