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Dear Portlanders,
After years of listening to storefront owners across the city and taking a deep dive into main streets across District 2, I’m proud to share that City Council this week unanimously passed my Storefront Support legislation. It now goes to the Mayor and his administration to develop plans for implementation.
It’s Red Alert time to make our storefront businesses a priority.
Yesterday, storefront owners who represent every demographic and political category you can think of, poured their hearts out. These were not special interest testimonials. These were Portlanders who had lived experience and shared their stories with the entire Council.
Portland, we have a revenue problem. Our business tax revenue is down and that will result in further cuts to our operating budget and without action will continue to rise.
Small business owners facing our public right aways have told us clearly that they need a city that listens, responds, and acts. This is about rebuilding trust, supporting our neighborhood main streets and downtown. Ensuring Portland’s economic recovery reaches every corner of the city.
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We heard from busy storefront owners sharing their challenges:
“Many small business owners, including myself, have experienced a significant struggle in recent years, and we are confronted with mounting challenges.”
“Our business has been devastated by the epidemics of homelessness, drug use, mental illness, and lawlessness leading to a climate of fear that hurts our entire community...From 2020 to 2024 our foot traffic has dropped 84%.”
“I’m a partner in five Portland bars...all could use a little more focus and partnership from the city.”
And those who testified showed great support for this resolution:
“Having a focus on data collection and being able to address where budgets go and where resources go is critically important.”
“The Storefront Support Program gives me hope. It signals that the city government truly values small business, the heartbeat of Portland neighborhoods.”
“I want to know that the city cares. So, do you care? This cares. This resolution cares.”
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Here are more details on what The Storefront Support Program would do:
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Establish citywide systems to track and respond to storefront vacancies.
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Coordinate City bureau responses to crime, vandalism, and nuisance issues impacting local businesses.
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Identify staffing, funding, and data needed for long-term program success.
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Strengthen collaboration between Prosper Portland, City workgroups, and community stakeholders across all city districts.
The resolution requires the City Administrator to submit a comprehensive plan to Council by January 31, 2026, and that will inform Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget discussions.
I’m inspired by all of you in the community who stand up for our city making us proud to call Portland home. Successful storefront businesses make vibrant neighborhoods. Our work is not finished. The Storefront Support Program is a big step in the right direction.
Here’s to pivoting from for lease signs on dark windows to vibrant clean windows welcoming foot traffic downtown and in every neighborhood district in our city.
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Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या 口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
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