PSU to Hire Congressman Earl Blumenauer to Bolster Portland’s Future

Photo by NashCo

Portland State University President Ann Cudd announced that retiring Congressman Earl Blumenauer will find a new home along the Park Blocks as PSU's newest advisor and downtown Portland's resident champion.

Congressman Blumenauer will take on twin titles as he joins PSU upon his retirement: Senior Fellow and Special Advisor to the President and Presidential Fellow, Institute for Portland Metropolitan Studies. In both roles, he will focus on harnessing the research and expertise of Oregon's urban research university to help address Portland's most pressing challenges.

"I love Portland and I have always been clear that I intend to come home and help the city I love," said Congressman Blumenauer. "There is no better place for me to do that than at Portland State where I can work with engaged students, committed faculty, and the university's many regional partners to focus on revitalizing Oregon's largest city and improving daily life for all residents."

Congressman Blumenauer will work closely with the Institute of Metropolitan Studies which is based in the PSU College of Urban and Public Affairs. While familiarizing himself with programs and strengths across the university, he will work with the Institute to promote dialogue and action on the Portland region's biggest challenges, including downtown revitalization, Portland's transition to a new form of government, regional tax reform, industrial land, transportation and the importance of understanding the racial justice impacts of these issues.

PSU President Ann Cudd and Congressman Earl Blumenauer in Washington, D.C.

"Bringing on Congressman Blumenauer will increase PSU's ability to positively impact downtown Portland," said PSU President Cudd. "As Portland's anchor institution, we are always looking for new ways to serve the city and boost efforts to address the issues that affect our residents and hold back our businesses. PSU and Portland walk hand in hand and a thriving city helps us better serve our students and all of Oregon."

As a special advisor to President Cudd, Congressman Blumenauer will assist the president in connecting PSU's faculty, students, research and graduates with the region's leaders and policymakers.

Congressman Blumenauer will officially begin his PSU role on January 3, 2025.