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
"The COVID Pandemic has been and continues to be the biggest challenge faced by Americans as it has taken a deadly toll on the world and on the world’s economies. During COVID Locomotive Engineers at Amtrak and other Passenger and Freight Railroads have embodied the definition of essential workers. This dedication by our members is not new. We applaud the Rail Passenger’s Association for recognizing the vital contributions of our members and their hard work moving Americans and freight during the COVID pandemic."
Dennis Pierce, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.