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Oregon voters reject transportation tax package

Lawmakers must now find another way to fund road repairs and transportation projects.

News

Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a hike in gas taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="a59b6d62-c76e-4d00-a31b-96dc09d6a827" data-vars-headline="Oregon voters reject transportation tax package" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" target="_self">a hike in gas taxes</a> and other vehicle fees to fund transportation in Tuesday&#x27;s primary election, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: The vote was the culmination of a long-running fight over how to fund road maintenance and transportation projects, but leaves many unanswered questions about where the state goes from here.

Where races stand in Oregon's May primary election

State Rep. Christine Drazan picked up the Republican nominee for governor.

State Sen. Christine Drazan is Oregon&#x27;s Republican nominee for governor, capturing 43 % of the vote in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="a4323354-ff09-42b2-8096-47bf4c66757c" data-vars-headline="Where races stand in Oregon&#x27;s May primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" target="_self">Tuesday&#x27;s primary election</a>, according to the Associated Press.The big picture: Drazan beat out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a crowded field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/24/oregon-republican-primary-governor-kotek-criticism" data-vars-content-id="a4323354-ff09-42b2-8096-47bf4c66757c" data-vars-headline="Where races stand in Oregon&#x27;s May primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/24/oregon-republican-primary-governor-kotek-criticism" target="_self">a crowded field</a> of candidates — including ex-Blazer Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell — to set up a rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek in November.

The AI backlash is growing in Oregon and beyond

From local data center fights to fears about jobs and energy use, resistance to AI is mounting.

If <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/20/reader-reactions-generative-ai-opinions" data-vars-content-id="f917b535-609e-425a-92c9-d357b7e13c27" data-vars-headline="The AI backlash is growing in Oregon and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/20/reader-reactions-generative-ai-opinions" target="_self">AI</a> were a candidate for political office, it would be losing in a landslide.Why it matters: The AI hype cycle would have you believe the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology" data-vars-content-id="f917b535-609e-425a-92c9-d357b7e13c27" data-vars-headline="The AI backlash is growing in Oregon and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology" target="_self">technology</a> is inevitable. But AI backlash is growing, as people worry it will steal their jobs, jack up electricity rates and further enrich the wealthy, all while hurting the environment.

Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding

Fans can buy equity as the Portland bar plans rapid expansion.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sports Bra" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/05/22/best-day-ever-the-sports-bras-jenny-nguyen" data-vars-content-id="f4047c2b-c710-4eba-bcc7-f16757fffaff" data-vars-headline="Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/05/22/best-day-ever-the-sports-bras-jenny-nguyen" target="_self">Sports Bra</a>, the Portland watering hole that put women&#x27;s sports bars on the map, is eyeing a rapid expansion powered by community funding.The big picture: Founder Jenny Nguyen is betting big that surging interest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/02/womens-sports-ranking-thorns-fire" data-vars-content-id="f4047c2b-c710-4eba-bcc7-f16757fffaff" data-vars-headline="Sports Bra eyes national expansion with community funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/02/womens-sports-ranking-thorns-fire" target="_self">women&#x27;s sports</a> can fuel the nationwide growth of such bars.

Oregon's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

A Yale analysis finds about 72% of Oregon hospitals are concentrated under a few systems.

Health

Oregon&#x27;s health care system is heavily consolidated among just a few hospital systems, a dynamic that has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/18/ohsu-legacy-health-merger-oregon" data-vars-content-id="17aeab07-b44b-4096-8285-2c6fe4b46dee" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/18/ohsu-legacy-health-merger-oregon" target="_self">raised concern</a> among critics and state lawmakers in the past.Why it matters: As rising health care costs put more financial strain on Americans, &quot;one major and underappreciated factor driving price increases is rising consolidation among U.S. hospitals,&quot; according to Yale&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Health Care Affordability Lab" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="17aeab07-b44b-4096-8285-2c6fe4b46dee" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">Health Care Affordability Lab</a>.

Finding solutions for Oregon's business struggles

A business leader calls for major tax, land use and regulatory changes.

Business

This story is part of a four-part Axios Portland series examining Oregon&#x27;s business competitiveness.As economic stagnation becomes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a greater threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/09/oregon-businesses-expand-out-of-state-growth-incentives" data-vars-content-id="1b053321-693d-43bb-9a7f-e60c2418306f" data-vars-headline="Finding solutions for Oregon&#x27;s business struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/09/oregon-businesses-expand-out-of-state-growth-incentives" target="_self">a greater threat</a> in Oregon, the state&#x27;s long-held policies for containing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sprawl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2022/07/15/oregon-land-use-laws-willamette-valley-farms-urban-development-commercial-farmers-crops/" data-vars-content-id="1b053321-693d-43bb-9a7f-e60c2418306f" data-vars-headline="Finding solutions for Oregon&#x27;s business struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2022/07/15/oregon-land-use-laws-willamette-valley-farms-urban-development-commercial-farmers-crops/" target="_blank">sprawl</a> and preserving farms and forestland are seen by some as hindering business growth.Why it matters: Slowing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2026/01/oregon-population-growth-among-slowest-in-the-nation.html" data-vars-content-id="1b053321-693d-43bb-9a7f-e60c2418306f" data-vars-headline="Finding solutions for Oregon&#x27;s business struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2026/01/oregon-population-growth-among-slowest-in-the-nation.html" target="_blank">population growth</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private sector instability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/23/intel-oregon-future-layoffs-investment" data-vars-content-id="1b053321-693d-43bb-9a7f-e60c2418306f" data-vars-headline="Finding solutions for Oregon&#x27;s business struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/23/intel-oregon-future-layoffs-investment" target="_self">private sector instability</a>, Portland&#x27;s spotty downtown recovery, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tariff exposure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/23/oregon-supreme-court-trump-tariffs-670m-refunds" data-vars-content-id="1b053321-693d-43bb-9a7f-e60c2418306f" data-vars-headline="Finding solutions for Oregon&#x27;s business struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/23/oregon-supreme-court-trump-tariffs-670m-refunds" target="_self">new tariff exposure</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a workforce strained" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/11/small-businesses-rising-costs-reputation-challenges" data-vars-content-id="1b053321-693d-43bb-9a7f-e60c2418306f" data-vars-headline="Finding solutions for Oregon&#x27;s business struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/11/small-businesses-rising-costs-reputation-challenges" target="_self">a workforce strained</a> by Oregon&#x27;s high tax system are all converging at once — prompting lawmakers and business leaders to treat economic competitiveness with a new level of urgency.

Portland small businesses feel squeeze of costs and bureaucracy

Owners cite higher expenses, taxes and reputation concerns as key pressures.

This story is part of a four-part Axios Portland series examining Oregon&#x27;s business competitiveness.Portland has long been seen as a haven for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/10/portland-economy-business-tax-safety-concerns" data-vars-content-id="86d39de4-8a76-42e1-93f3-420934ef51f3" data-vars-headline="Portland small businesses feel squeeze of costs and bureaucracy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/10/portland-economy-business-tax-safety-concerns" target="_self">small businesses</a>, a city with the ingenuity and creative spirit that fosters off-beat shops, innovative restaurants and funky new brands, but standing up and sustaining those business isn&#x27;t easy these days.Why it matters: Economic dynamics — some unique to Portland, others part of wider national trends — and a bruised reputation challenge the Rose City&#x27;s status as a place where entrepreneurs can thrive.

How Portland's business challenges ripple across Oregon

The city's economic growth depends on restoring livability.

This story is part of a four-part Axios Portland series examining Oregon&#x27;s business competitiveness.Portland&#x27;s business <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reputation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/25/portland-satisfication-rate-survey-housing" data-vars-content-id="fa9433eb-f424-4e2a-afcc-3f37e26b1a20" data-vars-headline="How Portland&#x27;s business challenges ripple across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/25/portland-satisfication-rate-survey-housing" target="_self">reputation</a> is at a crossroads. While many residents see the city as livable and vibrant as ever, entrepreneurs and companies often report growing concerns about safety, cost and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competitiveness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-portland-736967d9-942d-4151-94db-ce21ab0471bb.html" data-vars-content-id="fa9433eb-f424-4e2a-afcc-3f37e26b1a20" data-vars-headline="How Portland&#x27;s business challenges ripple across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-portland-736967d9-942d-4151-94db-ce21ab0471bb.html" target="_self">competitiveness</a>.Why it matters: The Portland metro area generates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than half" data-vars-click-url="https://portlandmetrochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PorlandRegions-Impact-StateFiscal-Health-FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fa9433eb-f424-4e2a-afcc-3f37e26b1a20" data-vars-headline="How Portland&#x27;s business challenges ripple across Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portlandmetrochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PorlandRegions-Impact-StateFiscal-Health-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">more than half</a> of Oregon&#x27;s economic output. So when business confidence shifts here, the effects are felt statewide — from job growth to tax revenue that funds education, transportation and health care.

Oregon isn't just losing businesses, it's losing their growth

Experts warn the state is losing billions in private investment and future jobs by not addressing competitiveness.

This story is part of a four-part Axios Portland series examining Oregon&#x27;s business competitiveness.Just a few decades ago, Oregon&#x27;s quality of life, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/08/oregon-population-growth-sherman-crook-deschutes-county" data-vars-content-id="fea2bb8d-ae1b-47bc-9c1f-90d1aac90825" data-vars-headline="Oregon isn&#x27;t just losing businesses, it&#x27;s losing their growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/08/oregon-population-growth-sherman-crook-deschutes-county" target="_self">booming population</a> and historically strong trade sector made it an attractive place to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="start a business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/24/portland-downtown-recovery-small-business-survey" data-vars-content-id="fea2bb8d-ae1b-47bc-9c1f-90d1aac90825" data-vars-headline="Oregon isn&#x27;t just losing businesses, it&#x27;s losing their growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/24/portland-downtown-recovery-small-business-survey" target="_self">start a business</a>. We saw the likes of Dutch Bros., Tektronix and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbia Sportswear" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/11/portland-layoffs-jobs-openings-labor-market" data-vars-content-id="fea2bb8d-ae1b-47bc-9c1f-90d1aac90825" data-vars-headline="Oregon isn&#x27;t just losing businesses, it&#x27;s losing their growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/11/portland-layoffs-jobs-openings-labor-market" target="_self">Columbia Sportswear</a> take root here and skyrocket into nationally recognized brands.<ul><li>But today, some of those same businesses are packing up for greener, more business-friendly pastures, and analysts warn Oregon isn&#x27;t doing enough to keep their expansion here.</li></ul>

How Portland Leather bet on Facebook for its rapid retail growth

The $200M brand uses Facebook Groups to drive loyal fans to new store openings.

Portland Leather Goods aims to open 10 additional stores within the next year, a rapid expansion fueled not by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TikTok" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/tiktok-news" data-vars-content-id="e64d4007-2d15-4dec-8b85-5162e08e7e3d" data-vars-headline="How Portland Leather bet on Facebook for its rapid retail growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/tiktok-news" target="_self">TikTok</a> virality or wholesale deals, but by an older-school social media platform that&#x27;s often overlooked by today&#x27;s trendsetters.The big picture: The Portland-based company, which produces handcrafted leather handbags and accessories, has leaned into Facebook Groups to build a fiercely loyal community of fans that reliably show up in-person for store openings nationwide.

Kinship offers Portland's fashion creatives space to grow

The new co-working studio gives designers industrial tools, workshops and space to build their brands.

Portland doesn&#x27;t lack <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fashion talent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/15/kozha-numbers-it-bag" data-vars-content-id="1dc670ae-542a-402b-bf69-c93445c9833a" data-vars-headline="Kinship offers Portland&#x27;s fashion creatives space to grow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/15/kozha-numbers-it-bag" target="_self">fashion talent</a>, but there is a gap in the kind of places where its ecosystem of small designers can turn ideas into thriving businesses. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kinship" data-vars-click-url="https://kinshippdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="1dc670ae-542a-402b-bf69-c93445c9833a" data-vars-headline="Kinship offers Portland&#x27;s fashion creatives space to grow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kinshippdx.com/" target="_blank">Kinship</a> hopes to fill that gap.The big picture: The fashion-focused coworking and production studio opened last September in the city&#x27;s Central Eastside offering industrial-grade sewing machines, large cutting tables, a photo studio, fitting rooms and communal meeting areas.

Patagonia taps Deschutes to make NA beers

To take the first certified organic non-alcoholic beer nationwide, Patagonia Provisions needed a partner.

To take the first certified organic nonalcoholic beer nationwide, Patagonia Provisions needed a partner — one with the same commitment to the environment and outdoors.Why it matters: Patagonia, once named the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most reputable brand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/23/corporate-brands-reputation-america" data-vars-content-id="4f3b6638-82ed-4f1e-8312-a563d3433517" data-vars-headline="Patagonia taps Deschutes to make NA beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/23/corporate-brands-reputation-america" target="_self">most reputable brand</a> in America, has found its match in Oregon&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deschutes Brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/24/deschutes-brewery-nonalcoholic-na-beer" data-vars-content-id="4f3b6638-82ed-4f1e-8312-a563d3433517" data-vars-headline="Patagonia taps Deschutes to make NA beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/24/deschutes-brewery-nonalcoholic-na-beer" target="_self">Deschutes Brewery</a>, and together the two now represent one of the most powerful collaborations in craft beer.

How this Portland-made pistachio brand took off fast

Founders Nicola Buffo and Francine Voit started Pistakio to give the nut its deserved spotlight.

Two Portlanders are on a mission to give pistachios the spotlight they deserve with their spreadable nut butter company Pistakio.The big picture: In less than two years since launching, Nicola Buffo and Francine Voit have created a craveable product that sits on the shelves of more than 350 independent stores nationwide and routinely sells out at local grocers.

The behind-the-scenes story of Interurban's "free wall"

Interurban's "free wall" is open to street artists to display their work.

<figure><img alt="A moving image shows two people walking down the street looking to their right to see a building with colorful street art on the side brick wall." height="450" id="90d4efcf-82d2-4ebd-ba1b-8a15b93b8e52" src="https://images.axios.com/DFbVA9S4xwzQvFt9ZTk9Ej5PmIw=/2025/11/18/1763503576227.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A wall that&#x27;s open to anyone. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>Interurban&#x27;s &quot;free wall&quot; — where wheat-paste posters, stickers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="graffiti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/21/portland-graffiti-crackdown-arrests-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="fdc8d914-1f4d-4eb3-a4e9-bf59de8bc632" data-vars-headline="The behind-the-scenes story of Interurban&#x27;s &quot;free wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/21/portland-graffiti-crackdown-arrests-cleanup" target="_self">graffiti</a> create a large-scale, living installation — has become one of Portland&#x27;s most recognizable landmarks.The big picture: What began as an act of vandalism sparked a years-long collaboration between the neighborhood cocktail bar and some of the city&#x27;s prolific street artists.

🗄️ Number du jour: 142

Oregon data center growth meets pushback from residents

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or part of a monopoly in 2025. In North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, all hospitals are highly concentrated or part of a monopoly. In D.C., none are. Market concentration is particularly high in the mountain west and coastal south.

Business 🏦

Oregon data center growth meets pushback from residents

Oregon's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

Finding solutions for Oregon's business struggles

Portland small businesses feel squeeze of costs and bureaucracy

How Portland's business challenges ripple across Oregon