Very interesting visionary project! Maybe they could combine it with PSU's graduate program in urban planning and /or architecture.
I think that Vancouver BC is the leading North American "Smart Growth" leader so maybe they could be included somehow.

As an aside I wish Portland would start working Salem on putting a high speed rail line down through the Willamette Valley and all the way up to Seattle. It is now clear that airlines will be almost nonexistent in a few years with oil going through the roof, so Portland should take the bull by the horns and get this project moving forward.