Portland, I wrote this because I refuse to give up on you. For 20 years, you’ve been my home—I built a business here, raised a family here, and watched you thrive. But now, we’re at a crossroads. This is a call to action, not nostalgia. If you believe Portland still has a future worth fighting for, read this and join me in shaping the bold, visionary comeback our city deserves.
Justin, you put into words what I’ve been feeling for the past five years.
I’ve lived in Portland for 30 years and never felt nervous being anywhere downtown—until recently. Over the last several years, we’ve seriously considered moving. The rise in homelessness and the lack of order have changed the feel of our city.
The path from the airport to Southwest is now lined with graffiti, camps, and trash. I feel embarrassed when clients or family visit. What used to be pride has turned into confusion—and lately, anger. How did we let our city get to this point?
I’m not interested in right or left politics. I just want it fixed. I’ve invested too many years in Portland to give up on it now. We need leadership that prioritizes safety, dignity, and livability—for all Portlanders, and like you said, does the hard things to make it happen.
Hard to be “bold” when you are in a doom loop:
https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/straight-talk/portland-recovery-people-sentiment-growth-doom-loop-reputation-economy/283-efcad40a-0c74-40df-bfb9-2a20c6ea2ac1
Action is the antidote for anxiety. - Jon Stewart.
Lets roll.
I feel that.
Justin, you put into words what I’ve been feeling for the past five years.
I’ve lived in Portland for 30 years and never felt nervous being anywhere downtown—until recently. Over the last several years, we’ve seriously considered moving. The rise in homelessness and the lack of order have changed the feel of our city.
The path from the airport to Southwest is now lined with graffiti, camps, and trash. I feel embarrassed when clients or family visit. What used to be pride has turned into confusion—and lately, anger. How did we let our city get to this point?
I’m not interested in right or left politics. I just want it fixed. I’ve invested too many years in Portland to give up on it now. We need leadership that prioritizes safety, dignity, and livability—for all Portlanders, and like you said, does the hard things to make it happen.
Hell yeah, Justin. Love the sentiment and consideration here. -java