Charles Jordan, former Portland City Commissioner and Portland Parks and Recreation Director was recently honored as an "Urban Pioneer by Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs. In addition to his substantial local contribution to urban parks, Charles has also served as Director of the Conservation Fund, Parks and Recreation Director for Austin, Texas, and co-chair of the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund Review Commission. Tri-Met and the Albina Community Bank were also recognized this year.

Past recipients of the Urban Pioneer award include Mayor Vera Katz, City and County Commissioner

Gretchen Kafoury, and the Gerding Edlen Development Company.