My Life, My City: Art Pearce, Portland

Cities Today talks to Art Pearce, Policy, Planning and Projects Group Director, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation.

What was your first job?

I taught skiing in high school at a small resort called Greek Peak outside Ithaca, NY. Many Saturdays were spent in the snow with bus loads of families from nearby cities. It was a great lesson in customer service and conveyed optimism. Very few of them would last the day but those that did experienced a joy I believed in. On reflection, it is similar to my work today, rooting for a community to adapt its transportation patterns despite all social engineering to the contrary.

What attracted you to your current role?

I am inspired b...