Jackson Schroeder to research transit-oriented development in collaboration with our Great Communities team
By Jenni Denekas | 2-minute read
Finding interdisciplinary solutions to complex problems is what drives Jackson Schroeder, 1000 Friends of Oregon’s 2026 Gerhardt intern.
"I’m really excited to do policy analysis for 1000 Friends because I can apply my scientific mindset to complex, real-world issues,” Jackson says. “I feel like I’m helping make systemic change in my community.”
A recent graduate of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, Jackson studied Biology and Environmental Studies, writing his thesis on heat and drought tolerance in wheat. He also participated in Whitman’s Semester in the West, a traveling field program where students engage with stakeholders regarding the working lands of the American West.
“I feel like I got more confident asking substantial questions to people on both sides of environmental issues,” Jackson says. “I also realized that the people on the front lines of these issues often don’t have enough access to the systems of power that could more efficiently help their fight.”
Now, Jackson is taking on a more urban lens as he joins our Gerhardt Internship program. Established in 1986, this internship commemorates the life and work of Paul Gerhardt, Jr., our first staff planner. Gerhardt interns spend several weeks closely collaborating with 1000 Friends staff on a specialized land use topic.
Jackson’s focus is transit-oriented development (TOD), which, according to TriMet, is “commonly defined as high-density, mixed-use development within walking distance (0.5 mile) of transit.” In particular, Jackson will be modeling the impacts of TOD on climate and housing.
“From day one, Jackson has jumped on board with a great attitude and has been an awesome member of the team so far,” says Great Communities Program Director Anna Kemper. “His work this summer on transit-oriented communities is going to be incredibly helpful in our advocacy for our Great Communities program.”
To communicate his research, Jackson is developing a web-based tool where users can adjust the TOD parameters—such as the types of transit stops included and the rate of housing construction—to visualize the impact on vehicle miles traveled, tailpipe emissions, and housing supply. This will be published on the Housing Solutions Center later this year.