Congressman Earl Blumenauer to take job at Portland State

Congressman Earl Blumenauer is planning his post-political future when he retires from the U.S. House of Representatives later this year, and he's got his sights set on education.

Portland State University announced this week that Blumenauer will take on two new roles at the university starting next year, as both a senior fellow and special adviser to university president Ann Cudd. As a senior fellow, Blumenauer will work in the university's Institute for Portland Metropolitan Studies, part of PSU College of Urban and Public Affairs. The institute, founded in 1991, works with regional partners on urban development and planning issues across the area. The institute is funded by the Oregon Legislature.

In both roles, according to the university, Blumenauer will focus on addressing Portland's most pressing challenges through the PSU's research.

Blumenauer has served in Congress for nearly three decades, and will retire at the end of his 14th term later this year. Prior to serving in that office, he was a Portland city commissioner for nearly 10 years.

Blumenauer is expected to focus on several key programs including revitalizing Portland's struggling downtown, and the upcoming changes at Portland City Hall, which will transition to a new form of government next year.

It's an area Blumenauer is familiar with. Blumenauer has long advocated for land-use policies and public transportation.

“I love Portland and I have always been clear that I intend to come home and help the city I love,” Blumenauer said in a statement. “There is no better place for me to do that than at Portland State where I can work with engaged students, committed faculty, and the university’s many regional partners to focus on revitalizing Oregon’s largest city and improving daily life for all residents.”

Blumenauer's first day will be Jan. 3, 2025.