Part 8/12:
The city’s socio-political landscape exacerbates the economic crisis. Portland faces a homelessness epidemic and public safety concerns, with the streets often filled with drug addicts and mentally ill individuals wandering freely. Authorities are hesitant to crack down on public disorder, fearing political repercussions. As a result, investors and developers are wary of committing large capital funds to projects in an environment perceived as unstable or unsafe.