A statement from Andrew Hoan, President & CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber.
The idea that Portland is ‘destroyed’ is laughable and out of touch with reality. The facts speak volumes about Portland’s progress: Interest in our downtown is up, crime rates are down and the city is leading the way in finding solutions to issues that affect communities across the country. What Trump conveniently ignores is how his heavy-handed deployment of federal forces in 2020 prolonged Portland’s unrest while other cities calmed.
Portland saw a 16% increase in business openings in 2023 and downtown Portland is revitalizing. June 2024 saw the highest foot traffic downtown since before the pandemic with one of the best summer event line-ups in the nation featuring Black cowboys, cutting edge electric race cars, the best skateboarders on the planet, and a slate of big-name summer concerts. What’s more, major companies like On, Hoka, the Ritz-Carlton, SoHo House, and Daimler Truck North America are opening their doors or expanding here, creating new economic opportunities and putting money in people’s pockets.
We welcome everyone to come see the progress for themselves. In fact, we are calling on proud Portlanders to post their best photos of our beautiful city using the hashtag #destroyedportland. I assure you, total destruction never looked so good.
Yes, Portland, like most American cities, has challenges, but while Trump clings to his out of touch narratives, Portland will keep moving forward, proving that resilience and innovation have and will always trump division and misinformation.
About the Portland Metro Chamber
Founded in 1870, the Portland Metro Chamber is the oldest, largest and most diverse business organization in Oregon and SW Washington. The Chamber is the leading voice for business and represents more than 2,200 employer businesses advocating at all levels of government to support commerce, community health and vibrancy, and the region’s overall prosperity.