For the first time in its history, the Sustainable City Year Program will be working in eastern Oregon as it partners with the City of Hermiston. Sitting at the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Hermiston is the region’s trade center and is experiencing significant growth. Now in its 13th year of partnerships with Oregon communities, this fall SCYP will connect Hermiston with five courses, all in the UO’s School of Planning, Public Policy and Management. During winter and spring terms, Hermiston will work with Portland State University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering capstone course. More courses will be added throughout the year as project and course matches are made.
Throughout the year, students will work on a variety of projects, from North Hermiston land use and design to a fiscal analysis and case studies focused on a potential community center, as well as a transportation engineering project. Students will also analyze the value of "brick and mortar" libraries in an online era and facilitate community discussions in small groups. Students will conduct their work in-person and online, presenting solutions to city staff and community stakeholders both virtually and in-person.
Participating academic disciplines include planning, public administration, engineering (Portland State University) and others. Through classroom work, applied learning assignments, and collaboration with the city, SCYP students will endeavor to help Hermiston work towards its optimal future.
UO Libraries Hermiston Research Guide