Planning, Public Policy and Management Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
Maneuvering the System: How Undocumented Latino/a Immigrants Survive and Adapt to Living in Lane County, Oregon
(University of Oregon, 2012) Bernstein, Joanna; Bernstein, Joanna; Sandoval, Gerardo
Out of all fifty states, Oregon has the ninth highest population of undocumented immigrants as a proportion of the state's total population. I conducted 20 formal and informal interviews with undocumented Latino/a immigrants living in Eugene and Springfield in order to find out how these immigrants maneuver the system in order to acquire housing, work, social resources, and other things that they need to survive. These interviews ultimately revealed that immigrants use social capital to circumvent these barriers and that the largest barriers that they face to survival and integration all ultimately revolve around a lack of access to a government issued photo ID/driver's license and language barriers. After conducting these interviews and researching how other jurisdictions have worked to integrate immigrants, I offer specific local planning and public policy recommendations for how to collaboratively integrate undocumented Latino/a immigrants into our community.
Open Access
The Electrification of Transportation in Oregon: Opportunities for University, Government, and Industry Collaboration
(University of Oregon, 2012) Phillips, Elaine; Phillips, Elaine; Young, Robert
To promote economic recovery and create jobs, Oregon has developed a collaborative approach to economic development and turned its attention to stimulating the growth of competitive industry (Porterian) clusters. The electric vehicle (EV) cluster is one of the state's 21 priorities. With federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and The Electrification of Transportation initiatives, momentum is building. The Oregon University System, a number of state agencies and a coalescing group of EV entrepreneurs are pushing Oregon forward as a major player in the global marketplace. This thesis reviews an Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium study to determine whether the institutions of the Oregon University System and the state government are meeting the needs of EV entrepreneurs in this effort. The review concludes that Oregon's institutions need to further develop their collaborative networks with entrepreneurs for Oregon to be a competitor.
Open Access
Politics of Climate Action Plans: A Critical Discourse Analysis
(University of Oregon, 2012) Oliver, Hannah; Oliver, Hannah; Young, Robert
Despite increased knowledge of the causes and consequences of climate change, federal politics has prevented a comprehensive, nationwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This inaction at the federal level has prompted local governments to take the lead on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through Climate Action Plans (CAP). This thesis explores the environmental discourses that are at work in the CAP adoption process of three cities that historically vote for democratic candidates and republican candidates, respectively, in federal elections. As a qualitative study, my inquiry evaluates the CAP adoption process through an analysis of public officials' statements, public comments and editorials, and CAP content. John Dryzek's eight environmental discourses are applied to highlight the discourses that are reflected in the data obtained from public officials, the public, and policy outcomes. This examination reveals opportunities of bipartisan agreement and provides insights for governments to move past the politics of climate change.
Open Access
Toward a New Theory of Structural Inequality: Internal Colonialism and the Case of Oakland, California
(University of Oregon, 2011-12) Promes, Molly Ellen
In a time of rising inequality and declining social mobility in the United States, how might planners work toward a more just society? Numerous theories of structural inequality have been developed to address these issues, and the notion of internal colonialism is among them. As a theory of inequality that identifies patterns of economic domination, and the attendant subordination of certain populations, internal colonialism theory first gained popularity during the Third World liberation movement, and rose to prominence among minority groups in the United States, before fading into relative obscurity. Does this theory still hold relevance today? This study traces the development of Oakland, California through the lens of internal colonialism theory and uncovers the roots of the highly unequal conditions that exist in the city today. A critical reapplication of this theory reveals its ongoing utility as both an explanatory model and a guidepost for charting a path forward.
Open Access
A Comparative Analysis of State-Level Watershed Management Frameworks in the Pacific Northwest
(University of Oregon, 2011-09) Erickson, Adam Michael, 1979-
Over the past two decades, contemporary state-level watershed management burgeoned in the Pacific Northwest. This research offers a comparative analysis of contemporary state-level watershed management frameworks in the Pacific Northwest. The four case study areas consist of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. This study begins with a historical analysis of the greater watershed movement in natural resource management. Next, document analysis and key informant interviews are utilized to detail the watershed management framework of each state. Finally, this study explores a comparative analysis of each state framework. Results indicate that while the case study areas share many characteristics endemic to the bioregion, the watershed management framework of each state differs substantially. Key informant interviews indicate that these differences often reflect the unique sociopolitical climate of each state. Results additionally indicate the vital importance of stable state-derived funding for the establishment and resilience of watershed management organizations.
Open Access
A Model for the Public Sector to Foster Sustainable Business Development
(University of Oregon, 2011-06) Becker, Brie
Businesses play an important role in the economic, environmental and social health of our communities. The public sector can foster sustainable business development through economic development strategies, policies and resources. This study evaluates the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI), an economic development initiative intended to strengthen Eugene's economy by identifying barriers that keep businesses from being more sustainable. Using the collaborative planning model as a framework, I seek to evaluate both the process used to convene the SBI and the outcomes it produced to implement sustainable business practices. I assess whether the SBI changed business practices in Eugene and whether the SBI can serve as a useful model for other communities to engage in sustainable business development. I argue that although collaboration is a useful model to elevate the conversation of sustainability, more effort is needed to link the process with the outcomes to ensure long-lasting change in the business community.
Open Access
Hydrologically Informed Development: A Landscape Analysis of the Impacts of Rural Residential Development on Drinking Water Quality in the Lower McKenzie Watershed, Oregon
(University of Oregon, 2011-06) Evers, Cody R., 1981-
Exurban growth is prevalent in watersheds nationwide and of special concern in areas important for their undeveloped qualities. The McKenzie River, Oregon, is a natural amenity of great public, aesthetic and recreational value and provides drinking water for much of the southern Willamette Valley. These qualities also make the basin an attractive place to live, and their preservation is often in conflict with the rights and gains of private landowners. However, current containment strategies of development can be arbitrary from a hydrological perspective, especially when adapted from urban contexts. This study introduces a spatially-explicit and physically-based approach for identifying hydrologically sensitive lands in periurban watersheds and then applies that model as a framework for assessing current risk to municipal drinking water sources from exurban residential development.
Open Access
Inch by Inch, Row by Row: Implementing Urban Agriculture Projects in Eugene
(University of Oregon, 2011-06) Scafa, Stephanie, 1983-
The City of Eugene is advocating for garden projects by expanding their Composting Program to include Urban Agriculture. This research uses 19 in-depth, personal interviews with gardening experts in Eugene to explore the factors that make urban agriculture projects successful and sustainable based on specific areas for capacity building identified by the researcher and City staff. Using qualitative analysis, I found that each identified area for capacity building could be perceived as a barrier to establishing garden space. "Successful" and "sustainable" gardens confront multiple barriers to garden implementation and remain diverse and productive over time. The results of this study provide insight into how and why the City is choosing to remove barriers to people who grow their own food and justification for the need for the City's Urban Agriculture Program.
Open Access
The Impacts of China Housing Reform on Residents' Living Conditions
(University of Oregon, 2011-06) Li, Yao, 1986-
China's housing reform has brought significant changes to housing supply and allocation. This thesis uses a 2005 survey of Beijing residents to examine how housing conditions vary among different housing sources and across various population groups. Results indicate that people who owned their housing reported better housing conditions (larger space and better satisfaction with open space and landscape quality) than renters; residents living in privately developed housing reported better conditions than those living in publicly developed housing. People at a younger age (<40) group and higher income residents relied on multiple housing sources to obtain homeownership, while older-age (>50) and lower-income residents relied on purchasing past public housing or public-subsidized affordable housing to achieve homeownership. This research shows that while the reform has led to more housing choices and better housing quality for urban residents, it also resulted in greater inequality in housing and environment qualities among different population groups.
Open Access
Creative Measures: Access to Arts Education in Oregon Public Schools
(University of Oregon, 2011-06) Collins, Sarah K.
A growing body of research documents the benefits of learning in and through the arts, from academic achievement to personal efficacy. Federal law recognizes the arts as a core subject area for K-12 public schools, and Oregon content standards articulate sequential expectations of what all students should know and be able to do in the disciplines of music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Despite these statutory commitments, little is known about the actual condition of arts education in Oregon public schools. This study mines existing data from the Oregon Department of Education to: 1) establish baseline measures of access to arts education during the 2009-2010 academic year; and 2) identify relationships between access and other school characteristics such as geographic location, school type, and Title I designation. This study's findings hold significant implications for state policy, and its unique methodology can inform the wider field of arts education policy research.
Open Access
Restoration Contractors' Experiences With Work Opportunities in Two Different Policy Environments
(University of Oregon, 2010-09) MacDonald, Fraser
Over the last decade, federal and state policy guiding natural resource management in Oregon has transitioned towards restoration of federal and private lands and streams throughout the state. This transition in work opportunities has resulted in a different business environment for the contractors performing the work. Interviews with 190 contractors provide the foundation for a discussion of contractors' experiences with work opportunities in two different policy environments. The discussion and findings show that when categorized into three groups: (1) federal, (2) nonfederal, and (3) contractors that work equally for both groups, all described declines in federal work opportunities and increased opportunities with community-based organizations. Other major themes include increased competition in the marketplace coupled with fewer federal work opportunities. These themes demonstrate the increasing role community-based organizations play in providing work opportunities for contractors throughout the state and reinforce other research showing declines at the federal level.
Open Access
Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Trinity County, California
(University of Oregon, 2010-09) MacFarland, Katherine Dana
This study considers the role of the forest ecosystem in Trinity County, California's economy. I seek to better understand the natural resource-based economy of a national forest-proximate community by creating a framework that describes the resource flows into and out of Trinity County and guides ecosystem services valuation within the County. Thus, this study examines the monetary benefits that ecosystem functions create through delivery of goods such as water, energy, and timber and also estimates the value of services, such as recreation, carbon sequestration, and amenity value. Finally, this study examines how money is spent to maintain the ecosystem functions that create these goods and services, such as who pays to maintain water collection and filtration capacity or habitat. Ultimately, this study offers insight into opportunities and limitations for ecosystem services valuation at the county level, and considerations for future attempts to value ecosystem services.
Open Access
Social Media Fundraising: Facebook Friend or Foe? A Case Study of Oregon Nonprofit Organizations
(University of Oregon, 2010-06) Laird, Monica, 1987-
Social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized how Americans communicate with businesses and organizations around the world. These sites are allowing nonprofit organizations throughout the nation to join a movement in "equal opportunity activism" by virtually accessing potential donors from even the youngest generations. Despite the recent obsession with Facebook causes and "Tweet" campaigns, most organizations have yet to see a financial return on their investments in these seemingly inexpensive fundraising methods. This case study of nonprofit organizations in Oregon examines the return on fundraising expenditure for social media sites being used as fundraising tools in comparison to more traditional methods of fundraising. I also answer underlying questions about whether social media fundraising may be more appropriate for organizations of a certain size. In the end, I will look at the planning process for social media use and provide an evaluation of the future potential for these tools.
Open Access
A Study of Bicycle Commuting in Minneapolis: How Much do Bicycle-Oriented Paths Increase Ridership and What Can be Done to Further Use?
(University of Oregon, 2010-06) Pachuta, Emma, 1984-
Car use has become the dominant form of transportation, contributing to the health, environmental, and sprawl issues our nation is facing. Alternative modes of transport within urban environments are viable options in alleviating many of these problems. This thesis looks the habits and trends of bicyclists along the Midtown Greenway, a bicycle/pedestrian pathway that runs through Minneapolis, Minnesota and questions whether implementing non-auto throughways has encouraged bicyclists to bike further and to more destinations since its completion in 2006. The methods used to gather data were in-person five-minute surveys given to bicyclists, and analysis of existing data provided by non-profit organizations. Results included mapping each surveyed trip to see taken routes as well as qualitative and quantitative answers. Answers varied, but overall, it seemed that both commuting and leisure riders have increased their trips and distance within Minneapolis since completion of the path, advocating for off-street routes within the city.
Open Access
The Effects of Permanent Partial Disability on Claim Disposition Agreements
(University of Oregon, 2010-06) Todd, Brandy L., 1977-
Increasingly, workers' compensation (WC) insurers are turning to claim disposition agreements (CDA) as a means of reducing costs. CDAs are agreements between injured workers and insurers that close claims for a lump sum payment in lieu of other payments to which workers may be entitled. Intuitively, CDA payment amounts are expected to vary in response to changes in WC benefit levels. Models for decision-making processes related to lump sum versus benefit streams suggest the opposite. This thesis examines the relationship between CDA amounts and permanent partial disability (PPD) using two models. The first model utilizes individual claim information before and after a legislated benefit increase in the state of Oregon. The second model examines aggregate claims and payments made over a 16-year period from 1990 through 1995.
Open Access
Bike Sharing: A Randomized Study Evaluating the University of Oregon Bike Loan Program
(University of Oregon, 2010-06) Armstrong, E. Price, 1985-
Around the world, active transportation is looked at as one solution to problems presented by climate change, epidemic obesity, rising fuel prices, and crippling traffic congestion. In 2008, the University of Oregon launched the Bike Loan Program as an effort to address these issues. Because those interested in participating in the Bike Loan Program were randomly selected based on bicycle size availability, those who were not chosen acted as a perfect control group. This study evaluates the impacts of the Bike Loan Program on participants vis-a.-vis non-participants, and seeks to determine if those participating do ride bikes more often than non-participants. This study will also show what modes of transportation are being replaced by bike trips when a person participates in the Bike Loan Program. Finally, this study also shows if there are changes in attitudes or perceptions about transportation resulting from participation in the program.
Open Access
Park Availability and Expenditure Effects on Crime, Poverty, Wealth and Obesity Indicators
(University of Oregon, 2010-06) Salas, Javier Antonio, 1982-
Urban parks play an important role in cities. Lack of understanding about their effects on urban dwellers and their capacity to play a role in promoting social well-being could diminish their benefits. With population growth in cities, park managers may need to increase the quantity and quality or diversify parks to achieve the same results. The relationship between availability and expenditure on parks and urban quality of life has received little research attention. An analysis of 75 US cities determined that park density, operational expenditure and park acreage as a percentage of the city are significantly related to average levels of income, obesity and violent crimes. Optimum park density is 49 people per acre of park. Violent crime is a key determinant of whether urban parks generate a virtuous cycle improving health and income and reducing obesity rates or a vicious cycle achieving the contrary.
Open Access
Suburban New Urbanist Environments: The Resident Experience
(University of Oregon, 2009-12) Wilkinson, Sarah Wraye
New Urbanists promote development modeled upon neighborhoods that are highdensity and mixed-use with connected streets so that residents will drive less and have a strong sense of community. Little is known about whether New Urbanist environments provide the envisioned change in living experience for those who reside there. This study assesses changes in the living experience of residents of a suburban New Urbanist environment located in Eugene, Oregon, relative to their living experience in their previous residential environment. Findings reveal that respondents drive less for some but not all types of trips. There are no significant changes in sense of community. Changes in housing density and land-use mix are found associated with driving behavior change. Change in the enjoyment of the walking environment is found associated with changes in levels of resident interaction and feelings of sense of community.
Open Access
Climate Change Adaptation Planning for Cultural and Natural Resource Resilience: a Look at Planning for Climate Change in Two Native Nations in the Pacific Northwest U.S.
(University of Oregon, 2009-09) MacKendrick, Katharine
The literature indicates that for indigenous peoples the environmental impacts of climate change and some proposed solutions threaten lifeways, subsistence, economic ventures, future growth, cultural survivability, rights, land ownership, and access to resources. However, limited understanding and awareness of the vulnerability and capacity of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and of climate change impacts at the local level affect climate policymaking, planning, and equity. Case studies with the Coquille and Hoopa Valley Indian tribes in the Pacific Northwest U.S. explore the key considerations in planning for climate change adaptation, particularly for cultural and natural resource resilience. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews offer insight on the risks the tribes face and the role of traditional and local knowledge and experience in planning for climate change adaptation. Conclusions offer information useful in planning for climate impacts, local-level climate adaptation research, and climate policy development at the local to global levels.
Open Access
Common Characteristics of Women Leaders in Higher Education Administration
(University of Oregon, 2009-09) Steward, Jessi Mica, 1977-
Although women continue to make significant advancements in the workforce, there is still progress to be made to overcome biases and systems of exclusion. Since women play an increasing and influential role in the administration and leadership of higher education institutions, understanding their unique contributions is critical. In this study, qualitative methods were used to gather data on common characteristics of women leaders in higher education administration. Data were gathered from interviews with twenty women working in a cross section of professional positions at four comprehensive public universities in the Pacific Northwest. Results showed that the participants used collaboration, communication, and information sharing and addressed conflict to build relationships, establish trust, and inspire a shared vision. Most of the participants in this study indicated that they were rewarded, recognized, and supported in their positions; however, some indicated that discrimination still occurs based upon gender.