As the narrative around Downtown Portland begins to shift, local businesses are starting to see a faint glimmer of hope. A survey conducted by the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, a branch of the Portland Metro Chamber, indicates that fewer businesses feel their customers are being driven away due to the area's reputation. According to the survey, released last October, the figures show a decrease to 79% in 2023 from 87% in 2022 of businesses concerned about losing customers over downtown's image, as reported by Portland Business Journals.

In a finding that suggests a mix of recovery and ongoing challenges, 30% of survey respondents said their business improved in the past year. Also gleaned from the survey was that in the same vein, 32% stated their business levels remained static. The remaining 38%, on the other side of specturm, faced business declines. This portion of the survey was also referenced by KGW, emphasizing the disparity in experiences among business owners.

Homelessness and safety concerns remain the primary culprits for struggling businesses, detailed by the survey’s results. A staggering 93% of those who reported downturns in business attributed it to the issue of homelessness. Close behind, 84% cited perceived safety issues as a contributing factor to their declining business fortunes, as uncovered by DHM Research for Clean & Safe.

Amidst these reports of hardship were optimistic indicators, with the survey serving as a measure of sentiment among entrepreneurs navigating the urban landscape. As downtown Portland continues bearing the brunt of these socio-economic challenges, business owners remain vigilant in seeking paths to resilience and revitalization, in the hope that the upward trend in perception continues to gather momentum for a better future fore downtown's commerce.