Designer | Planner | Analyst

Portland, Oregon.

A message from Alex

Hi there!

I am a designer and urbanist in Portland, Oregon. I work at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and active transportation. I have a decade of experience leading projects, designing infrastructure, and program management. This website is meant to showcase my skills, projects, and services for hire.

Read my resume or contact me with questions.

–– Alex

Skills

• R
• Python
• QGIS, GRASS
• GIMP, Krita
• Open SCAD, FreeCAD
• System Science
• Urban Planning

Projects

Biography

Alex Rau, MCRP, is an urban planner specializing in socioeconomic, GIS analysis, housing policy, and sustainable community development. Based in Portland, Oregon, Alex brings a unique blend of technical expertise and policy insight to projects that advance equity in housing, transportation, and access to resources.

Alex’s planning career spans local government, consulting, and higher education. As a Planner and Safe Routes to School Specialist at Alta Planning + Design, he coordinated the Oregon Safe Routes to School program, supporting $31 million in statewide infrastructure and education projects. Earlier, while interning with the City of Eugene, Alex piloted initiatives that achieved a 35% increase in active and mass transportation usage, demonstrating the power of data-driven outreach to influence community behavior.

His experience also includes grant writing, program evaluation, and land-use planning, with notable contributions to the City of Bend’s housing affordability strategy and the adoption of Downtown Monmouth 2040. Alex has provided spatial analysis consulting for developers, homeowners, and contractors, combining geo-spatial tools with practical applications for clients.

A passionate educator and collaborator, Alex has taught undergraduate courses in planning and environmental studies at the University of Oregon, where he earned his Master of Community and Regional Planning. His earlier experience in planning in Minnesota and as an AmeriCorps VISTA member working with under-served youth reflects a consistent commitment to public service and equity.

When he’s not mapping data or drafting policy, Alex enjoys exploring Portland’s bike networks, supporting local arts and music, and working on creative side projects in design and media.