In order to accommodate growth in a planned and responsible manner, Portland State University initiated the University District Coalition in 2003. Through community participation the name of the coalition was selected, a steering committee was convened, the boundaries of the study area were determined, and a purpose statement along with guiding principles was developed.

Through community meetings and neighborhood workshops, a discussion draft of the University District Coalition Vision Plan was prepared in June 2004. This draft is provided as a first step to foster dialogue between PSU and the neighborhoods adjacent to PSU.

PSU has recently expanded the steering committee and plans to continue dialogue in early 2005.