www.ohsu.edu

SITUATION
Outgrowing its 100 year-old hilltop campus in the heart of Portland, OHSU, (the city’s largest employer) wanted to expand its campus to accommodate future growth and strengthen its commitment to research, innovation and job creation. To accomplish both, the university launched a major expansion initiative along the banks of the Willamette River – connecting its historic “Pill Hill” campus to a new campus along Portland’s South Waterfront via aerial tram.

STRATEGY
Position the south waterfront development as an economic and health care initiative of regional and national significance. Working with a supportive Congressional delegation, pursue targeted federal funding investments for transportation, construction and research. Build a diverse coalition of local and state supporters for federal funding requests.

OUTCOME
Over five years, Oregon Congressional leaders secured 25+ million in grants and appropriations to OHSU and the City of Portland to help launch the south waterfront campus expansion and serve as a catalyst, along with significant local and private investment, for the birth of a new neighborhood along Portland’s Willamette River waterfront.