Happening Now
Build Northwest Economic Forum & Pacific Northwest Rail Summit
Date
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 Friday, October 17, 2025
Location
Ecotrust Building 907 NW Irving Street Portland OR 97209
PNWER and the Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates (AORTA) are partnering with regional rail advocacy organizations to host the three-day summit.
Key Discussion Topics:
- Permit and regulatory reform at the federal and state/provincial/territorial levels
- Supply chain resiliency in bi-national economic corridors
- Public-private partnerships and innovative financing for transportation infrastructure projects
- Port, short line, Class I rail infrastructure needs
- Restoring and enhancing passenger rail service
"I wish to extend my appreciation to members of the Rail Passengers Association for their steadfast advocacy to protect not only the Southwest Chief, but all rail transportation which plays such an important role in our economy and local communities. I look forward to continuing this close partnership, both with America’s rail passengers and our bipartisan group of senators, to ensure a bright future for the Southwest Chief route."
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
April 2, 2019, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his work to protect the Southwest Chief