Respondents reported measurable improvements in public safety and core public service delivery
Portland, OR — March 3, 2025 — The majority of downtown businesses are more optimistic about the future due to improvements in safety, cleanliness, and core public service delivery, according to the results of the 2024 Downtown Portland Clean & Safe’s (DPCS) Business Survey released today.
Each year, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe conducts a survey of downtown business sentiment as part of its contractual partnership with the City of Portland to better understand and measure the conditions of doing business in the city’s center. To measure this, the survey identifies and tracks factors and trends affecting business operations and commerce in downtown.
“These results confirm what many of us have been seeing on the ground–Portland is making real, tangible progress,” said Mark Wells, the Executive Director of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. “The significant reductions in crime, vandalism, and safety concerns demonstrate that our collaborative approach is working, though we know there’s still more to be done. As optimism returns, we remain committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring a thriving urban core.”
While challenges remain in the heart of the central city, the survey results highlight a steady decline in crime-related disruptions, increased confidence in business conditions, and high levels of support for the enhanced services provided by Downtown Clean & Safe.
Full 2024 Downtown Portland Business Survey Report is Available Here
Key Findings: A Return to Stability and Growth
- Crime and Safety Improvements: Businesses experiencing theft or shoplifting incidents dropped from 47% in 2023 to 30% in 2024, while employees quitting due to safety concerns fell from 45.8% to 29.2%.
- Declining Incidents of Vandalism: Businesses repairing windows or physical damage decreased from 67% in 2023 to 47% in 2024, and graffiti repairs improved from 72% to 52.6%.
- Stronger Business Confidence: 57% of businesses now feel optimistic about their downtown location.
- More Diverse Businesses: Ownership of LGBTQ+ businesses doubled, as did businesses owned by people of color (LGBTQ ownership increased from 4% to 9% and businesses led or owned by a person of color increased from 5% to 10%).
- Improved Satisfaction with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe:
- Tree Lights: 92% satisfaction (+1%)
- Safety Coordinators (Garda World): 90% satisfaction (+4%)
- Cleaners (Central City Concern): 71% satisfaction (+13%)
- Dispatch Services: 80% satisfaction (+12%)
A Rapidly Improving Central City
While crime, safety, and homelessness remain top concerns, the data underscores progress. Businesses report fewer operational disruptions, allowing for a more stable workforce and renewed economic confidence. Investments in safety, cleaning, and livability programs have led to measurable improvements, reinforcing Downtown Portland’s reputation as a business-friendly environment.
Portland’s highly respected public research firm, DHM Research , has been the formal research partner since 2021 to ensure the integrity and independence of the findings and data.
Looking Ahead: Continued Progress and Investment
The survey results demonstrate that Downtown Portland is on a positive trajectory, with businesses benefiting from a safer and cleaner environment. Moving forward, DPCS and community partners will continue to prioritize investments in public safety, cleaning initiatives, and economic revitalization efforts to build upon these gains.
