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James Armstrong

Armstrong is co-founder of Cathedral Eye Care in St. Johns and is a member of the St. Johns Boosters Safety and Livability Committee.

The State of Small Businesses in Portland

At a recent breakfast hosted by the Portland Metro Chamber, members of the business community and leaders of the cityÔÇÖs economic development agency gathered to celebrate the small businesses that power our community. The chamber released the results from the 2023 State of Small Business Report showing that small businesses make up 94% of establishments in Multnomah County. Those, in turn, employ 35% of workers in the county. These numbers are impressive, coming in higher than our Keep Things Weird peer, Austin, and our Pacific Northwest rival, Seattle.

The significant role played by small businesses in Portland cannot be overstated. However, despite their importance, these businesses are facing numerous challenges, including theft, property crime, and the chaotic effects of untreated mental health and homelessness. The lack of solutions provided by city and county leaders has made it even more frustrating for the community to witness the constant safety and livability concerns in our business districts.

The Plight of St. Johns Neighborhood

In the St. Johns neighborhood, where my wife and I run an eye care clinic, the issues faced by small businesses are magnified due to the unique characteristics of the city’s north peninsula. With its position at the end of the bus line, known as “above the cut” by locals, St. Johns experiences frequent instances of theft, mental health episodes, street racing, and gun violence. Recent incidents include an armed robbery at a local bar and a brief lockdown of an elementary school prompted by a man experiencing a mental health episode near the school.

Small business owners along Lombard, the main street in the district, are struggling to cope with the ongoing challenges. They are facing repeated break-ins, with new instances occurring soon after the replacement of shattered glass. Local retailers have reported significantly lower sales than expected, attributing the decrease in foot traffic directly to the prevalent crime and drug use. Such unsustainable conditions undermine the ability of these businesses, owned by individuals and couples with limited financial reserves, to continue their operations, even with insurance coverage.

The Call for Action

Six months ago, the St. JohnsÔÇÖ Boosters business association organized a town hall meeting, attended by elected officials and their representatives, to address these pressing issues. Business owners shared the daily challenges they face, highlighting that 33 businesses in the St. Johns area collectively suffered over $660,000 in theft and vandalism losses last year, according to a North Peninsula Review story. Although some action has been taken, progress has been disappointingly slow.

The appointment of a deputy district attorney to focus on repeat offenders in St. Johns, though delayed, shows a glimmer of hope. However, other promises remain unfulfilled or have been neglected altogether. The Portland Police have assigned multiple district liaison officers, but none have stayed in their positions for longer than a month. Moreover, the county, responsible for overseeing mental health-related issues, has not provided any visible additional support to the area. Business owners are left with no choice but to rely on emergency services, often requesting the Portland Street Response, only to receive an armed police response long after the incident has occurred.

The Impact on Small Businesses

The recent news of Target closing three stores in Portland due to theft and REI closing its Pearl District store for similar reasons has drawn significant attention. While the community recognizes the magnitude of these losses, small businesses face a different reality. Unlike larger corporations, they do not have the luxury of simply closing down and redirecting sales to other locations to compensate for the loss. Small businesses represent individuals and families within our community. The struggles faced by businesses in St. Johns are echoed in neighborhoods throughout Portland.

Small business owners are accustomed to taking swift action when encountering issues. Whether it is hiring additional staff or resolving customer complaints, they respond immediately. Unfortunately, when their stores are broken into, they find themselves watching the sunrise from their businesses while cleaning up and striving to secure their livelihoods.

As city leaders grapple with various challenges, it is the small businesses that bear the brunt of inaction. While small businesses are hailed as the backbone of Portland’s economy, they desperately need assistance before reaching a breaking point.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In this situation, the AI legalese decoder could assist small businesses and community leaders in addressing the legal aspects of the issues they face. The decoder utilizes artificial intelligence technology to analyze complex legal documents, contracts, and regulations, translating them into plain and easily understandable language.

By utilizing the AI legalese decoder, small business owners and community leaders can gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework surrounding safety, crime prevention, and support services. This knowledge will enable them to navigate the system more effectively, identify areas where improvements are needed, and advocate for necessary changes.

The AI legalese decoder serves as a powerful tool for empowering small businesses, enabling them to engage in informed discussions, make sense of legal jargon, and advocate for their rights and interests. With this technological solution, small businesses in Portland can bridge the gap between legal complexities and practical actions needed to enhance safety, livability, and the overall wellbeing of our business districts.

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