PSU Center for Public Service

PSU Center for Public Service Connecting PSU's academic expertise and public service mission with real-world challenges in the public and nonprofit sectors. Hatfield School of Government.

The Center for Public Service draws on the extensive faculty and research capabilities of the Public Administration, Political Science, and Criminology and Criminal Justice divisions of PSU's Mark O. The current Center evolved from a merger between the Executive Leadership Institute and the Institute for Nonprofit Management. CPS offers a wide range of education, specialized training, and research

programs and capabilities that serve elected officials and public and nonprofit sector leaders throughout the Oregon/SW Washington area, as well as in international venues such as Vietnam, Japan, and China. CPS also offers an Executive Master in Public Administration (EMPA) program for aspiring, mid-career professionals interested in further honing their leadership capabilities and advancing their public service careers. The INPM focuses on research, study and continuing professional education of nonprofit sector leaders. The Institute offers a comprehensive certificate program in nonprofit management and graduate-level classes in nonprofit leadership.

Join us in welcoming our new Visiting Scholar Sue. Sue works for the Seoul Metropolitan Government in South Korea. She c...
08/26/2026

Join us in welcoming our new Visiting Scholar Sue. Sue works for the Seoul Metropolitan Government in South Korea. She currently works in a department dedicated to promoting Seoul’s beauty and fashion industries. Through her work organizing beauty and fashion events and trade fairs, she became interested in developing tourism content connected to industry events.

During her time in the United States, Sue plans to study sustainable tourism policies and successful practices in major U.S. cities. Her goal is to identify specific, practical strategies that could be adapted and applied to Seoul’s tourism industry.

Although Sue traveled to the United States about 15 years ago, this is her first time living here. Alongside her research, she looks forward to experiencing the beauty, diversity, and unique attractions of different places throughout the United States.

Research Topic: A Study of Best Practices for Promoting Sustainable Urban Tourism

Join us in welcoming our new Visiting Scholar Jiyeun An (Angie). Jiyeun is a Team Leader in the Housing Policy Division ...
08/20/2026

Join us in welcoming our new Visiting Scholar Jiyeun An (Angie). Jiyeun is a Team Leader in the Housing Policy Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and a licensed attorney in South Korea. She has extensive experience developing and implementing housing welfare policies, particularly programs that support young adults and low-income households.
Through her work in public administration, she has developed a strong interest in housing affordability, tenant protection, and local government policies that promote housing stability. During her time at Portland State University, she will examine U.S. housing assistance programs, affordable housing policies, and local government initiatives, with the goal of identifying policy implications that can be adapted to improve housing welfare in Seoul.
She also plans to conduct comparative research on housing policy and urban governance in South Korea and the United States, focusing on strategies that improve housing stability and expand access to affordable housing for vulnerable populations.
Beyond her research, she looks forward to engaging with local communities, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and gaining a deeper understanding of how local governments address housing and urban development challenges.
Research Topic:
Comparative Study of Housing Welfare Policies and Local Government Strategies for Housing Stability: Lessons from the United States and South Korea

Please join us in welcoming Yurie Sugawara (she/her), a Visiting Scholar from the Supreme Court of Japan, who will be sp...
08/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming Yurie Sugawara (she/her), a Visiting Scholar from the Supreme Court of Japan, who will be spending the next year at Portland State University.
Originally from Sapporo—one of Portland's sister cities—Yurie is especially pleased to be living in Portland and is grateful for the opportunity to conduct research while becoming part of the PSU community.
Yurie's research focuses on two areas:
The implementation and use of generative AI in court operations, particularly in court clerk duties, as well as Business Process Reengineering (BPR).
The evolving roles of court personnel during the digital transformation of the judiciary.
Before coming to Portland, Yurie worked as a court clerk in Sapporo. For the past four years, she has served at the Supreme Court of Japan, where she has contributed to the judiciary's digital transformation efforts. Her work has included planning and managing initiatives related to the use of generative AI in court operations, promoting BPR for court staff, and recruiting digital talent to support modernization efforts.
During her year in Portland, Yurie looks forward to connecting with the PSU community, exchanging ideas with colleagues, and gaining new perspectives through her research. In her free time, she hopes to explore Portland and the Pacific Northwest, experience the region's natural beauty and vibrant culture, and build lasting connections throughout her stay.

Join us in welcoming our new visiting scholar Shohei Sano. Shohei Sano is an International Exchange Promotion Officer wi...
08/14/2026

Join us in welcoming our new visiting scholar Shohei Sano. Shohei Sano is an International Exchange Promotion Officer with the International Affairs Division of the Toyama Prefectural Government, Japan.

He is participating in a two-year professional development program at Portland State University, where he is conducting research on strategies to strengthen the sister-state relationship between Toyama Prefecture and the State of Oregon. His research focuses on international exchange, regional collaboration, and sustainable approaches to enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two regions.

Through collaboration with faculty members, public officials, educational institutions, and community organizations, he aims to develop practical policy recommendations that will further strengthen the long-standing partnership between Toyama and Oregon.

Outside of his professional work, Shohei enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. He and his wife, together with their two children (ages six and four), are looking forward to experiencing the unique culture, nature, and everyday life that the United States has to offer during their two-year stay.

And just like that… JaLoGoMa 2026 comes to an end! 🌹Our final three days were also filled with inspiring conversations, ...
08/08/2026

And just like that… JaLoGoMa 2026 comes to an end! 🌹

Our final three days were also filled with inspiring conversations, new perspectives, and meaningful connections.

We visited Oak Grove, met with members of the City of Hillsboro’s Youth Advisory Council, and talked with McMenamins representatives about community, leadership, and creating change.

And, of course, we had a couple more famous JaLoGoMa “Beerstorming”—a chance to relax, laugh, and have authentic conversations with people who care deeply about their communities.

After six busy days, our participants left with new friendships, countless ideas, and hopefully a little more courage to become changemakers in their own communities.

A huge thank you to everyone who opened their doors, shared their stories, and made this year so meaningful!

JaLoGoMa doesn’t end when everyone goes home. The conversations and ideas continue—and we’re already looking ahead to JaLoGoMa 2027! 🇯🇵🇺🇸✨

JaLoGoMa keeps going—even through smoky skies! 💪Today, we met with the Concerned Citizens group to learn about their ins...
08/06/2026

JaLoGoMa keeps going—even through smoky skies! 💪

Today, we met with the Concerned Citizens group to learn about their inspiring efforts to preserve and protect Portland's South Park Blocks. We also visited Design Portland to explore their vision for Portland's future and how meaningful community engagement can shape that future.

We wrapped up the day with one of JaLoGoMa's signature traditions: "Beerstorming." 🍻 This favorite gathering technique brings people together for authentic conversations with community members who deeply care about where they live and the future they want to create.

With just two more days to go, our participants are asking bigger questions, challenging their assumptions, and reflecting on what it truly means to be changemakers. It's exciting to watch their perspectives evolve with every conversation.

🌏 CPS's longest-running international leadership program, JaLoGoMa (Japanese Local Governance and Management), is offici...
08/03/2026

🌏 CPS's longest-running international leadership program, JaLoGoMa (Japanese Local Governance and Management), is officially underway!

We're thrilled to welcome 18 outstanding participants from across Japan—including a 16-year-old high school student, undergraduate and graduate students, local government representatives, NPO leaders, and business CEOs. What an incredible and diverse cohort!

Today, they hit the streets of Portland to engage directly with community members, listening to their stories, ideas, and perspectives about the city. These conversations are helping participants explore how residents, organizations, and local government work together to build stronger, more connected communities.

Over the next week, they'll continue learning from inspiring leaders, innovative organizations, and one another as they discover what makes community engagement such a powerful force for positive change.

📅 The JaLoGoMa program runs through August 7. Stay tuned as we share highlights from their journey!

Leading in natural resources requires navigating complex environmental, social, and legal dynamics.The Executive Seminar...
07/30/2026

Leading in natural resources requires navigating complex environmental, social, and legal dynamics.

The Executive Seminar Program in Natural Resources Leadership gives mid- to senior-level professionals the tools, insights, and collaborative network needed to lead effectively.

✨ New for 2026-27: Participants affiliated with the Oregon State Bar are eligible to earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits!

Make sure to secure your spot before registration closes on August 31, 2026.

📲 Visit https://www.pdx.edu/center-for-public-service/executive-seminar-program for full schedule and registration details.

Showcasing our student staff! Alyda Dickens (She/They), is a masters student who serves on the CPS team as the Fellowshi...
07/23/2026

Showcasing our student staff! Alyda Dickens (She/They), is a masters student who serves on the CPS team as the Fellowships Program Assistant.

Alyda is a recent graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, and they will be starting the Masters of Public Administration program at PSU this fall. Alyda brings four years of experience in English tutoring and two years of experience in nonprofit administrative support to the team. They plan to work in environmental policymaking in the future, along with pursuing a PhD in feminist media studies down the road. Beyond their academic and career goals, Alyda is a creative at heart. Alyda loves reading (mostly high fantasy and sci-fi), and they are also an artist; they work mostly with watercolor and acrylic painting, as well as landscape photography.

Address

506 SW Mill Street
Portland, OR
97201

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15037258261

Website

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