2022 Agenda - Oregon Infrastructure Summit

2022 Agenda Details

2022 Schedule

Pre-Conference Workshops

Brownfields FUNdamentals & Beyond

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?

Navigating the Fundamentals and Differences of ARPA and BIL

Details:

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.

Brownfield Site Tours

Details:

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.

Track A

All Things Brownfields

DAY ONE:

Take It to the Bank: Land Banking for Brownfields Redevelopment

Details:

How can we make land banking brownfields work? This discussion will cover the history, purpose, and benefits of using a land bank to achieve brownfields redevelopment. We’ll discuss Oregon jurisdictions’ experience with business planning for a land bank and raising funding, and we’ll compare land banking to other tools such as prospective purchaser agreements. We’ll cover national best practices in land banking, and discuss ideas for how land banking might be adapted and improved to serve Oregon communities moving forward.

Moderator:

David Rabbino, Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC

Speakers:

David Ashton, Assistant General Counsel, Port of Portland
Leonard Farr, Principal, Environmental Services, Stantec
Sarah Sieloff, Senior Planner, Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc.

Evolving Science, Emerging Contaminants: Navigating Uncertainty in the Redevelopment Process

Details:

There are 68,191 unique chemicals in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) non-confidential Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Abstract Inventory (Inventory) as of August 2021. The New York Times lists over 85,000 chemicals in the United States that we may encounter in our daily lives. Many chemicals on these lists are not well studied. To put this in perspective, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) lists about 90 chemicals with assigned Risk-Based Concentrations (RBCs) for assessing risk on a brownfield site. Sometimes the scientific community finds evidence that a poorly studied chemical causes harm to human health or the environment. These types of chemicals are called chemicals (or contaminants) of emerging concern (CEC). It takes time for a CEC to navigate the scientific process and regulatory rigmarole required to jump from obscurity to regulations. This jump has happened recently with 1,4-dioxane and is happening right now with per- and polyflouroalkyl substances (PFAS). There are more CECs on the horizon that could eventually make the jump (microplastics, personal care products and pharmaceuticals, flame retardants), many of which will be complicated to regulate.

How should PFAS and other CECs be considered during brownfield redevelopment or the construction and operation of infrastructure? This session aims to address these questions, provide an update on PFAS regulation, and shed light on some prominent CECs.

Moderator:

David Ashton, Assistant General Counsel, Port of Portland

Speakers:

Eileen Naples, Agency Toxics Coordinator, Oregon DEQ
Erik Naylor, Senior Environmental Scientist, Maul Foster, & Alongi
Brien Flanagan, Attorney, Schwabe Williamson &Wyatt

Looking Ahead: Portland Harbor Site Redevelopment - Opportunities & Challenges!

Details:

The Portland Harbor Superfund site cleanup is happening and transactions to sell and reuse site properties are already starting. Learn about the significant economic, social and equitable benefits from a strategic reuse of this critical corridor, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for such projects. We will also discuss strategies and case studies to highlight key elements to consider for redevelopment within and near the Portland Harbor site. Bring your perspective and join the discussion!

Moderator:

Jim McKenna, Policy Analyst, Office of the Governor

Speakers:

Lisa Abuaf, Director of Development & Investment, Prosper Portland
Andy Gregg, Partner and General Counsel, RestorCap
Karen Homolac, Brownfields Specialist, Business Oregon
Kevin Parrett, Manager, NW Region Cleanup Program, Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
Kat West, Senior Associate, Skeo Solutions

DAY TWO:

Successes of the Oregon Prospective Purchase Program

Details:

Come learn about Oregon’s unique prospective purchase agreement (PPA) program and how it has facilitated brownfield redevelopment and shaped the built landscape in Oregon.

Speakers:

Laura Kerr, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP
Seth Otto, Principal Planner, Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc.
David Rabbino, Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC

Tribal Focus: Tools, Opportunities, and Case Studies

Details:

Join us to learn about some exciting Tribal brownfield programs in Oregon. The EPA will be presenting an overview of federal grant opportunities available to Tribes and will share their perspective on several successful Oregon Tribal brownfield programs. The Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians will present their nascent brownfield program for the former Toledo Mill on the Yaquina River to reimagine the industrial land as an opportunity for resiliency and conservation. Finally, the Coquille Indian Tribe is transitioning a waterfront brownfield in North Bend to reconnect with an important cultural resource, enhance sustainability and resiliency, and build economic prosperity for their community.

Moderator:

Graeme Taylor, Project Manager, Stantec

Speakers:

Ray Doering, Director of Public Affairs & Compliance, Tribal One
Ann Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Siletz Tribal Business Corporation
Margaret Olson, Environmental Engineer, US EPA

Track B

Recovering Equitability

DAY ONE:

Implementing Community Solar

Details:

What is Oregon’s Community Solar program and how does it work? What does success look like and examples from across the State of Oregon. Why is it a great fit for brownfields and landfills? Learn what Emerald People’s Utility District is doing with Community Solar on the Short Mountain Landfill in Lane County. What is EPA’s Repowering America’s Land program and how can it assist with renewable energy reuse of brownfields? Discuss the opportunities and challenges.

Moderator:

Margaret Olson, Environmental Engineer, US EPA

Speakers:

Amy Berg Pickett, Utility Scale Renewable Energy Project Developer, Sunstone Energy
Jeff Orlandini, Waste Management Division Manager, Lane County
Dan Orzech, General Manager, Oregon Clean Power Cooperative

Building Community and Housing Affordability Together

Details:

Brownfield redevelopment projects often focus on a specific site, but infill is most successful when it builds complete communities. This requires infrastructure and other community assets, like housing, mobility options, and community capacity and participation, which is critical but not always immediately visible. Getting to complete communities isn’t easy, but there is a path, and persistence pays. This session will cover two projects that invite you to challenge your ideas of what brownfield redevelopment can be, and will also provide the latest updates from Business Oregon.

Moderator:

Moderator: Seth Otto, Principal Planner, Maul, Foster & Alongi

Speakers:

Brian Harper, Senior Regional Planner, Metro
Karen Homolac, Brownfields Specialist, Business Oregon
Alison Robertson, Director, Urban Renewal & Economic Development, City of Lincoln City

State Infrastructure Strategies: Addressing Critical Infrastructure Gaps

Details:

Should Oregon have a Comprehensive Statewide Infrastructure Plan? We want to hear from you! This session seeks to answer this question in three ways. First, researchers in the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement at the University of Oregon will briefly present findings from a literature review and case study analysis of infrastructure plans from around the globe. Second, we will present a set of options Oregon could consider based on our research. Third, we will engage session participants directly to get feedback on the options and develop a preferred alternative the state should prioritize for further consideration. If you like participating more than you like passive observation, this is the session for you!

Speakers:

Presentation and facilitation by the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement’s Economic Development Administration University Center at the University of Oregon: Josh Bruce, Kim Thompson, and Jacob Loomis.

DAY TWO:

Skilled Workforce Development Through Project-Based Learning

Details:

What is project-based learning? How can we prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s careers in the redevelopment space? How can grant-funded projects double as a learning opportunity? Join Baker Technical Institute and Eastern Oregon University to discover how students participate in real-world projects and contribute to their community’s development in the places we live, work, and play.

Speakers:

Doug Dalton, President, Baker Technical Institute
Shannon Donovan, Ph.D., AICP, Associate Professor, Eastern Oregon University
Jacqueline Brenner, Associate Scientist / Brownfield Project Manager, Stantec
EOU Student Speakers (TBD)

Community Benefits & Workforce Agreements: Embedding Equity in Infrastructure Projects

Details:

Community benefits and workforce agreements are a powerful tool for embedding equity in infrastructure and economic development projects. These agreements are an established tool that is responsive to emerging federal priorities. This panel will provide an overview of community benefits and workforce agreements and how they can be structured to focus on workforce outcomes and broader community benefits like housing, environmental issues, and more as examples of active agreements. Each panelist will share their perspective on the value of community benefits and workforce agreements and what it takes to develop, build partnerships, and implement an effective agreement.

Speakers:

Twauna Hennessee, Community Outreach Representative, Northwest Carpenters Union OR/SWWA
Ranfis Villatoro, Oregon State Policy Manager, Blue Green Alliance
Andre Bealer, Workforce Equity Project Manager, Metro
Raahi Reddy, Director of DEI Program, Metro

Track C

Financing Infrastructure

DAY ONE:

Pre-developments: Journey Towards Successful Project Financing

Details:

Understanding components of project pre-development towards successful financing and completion. From understanding the plans and importance of prioritization to achieve the best impact for the citizen of rural communities to the effects of community feedback and financing planning. Experience sharing by the City of Umatilla and Coos Bay, paired with nuances of permitting from DEQ.

Moderator:

Karen Homolac, Program Policy Coordinator Brownfields, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Mary Camarata, Western Region/Mid-Valley Solutions Team, Oregon DEQ
Rodger Craddock, City Manager: City of Coos Bay
David Stockdale, City Manager, City of Umatilla

Financing All Things Wastewater

Details:

This session will focus on best practices regarding financing water quality and wastewater infrastructure projects. Speakers will highlight community projects and experiences regarding project and financing process from planning, development, finance and management including lessons learned, innovation and sharing success. The session will also provide a variety of program and policy perspectives related to water infrastructure and community needs in Oregon.

Moderator:

Chris Marko, Program Coordinator, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Oregon DEQ

Speakers:

Eric Klann, City Engineer/Public Works Director, City of Prineville
Eric Forster, Assistant City Engineer, City of Bend
Michael Martin, Lobbyist, League of Oregon Cities
Charanne Stein, Program Coordinator/DEQ Liaison, City of Bend

Planning for Future Drinking Water Financing

Details:

This session aims to get the conversation started at the local level, and consider planning for future drinking water financial needs and opportunities. Information included will be on the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as well as technical assistance funding opportunities, and testimonials from local water systems that have started the conversation for their water improvements. In order to fund water and wastewater infrastructure projects, it’s important to know the tools and resources available.

Moderator:

Nicole Bailey, Program & Policy Coordinator for Safe Drinking Water, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Jason Carman, Rural Development Specialist, Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Casey Kulla, Commissioner, Yamhill County: Commissioner
Sara O’Brien, Executive Director, Willamette Partnership: Executive Director

DAY TWO:

Financing Critical Infrastructure: The Unsung Heroes With Limited Funding Resources

Details:

What is Critical Infrastructure? Why is it important? How do we fund it?

We hear it often – We need to purchase our watershed to protect our source water but we don’t have a repayment source for a loan. We need a railroad spur to make our industrial land more accessible and enticing to and for businesses, but we don’t have a repayment source for a loan. We need to repair or replace the storm water system or make improvements to our levee, but we don’t have a repayment source for a loan. We know this bridge needs to be built up so that it doesn’t collapse during a major flood event, but we don’t have a repayment source for a loan. These types of discussions are happening more and more. The goal of this session is to discuss what types of critical infrastructure we have throughout the state (asset needs mapping?). Is it important to maintain it or is its use no longer needed and, in fact, causing other issues? How do we plan for these types of projects? And, probably most important, how we obtain funding for these types of projects.

Moderator:

Becky Baxter, Program and Policy Coordinator, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Colin Rowan, Multnomah County Drainage District
Bobby Cochran, Oregon Consensus
Stephen Richardson, Oregon Emergency Management (OEM)
Dan Gwin, Oregon Emergency Management (OEM)
Mark Butterfield, Wallowa Lake Irrigation District
Joseph Dawson, Wallowa Lake Irrigation District

Financing for Broadband

Details:

Internet for all! The Oregon Broadband Office is charged with implementing a once-in-a-generation investment in broadband. Hear about what you should do and know about these programs.

Speakers:

Michael DeHart, Broadband Program Coordinator, Business Oregon

Track D

Future Proofing Our Communities

DAY ONE:

Future Proofing Our Communities: Resiliency to Disaster

Details:

Everyone is talking about resiliency, but few understand what steps to take to get there. Three panelists with extensive experience with both disaster and resilience will present lessons learned, steps to take, best practices and where to turn when a disaster strikes. They will share first-hand experiences regarding how to navigate through an emergency and come out stronger on the other side along with how a community can be better prepared for what might lie around the corner.

Moderator:

Gloria Zacharias, Seismic Program & Policy Coordinator, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Jim Trett, Mayor, City of Detroit
Matt McRae, Disaster Recovery Manager, Lane County Emergency Management
Jay Wilson, Clackamas County Disaster Management

Understand Ports: The Importance of Oregon's River Ports

Details:

The Columbia River plays a critical role in the state’s economy. This session will explore the important contributions of Oregon’s River ports through discussion of the River’s infrastructure, the import and export activity it supports and the breadth of people and services it takes to sustain this critical economic ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. Speakers will also address current events of particular significance to the River system and the regional economy, and what is needed to ensure the long-term health and viability of the Columbia River system as an economic driver into the future.

Moderator:

Ivo Trummer, State Affairs Manager, Port of Portland

Speakers:

Heather Stebbings, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
Liz Wainwright, Executive Director, Merchants Exchange

Future Proofing Our Communities: Financing Sustainable Systems

Details:

Reliable water, wastewater and stormwater service provides the backbone of an environmental ecosystem that promotes healthy and thriving communities. Operating, maintaining and building out these utility systems requires a blend of long-term strategy, policy implementation, investment in infrastructure and technology, and financial administration. This panel will discuss policies, programs and projects that promote utility system resiliency and environmental integration, as well as financial systems that encourage long-term fiscal sustainability.

Moderator:

Jonas Biery, D.A. Davidson & Co.

Speakers:

Ryan Kirchner, City of Redmond, Oregon
Anthony Martin, City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services
Jeff Odefey, American Rivers

DAY TWO:

Future Proofing Our Communities: Understanding Asset Loss

Details:

Over the past several years, ports across the state have experienced sudden asset loss due to a range of events, including fires that destroyed ice facilities, boathouses and other amenities and the collapse of port infrastructure that rendered key facilities including docks and boat slips unusable. At the same time, port infrastructure that was built several decades ago and must withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions is reaching the end of its usable life. This infrastructure is critical to local economic activity, yet expensive and difficult to replace given current funding models and regulatory requirements. During this panel, representatives of Oregon ports will share first-hand experience of managing asset loss, including how to navigate through the emergency response period and key lessons learned. This panel will also discuss the factors contributing to asset loss and how ports can best prepare to respond to and mitigate against future losses.

Moderator:

Aryeann Colombo, Executive Director, Columbia Pacific Economic Development District

Speakers:

John Burns, CEO, Oregon International Port of Coos Bay
Mike Saindon, Port Manager, Port of Garibaldi

PAST AGENDAS

2020
2021