The struggles of Portland’s central core have been well documented. The racial justice protests of 2020 combined with persistent homelessness and crime have helped decimate downtown. Retail, corporate office and hotel vacancies are persistently elevated. Moreover, high taxes have contributed to the exodus of high earners away from Multnomah County. The resulting decreased revenue and adverse budget impact (as the city is forecasting for next year), will inevitably lead to further stresses on the social services and public safety agencies charged with safeguarding our city. The recent article, “Portland’s shoplifters often evade prosecution, continuing city’s reputation as a good place to steal,” Dec. 22) highlights how Portland’s dire situation is mostly self-inflicted. What sane entrepreneur would consider starting a new business in Portland when city policies and ineptitude have blatantly failed to protect their livelihood?

News Source : https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2024/12/readers-respond-break-the-doom-loop.html