MISSION

VISION

VALUES

GOALS

2025-2027 PSA Strategic Plan

To encourage innovation and vision in the built environment of greater Portland through education, engagement, and sharing of expertise.

PSA envisions a greater Portland where investment in design supports a thriving community and celebrates the spirit, values, and talents of the people who live and work here.

We believe:

  • Design provides an enriching experience for humanity and should serve the health, wellbeing, and sustainability of a diverse community.

  • Celebrating design talent inspires innovation.

  • Creating space and opportunity to share different perspectives fosters a healthy civic engagement in the development of our built environment.

  • Conversation, listening, and collaboration among those working in the design, development, construction, and associated fields and the general public is imperative to fuel positive community impact.

  • Use of design expertise, quality materials, and knowledgeable construction results in the most enduring outcomes.

I..Organize programs and events that encourage and celebrate the impact of design on our community.

II. Advocate for innovation and vision in the greater Portland built environment.

III. Engage the design community and general public as collaborators in our mission and work.

IV. Build organizational capacity for expanded impact and success.

GOALS & ACTIONS

I.. Organize programs and events that encourage and celebrate the impact of design on our community.

  • Offer educational programming that inspires participants to design, build, talk, and think about architecture that enhances our lives and the built environment.

  • Host events that bring together individuals who are passionate about creating a thriving and inclusive built environment in greater Portland.

  • Partner with educational institutions and fellow organizations to design and deliver programming that encourages youth and children to pursue careers in architecture and design.

II. Advocate for innovation and vision in the greater Portland built environment.

  • Provide a platform for well-rounded and balanced conversations about the impact design has on the community.

  • Build awareness within the general public of:

  • Leverage the PSA as a go-to source for community discourse and information with resources that educate, inspire civic curiosity, and elevate design.

  • Engage with the City of Portland to advise in the fulfillment of long term goals by utilizing design investments to solve community issues.

  • Facilitate conversations, such as information sessions, debates, or panels on timely topics, and allow space for critical examination of design.

  • Collaborate with like-minded regional and statewide groups to leverage common goals.

III. Engage the design community and general public as collaborators in our mission and work.

  • Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for community members to participate in PSA’s activities and initiatives. 

  • Generate timely and topical resources that serve PSA’s mission and work.

  • Expand PSA’s membership support and membership engagement in organizational activities.

  • Collaborate with regional and statewide architecture, design, and real estate organizations to capitalize on mutual expertise, broaden organizational reach, and best serve the design community.

IV. Build organizational capacity for expanded impact and success.

  • Maintain a dedicated and active Board of Directors through ongoing recruitment, governance, and collaboration.

  • Convene volunteer committees that work to achieve organizational and programmatic success.

  • Establish an effective staffing model that supports the achievement of priority goals and evolves with strengthened organizational sustainability. 

  • Develop and grow a balanced mix of revenue that strengthens organizational sustainability.

  • Develop operational systems and processes that maximize the effectiveness of board and volunteer time, expertise, and creativity.

  • Continue to improve budgeting and sound financial reporting.

  • Maintain and optimize technology and digital tools required for PSA operations, and replace hardware and software as needed.

  • Update organizational documentation, policies, and bylaws as needed.

  • Monitor progress and achievement and update the strategic plan as necessary.