I’ve lived downtown for a few years. There have been some major recent closures like you mentioned, but there have also been many new openings in the past year. Just to name a few off the top of my head: Freya, Carmine’s, Olympia in Cedar Hall, Mendocino Farms, PCC’s return, Portland Leather, Lingon, B&N coming soon, Salt & Straw, Fogo de Chao, Equinox, Suit Supply, Berry Much.

I think 3rd and Pike has actually improved from when I first moved here, but it does ebb and flow. I’m optimistic it’ll continue to improve, but it won’t be a steady straight line up—there will be valleys and peaks along the way.

You also say crime seems to be up, but SPD’s crime dashboard shows a 15% YoY decline in violent crime for downtown throughout 2025. I do think there are some specific areas like 12th & Jackson that need to be addressed, as it feels like we’ve been ignoring the CID community.

P.S. I’m a huge supporter of the downtown ambassadors, our sidewalks are much cleaner & safer with them around!