Part 12/13:
Portland stands at a crossroads. On one side are the economic inevitabilities of declining retail, real estate adjustments, and investor focus on cash flow. On the other are urgent calls for social reform, security, and effective law enforcement to restore confidence and safety.
Without significant policy changes and community engagement, the trend of store closures and economic contraction is likely to continue. The city must grapple with the realities of crime, homelessness, and economic resilience if it hopes to reverse its current trajectory.