The Center for Urban Studies is a research center affiliated with the School of Urban Studies and Planning in the College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University. The mission of the Center is to promote and facilitate the conduct of research and community service for faculty and students on urban issues relevant to the metropolitan area. The Center is an established and ongoing link between the University and the community. The Center provides the infrastructure by which the assets of the University can be accessed by the community, and a means by which the University can access the community as a research laboratory.