Downtown Portland Clean & Safe conducts an annual survey of businesses within the district to better understand how downtown conditions are evolving and how our services are supporting the business community. The survey gathers feedback from employers, retailers, restaurants, cultural organizations, and other businesses that operate in the district.
The 2025 survey received responses from a wide range of industries and organizations that help shape the downtown economy. Many of the respondents have deep roots in the district, with a majority of businesses (60%) reporting they have operated downtown for more than 20 years.
The results offer important insights into downtown’s continued recovery, highlighting improvements in perceptions of cleanliness and safety, strong satisfaction with Clean & Safe services, and the ongoing challenges businesses face as Portland continues to rebuild its reputation.
SURVEY RESULTS
Downtown Conditions Continue to Improve
Over the past several years, perceptions of downtown conditions have steadily improved. In the 2025 survey, 63 percent of respondents described the district as somewhat or very clean, while 64 percent reported feeling somewhat or very safe in downtown.
These findings represent a significant improvement compared to earlier surveys. In 2023, fewer than 40 percent of respondents described downtown as clean or safe. The steady improvement in these indicators suggests that investments in cleaning, safety coordination, and district management are having a measurable impact on the experience of businesses and visitors.
At the same time, respondents continue to identify homelessness, crime, and cleanliness as the issues that need the most improvement in downtown. These concerns remain consistent with past surveys and reflect broader challenges facing many major cities.
Cleanliness and Safety Perception improved by more than 25 points in two years, this is a significant shift in perception by businesses in the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District.
Businesses Remain Committed to Downtown
Despite ongoing challenges, the majority of businesses surveyed expressed long-term commitment to operating in downtown Portland.
These findings suggest that businesses view downtown Portland as a viable long-term location and continue to invest in their presence within the district.
Key findings include:
- 87 percent of businesses report they do not plan to relocate
- 69 percent expect their space needs to remain the same
- 55 percent reported stable staffing levels over the past year
While some businesses reported revenue declines, others indicated improved or stable performance. Many respondents identified increased foot traffic, marketing efforts, and new products or services as factors supporting growth.
Downtown’s Strengths
Businesses identified several key advantages to operating in downtown Portland. The top factors included:
- Central location
- Access to public transportation
- Proximity to other businesses and services
- Arts and cultural opportunities
- Restaurants and food options
Notably, arts, culture, and food experiences have become increasingly important advantages cited by businesses. The growing importance of these amenities highlights the role of cultural programming, public events, and hospitality in shaping the downtown experience.
Programs such as seasonal activations, public art installations, and community events help reinforce these strengths and support foot traffic throughout the district.
Reputation and Perception Remain Challenges
While downtown conditions have improved, the survey indicates that perception remains a key challenge.
Among businesses that reported losing customers, the most common reasons cited included:
- Concerns about the reputation of downtown
- Safety concerns
- Cleanliness issues
- Reduced foot traffic
These responses suggest that while many businesses are seeing improvements on the ground, broader perceptions of downtown have not fully caught up with these changes.
Addressing these perception challenges will continue to require collaboration between businesses, community organizations, and public agencies.
Strong Satisfaction with Clean & Safe Services
Businesses reported high satisfaction with the services provided by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. Across multiple programs, satisfaction scores were strong and in many cases improved from the previous year.
Highlights include:
- 94 percent satisfaction with cleaning services provided by Central City Concern
- 91 percent satisfaction with Safety Coordinators (GardaWorld)
- 92 percent satisfaction with Downtown holiday tree lighting
- 82 percent satisfaction with dispatch services
These results indicate that businesses value the enhanced services provided within the Clean & Safe District and view them as an important component of maintaining a welcoming downtown environment.
Cleaning services saw one of the largest improvements in the survey, with satisfaction increasing significantly for those that responded to this question compared to the previous year. Businesses also reported strong satisfaction with the management of Director Park and the district’s seasonal lighting program, both of which contribute to the overall vibrancy of downtown.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Downtown Business Survey highlights both progress and opportunity. Businesses report improving conditions, strong satisfaction with district services, and continued commitment to operating downtown.
At the same time, ongoing work is needed to address persistent challenges related to safety, homelessness, and public perception.
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe will continue working with businesses, community partners, and local government to support a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient downtown for years to come.
ABOUT THIS REPORT
As an enhanced services provider for the City of Portland, the team at Downtown Portland Clean & Safe conducted this annual survey to better understand the conditions of doing business in the city’s center. This year we asked businesses to comment on the full 2025 calendar year.
The survey’s purpose is to identify factors and trends affecting business operations and commerce in downtown Portland. We worked with DHM Research to ensure the survey generated quality results that we could confidently report back to the community. We asked about satisfaction levels with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District programs and management, the City of Portland’s management of Downtown and Old Town core, and asked questions designed to determine expansion, contraction, and relocation plans in the Downtown area.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY & ANALYSIS
The information for this survey is not scientific. It is collected by voluntary participation based on business location. The experiences reported are used for business development and competitive analysis. Information on individual responses is confidential and not available.
This online survey was emailed and reminder postcards were distributed to owners and managers of businesses, organizations, and government agencies located within the study area. The survey is conducted on an annual basis each year as the baseline date for responses and collected information.
When responding to survey questions regarding livability concerns, respondents were asked to consider the boundary of the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District (see map).
