Impact of Downtown Reputation on Portland Businesses: Survey Reveals Concerns

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The latest survey conducted by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe sheds light on the enduring impact of downtown Portland's reputation on local businesses. Despite a slight improvement from the previous year, the majority of respondents, 79%, reported losing customers due to the downtown area's reputation. This decrease from 87% indicates a positive trend, yet it remains a significant concern for business owners.

Safety and homelessness emerged as major factors affecting businesses, with 93% citing customer loss due to homelessness and 84% due to perceived safety issues. Interestingly, the influence of COVID-19 on customer loss has diminished, with only 17% attributing it as a factor compared to nearly 38% in the previous year.

The survey also highlights improvements in cleanliness and safety measures. The need for graffiti removal decreased from 78% to 72%, and repairs to windows, doors, and buildings also saw a decline from 77% to 67%. Instances of employees quitting due to safety concerns dropped from 50% to 45%.

While these improvements are notable, there is still a call for action from the business community to address homelessness, mental health, and drug addiction on the streets. Despite these challenges, a significant portion of businesses, 73%, expressed their commitment to staying in their current location in the downtown and Old Town areas.

This survey underscores the ongoing efforts needed to revitalize downtown Portland and create a safer, more welcoming environment for businesses and residents alike. Collaboration between businesses, city officials, and community organizations will be essential in addressing these complex issues and fostering a thriving downtown ecosystem.