Downtown Portland’s Downfall: Why Businesses Are Leaving in 2025

Downtown Portland is facing one of its toughest chapters yet. Once a thriving hub of business, culture, and community, the city’s core is now struggling with record-high office vacancies, empty storefronts, and ongoing public safety concerns.

In this video, we take a hard look at what’s driving the decline — from remote work and rising taxes to safety issues and shifting urban priorities. Can Portland recover, or is this the new normal for downtown life?

📉 Topics Covered:
– Office vacancy rates and business closures
– Safety and homelessness challenges
– City policies and leadership response
– What residents and small businesses are saying