Oregon Brownfields & Infrastructure Summit

The State’s Largest and Most Comprehensive Brownfields & Infrastructure event

Uniting two chief economic drivers in the state, the Oregon Brownfields & Infrastructure Summit brings together those working to make contaminated properties economically viable for reuse and demonstrate the interconnectedness of basic infrastructure with community and economic development.

Presented jointly by Business Oregon and the Northwest Environmental Business Council, this unique educational event connects property owners, developers, community leaders, regulators, financiers and service providers to share the latest knowledge and best practices, develop business, and foster partnerships.

Pre-Conference Workshops: Sunday, October 23rd

12:00 – 3:00pm: Brownfields FUNdamentals & Beyond 

Recycling abandoned and under-utilized properties requires knowledge and skills to manage a variety of issues. Brownfields FUNdamentals &  Beyond  is a practical and interactive workshop that provides brownfield practitioners with the tools, techniques, and resources required to move projects forward. Why brownfields? Where do I start? How do I develop a vision for reuse and engage the community? Where can I get funding or financing?  What roles do developers, consultants and attorneys play and how do I find the right ones? What are the environmental rules and how do these work with the development process? 

12:00 – 3:00pm: Navigating the Fundamentals and Differences of ARPA and BIL

Two major federal funding opportunities are now available to Oregon communities: The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Whether your community is currently working on an APRA project, or planning to apply for BIL funds, this workshop is here to help you better navigate through both funding opportunities and walk away with an understanding of where and who to turn to with questions and concerns.

3:30 – 5:30pm: Brownfield Site Tours

Site #1: Oregon State University-Cascades: This 128-acre campus is taking shape on a remediated construction waste landfill and pumice mine. The first phase of campus expansion is now underway, involving large-scale waste excavation and processing, site grading, and slope stabilization. This site offers an excellent opportunity to understand how remediation requirements and design have influenced infrastructure planning and vice versa.

Site #2: Stevens Ranch, SE Bend: A 380-acre master-planned private development will bring affordable housing, community assets, and commercial/industrial uses to the rapidly growing SE side of Bend. The current development will provide the necessary infrastructure to manage development needs and the reclamation of decades-old former landfill that minimized waste generation and maximize reusable material for future development potential.