I’m reaching out to you as a representative of a Portland neighborhood association to let you know about Portland State University (PSU)’s upcoming Community Transportation Academy (CTA), which is open to community members, free, and teaches about the basics of transportation and how to get engaged and involved. The CTA carries forward the tradition of the long-running Portland Traffic and Transportation class, which has been a valuable resource for countless neighborhood association members.
The 2026 CTA will run from March 31 through June 2, and applications are open now through February 16th. I hope you can share information about the class with your community. Further details that can be shared are included below.
Sincerely,
Nathan
Research Associate | Portland State University
503.725.8581 nmcneil@pdx.edu
Community Transportation Academy
Extending the tradition of the long-running Portland Traffic and Transportation Class, the Community Transportation Academy at Portland State University will teach community members in the greater Portland region and Oregon the fundamentals of how the transportation system works, and how to get involved to make a difference.
The class is free to Oregon residents, and the application period is now open though February 16th. More details are below!
Students of the Community Transportation Academy will:
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Understand the basics of transportation planning
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Learn how transportation decisions happen and how they shape communities
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Meet transportation practitioners helping to make transportation work for Oregon
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Know which agencies at city, county, region, state, and federal levels have a say in transportation and how they interact with one another
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Master the tools for public participation, learn how and when to engage in transportation-related discussions
Classes will be on Tuesdays, 6 to 7:40 pm, starting March 31st 2026 through June 2, 2026. Participants will be able to attend in person at the Portland State University campus, or join on-line. It is being offered free of charge to community members; stipends are offered for eligible participants that can defray costs such as child care or transportation to attend the class. Apply by February 16th for priority.
For more information and to apply for the class, visit: https://trec.pdx.edu/
The Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University is partnering with Metro, TriMet and the Oregon Department of Transportation to deliver this 10-week class.