Part 7/11:
Public safety is the fundamental issue that underpins Portland’s housing stagnation. The city’s streets are plagued by homeless encampments, open drug markets, and a lack of basic law enforcement support. Walking tour observations highlight the grim reality: parks with playgrounds are surrounded by visible drug activity, and neighborhoods are no longer attractive to prospective residents or investors.
This atmosphere of neglect discourages outside investment. Developers understand that building in areas rife with chaos and crime is an unwise financial venture—regardless of what bureaucratic incentives are on offer. They are choosing to invest in jurisdictions where public safety and urban cleanliness are prioritized, such as many Texas cities or Florida.