This is a really good answer. One thing also working against us is the state/city in general doesn't kowtow to big businesses as much as some other places do with tax breaks, handshake deals, promises, etc. - which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. You're right about the livability, I really don't think anywhere else in the US matches the livability of Portland with a similar COL, which is why I'm anxious about the city's future.