ABOUT

Steven R. Kale is principal and owner of SR Kale Consulting LLC.  He has more than 30 years of experience in economic development and transportation planning and analysis, including 15 years at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  Since leaving ODOT in 2005, he has been a prime contractor for work with Oregon ports and several private intermodal freight businesses, as well as a subcontractor with other consulting firms.

Prior to his service at ODOT, he taught economic development and other classes at Oregon State University from 1982 to 1989, and was an economist at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development from 1975 to 1982. 

Steve is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, has Masters’ and PhD degrees in geography from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a BA in geography and a BS in Business Administration from Kansas State University.

EXPERIENCE

Principal, SR Kale Consulting LLC (2005-Present).  Assisted private sector clients and port districts with completing state and federal applications for funding marine and rail transportation improvements.  Developed an inventory of port transportation and navigation needs and projects.  Helped develop a guidebook for engaging the private sector in freight transportation planning.  Assisted with developing background documents for a statewide freight plan and with reviewing and analyzing a multimodal transportation funding program.

Senior Planner/Economist, Oregon Department of Transportation (1993-2004). Served as ODOT’s primary freight planning contact person; represented the agency in various federal, state, regional, and local freight-related initiatives and projects; provided staff support for the Oregon Freight Advisory Committee; prepared freight-related information and documents as well as professional papers in publications such as the Transportation Research Record; and served on numerous committees, including several for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program.

Standing Committee Chair, Transportation Research Board (2000-2006).  Chaired the Intermodal Freight Transport Committee of the Transportation Research Board. 

Socioeconomist, Oregon Department of Transportation, Socioeconomic Analyses (1989-2003).  Conducted analysis, coordinated with right-of-way and other personnel, and wrote socioeconomic reports for ODOT highway projects.  Managed consultant preparation of socioeconomic reports.  

Assistant Professor, Oregon State University (1982-1989). Taught courses and conducted research in economic development, industrial location, area and community development, renewable energy, and other topics. 

Industry Economist, Bonneville Power Administration (1988-1989 part time).  Estimated energy savings from and costs of local solar access ordinances. 

Economist, Nebraska Department of Economic Development (1975-1982).  Provided information for companies considering a location in Nebraska, estimated economic impacts from new and expanding industries, identified target industries for promotional opportunities, and wrote in-house reports and technical studies.