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What fewer children means for Portland

The effects stretch from classrooms to the job market.

News

The West is home to fewer children than it was five years ago, according to new census data.Why it matters: Portland&#x27;s been grappling with this demographic shift for years — declining classroom enrollment, an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aging population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/16/aging-population-baby-boomers-oregon-economy" data-vars-content-id="57c3ea18-e52c-4870-b9e8-6ae5213b2813" data-vars-headline="What fewer children means for Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/16/aging-population-baby-boomers-oregon-economy" target="_self">aging population</a>, slower population growth — and it could drastically reshape the local economy.

Oregon falls to No. 42 in CNBC business ranking

The state moved farther from Gov. Tina Kotek's top-10 goal.

Oregon fell three spots to No. 42 in CNBC&#x27;s annual ranking of the best states for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/10/portland-economy-business-tax-safety-concerns" data-vars-content-id="62281e80-7efb-4788-b32f-2cdd48d8b09b" data-vars-headline="Oregon falls to No. 42 in CNBC business ranking" 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">business</a>, released on Thursday.Why it matters: Gov. Tina Kotek <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made it her goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/Oregon&#x27;s_Prosperity_Roadmap_December_2025.pdf" data-vars-content-id="62281e80-7efb-4788-b32f-2cdd48d8b09b" data-vars-headline="Oregon falls to No. 42 in CNBC business ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/Oregon&#x27;s_Prosperity_Roadmap_December_2025.pdf" target="_blank">made it her goal</a> to crack the ranking&#x27;s top 10. Instead, we&#x27;re moving in the opposite direction.

Everything to know about Portland Arts Week

Dozens of galleries, museums and bookstores are participating.

Things to Do

Portland&#x27;s first-ever Arts Week kicks off Thursday with dozens of free events designed to showcase the city&#x27;s robust arts ecosystem.Why it matters: The theme is sports, capitalizing on two of Portland&#x27;s biggest audiences and the excitement building around our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new WNBA team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" data-vars-content-id="9422989a-0cad-48c4-816d-03a170b7ddf1" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Portland Arts Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" target="_self">new WNBA team</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" data-vars-content-id="9422989a-0cad-48c4-816d-03a170b7ddf1" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Portland Arts Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" target="_self">the World Cup</a>.

A Polish family recipe powers Portland's newest pop-up

Kuzyn's handmade pierogi are selling out.

Food and Drink

Three cousins have turned a century-old family recipe into one of Portland&#x27;s newest pop-ups this summer. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kuzyn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/kuzynpdx/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="5b3f0765-bf27-4613-8ae8-ded84161c18e" data-vars-headline="A Polish family recipe powers Portland&#x27;s newest pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/kuzynpdx/?hl=en" target="_blank">Kuzyn</a> serves handmade Polish pierogi inspired by the meals they ate growing up together. </li></ul>The big picture: Kyle Broughton, Dan Skuret and Griffin Bariluk launched Kuzyn earlier this year after realizing Portland lacked options for the traditional Eastern European dish.

How Street Books meets readers' broader needs

The nonprofit is now working to expand its collection of LGBTQ+ books.

Street Books launched nearly 16 years ago as a mobile library for homeless Portlanders. But as the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness crisis grows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/22/oregon-homelessness-shelter-growth-2025" data-vars-content-id="9f6f1f6f-4ad6-4d3c-b1bc-e23a1e29a5de" data-vars-headline="How Street Books meets readers&#x27; broader needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/22/oregon-homelessness-shelter-growth-2025" target="_self">homelessness crisis grows</a>, its librarians now distribute overdose-reversal medication, sanitary supplies and sleeping bags alongside novels.Why it matters: The nonprofit is increasingly filling gaps far beyond its original mission statement — something its leaders say was inevitable.

Portland council set to vote on foie gras ban

Councilors are poised to decide whether foie gras can still be served in Portland.

Culture

The days of finding foie gras on Portland menus may be numbered as city councilors get ready to vote on banning the fatty liver delicacy Thursday.The big picture: Proponents of the ban say force-feeding poultry to produce foie gras amounts to animal cruelty, while restaurateurs say it&#x27;s largely performative and would create yet another hurdle for local businesses.

Portland filmmaker spotlights First Thursday, skate culture

The characters encounter some strange people along the way, though.

Local filmmaker Thom Hilton&#x27;s latest 30-minute short is a love letter to two longtime Portland institutions — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/04/first-thursday-art-walk-outdoor-market-portland" data-vars-content-id="cb164b8b-6c38-42d0-a7a9-9831289a19c5" data-vars-headline="Portland filmmaker spotlights First Thursday, skate culture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/04/first-thursday-art-walk-outdoor-market-portland" target="_self">First Thursday</a> and the city&#x27;s skateboarding scene.The big picture: &quot;Waking Up From a Nap on a Long Day of Doing Nothing&quot; follows a painter and his friend as they skate around the city in an attempt to assuage his anxiety about his first gallery show.

Portland Pastry 10K is all about fostering connection

One Portlander is turning eating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/26/women-pastry-chefs-bakers-awards-recognition" data-vars-content-id="c4d26983-b477-4df8-a690-6980c1cc5e5b" data-vars-headline="Portland Pastry 10K is all about fostering connection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/03/26/women-pastry-chefs-bakers-awards-recognition" target="_self">pastries</a> into a collective endurance sport.The big picture: The sold-out Portland Pastry 10K Walk will send 100 people on a 6.8-mile route through Northeast next month, with stops for coffee, croissants, tiramisu and even lasagna along the way.

Inside the Bagdad Theater's Portland legacy

The Hawthorne landmark has survived nearly a century of change.

Over the last century, the Bagdad Theater has survived the end of vaudeville, the multiplex boom and the rise of streaming to remain one of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most enduring local cinemas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/12/10/independent-movie-theaters-regal-closing" data-vars-content-id="a56b9dc1-2200-4bdb-83e3-dc2153544e28" data-vars-headline="Inside the Bagdad Theater&#x27;s Portland legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/12/10/independent-movie-theaters-regal-closing" target="_self">most enduring local cinemas</a>.Why it matters: Now, the Hawthorne landmark is celebrating another milestone: 35 years since McMenamins bought and restored it in 1991.

Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so

"Fetching" lets dogs, not apps, make the matches.

Ever wondered if your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/30/portland-dog-poop-etiquette-trash-cans-poll" data-vars-content-id="b6e25709-0228-44df-b403-1a35277d1c34" data-vars-headline="Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/30/portland-dog-poop-etiquette-trash-cans-poll" target="_self">dog</a> could help you <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="score a date" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/29/polyamorous-ethical-non-monogamy-communities" data-vars-content-id="b6e25709-0228-44df-b403-1a35277d1c34" data-vars-headline="Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/04/29/polyamorous-ethical-non-monogamy-communities" target="_self">score a date</a>? Well, a new Portland dating show is betting your mutt is a better matchmaker than the dating apps.The big picture: Local comedian Andie Main is launching a DIY dating series called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fetching" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXUoiZpCVWd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="b6e25709-0228-44df-b403-1a35277d1c34" data-vars-headline="Can your dog help you date? This Portland comedian thinks so" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXUoiZpCVWd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">Fetching</a>&quot; next month, where dogs — not algorithms — will be making the matches.

How Futel is bringing free public phones back to Portland

Futel turns old payphones into free public phones and interactive art.

<figure><img alt="Several pigeons burst into flight on a city sidewalk outside a storefront, wings spread midair near a red bicycle, trash bags, and a wall-mounted Futel phone, casting sharp shadows in bright daylight." height="450" id="c3803f36-9cdb-4f79-b356-a357c4a3cd12" src="https://images.axios.com/1tM-o_xcByA91cm63jfFWI605ts=/2026/02/09/1770677470623.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Futel phone in front of Street Roots in Old Town is one of the project&#x27;s most used. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>Most people will pass these weathered Portland phone booths without a second thought. But for those who stop, it&#x27;s the difference between being cut off and connected.Why it matters: Payphones are basically extinct, but a volunteer-led project called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Futel" data-vars-click-url="https://futel.net/" data-vars-content-id="c0a7e352-f46e-4b42-910f-6c464c047163" data-vars-headline="How Futel is bringing free public phones back to Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://futel.net/" target="_blank">Futel</a> is putting them back to work, turning obsolete technology into public infrastructure, as well as a place to engage with interactive art.

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

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

Business

<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.

7 chilling horror films shot in Oregon

The state isn't just known for "The Shining."

Dark, rain-soaked forests, foggy coastlines and creepy rural backroads have made Oregon a magnet for Hollywood horror filmmakers.Zoom in: While &quot;The Shining&quot; is perhaps the state&#x27;s most well-known horror classic (the exteriors were shot at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood), Oregon&#x27;s film history stretches beyond big-budget thrillers to indie slashers and more.

The "it" girl behind Portland's "it" bag

Ilóna Gerasimov started Kozha Numbers as a shoe brand initially.

Ilóna Gerasimov grew up watching &quot;Sex and the City&quot; and &quot;Legally Blonde,&quot; but when it comes to inspiration for her own handbag brand, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kozha Numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://kozhanumbers.com/?ls=en" data-vars-content-id="48c8d0fa-0541-4ae3-bd32-ef605f3c4708" data-vars-headline="The &quot;it&quot; girl behind Portland&#x27;s &quot;it&quot; bag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kozhanumbers.com/?ls=en" target="_blank">Kozha Numbers</a>, she focuses on stylish functionality.The big picture: In the 10 years since launching Kozha Numbers, Gerasimov has created a symbol, not of status — her bags have a much more attainable price point compared to Carrie Bradshaw&#x27;s favored Fendi — but of Portland cool.

Culture

How Street Books meets readers' broader needs

Portland council set to vote on foie gras ban

Portland filmmaker spotlights First Thursday, skate culture

Ethereal Reflections stages intimate Portland art exhibit

Portland Pastry 10K is all about fostering connection