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How Portland's business challenges ripple across Oregon

The city's economic growth depends on restoring livability.

Business

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.

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.

HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025

The median monthly payment is about $111.

Real Estate

More Oregon homes for sale in 2025 came with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners association fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/13/hoa-fees-portland" data-vars-content-id="2c13f7b3-5a66-41f4-9b83-3f4c954d7f68" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/02/13/hoa-fees-portland" target="_self">homeowners association fees</a>, and those dues climbed from a year earlier, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" data-vars-content-id="2c13f7b3-5a66-41f4-9b83-3f4c954d7f68" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> data shows.Why it matters: Rising HOA fees add to the already high cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="2c13f7b3-5a66-41f4-9b83-3f4c954d7f68" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

Finding solutions for Oregon's business struggles

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

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.

How to compost or recycle your Christmas tree in Portland

Holidays

New Year&#x27;s Day has come and gone, but some of us still have dried out Christmas trees dropping needles in our living rooms. Yes, but: You can still ditch your tree for free (or with a donation or charge) courtesy of several nonprofits and your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="garbage company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/home-recycling/find-my-hauler" data-vars-content-id="78ab93d4-2807-4f74-a462-aed1d2bcf5d4" data-vars-headline="How to compost or recycle your Christmas tree in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/home-recycling/find-my-hauler" target="_blank">garbage company</a>.

Oregon's Christmas tree industry faces climate threats

Oregon's growers face rising threats from drought, heat and wildfires.

News

Oregon remains the nation&#x27;s top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christmas tree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/11/27/where-to-find-christmas-trees-oregon" data-vars-content-id="c1deb6d4-2f09-49be-8928-3d4008ae2d38" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s Christmas tree industry faces climate threats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/11/27/where-to-find-christmas-trees-oregon" target="_self">Christmas tree</a> producer — and researchers say staying No. 1 will depend on how well growers adapt to a changing climate.Why it matters: Climate change-driven heat waves and wildfires can quietly wipe out years of work for Oregon&#x27;s Christmas tree growers, who supply more than one-third of all real trees sold in the U.S.

Where to find an Oregon Christmas tree this season

Oregon remains the country's top Christmas tree producer.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s not too early to start thinking about Christmas — and Oregonians have a leg up on tree shopping. State of play: Oregon remains the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest grower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2023/11/22/oregon-is-the-top-grower-and-exporter-of-christmas-trees/71607796007/" data-vars-content-id="81eb07c0-4d38-4b51-9b06-1e0f7e98ba06" data-vars-headline="Where to find an Oregon Christmas tree this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2023/11/22/oregon-is-the-top-grower-and-exporter-of-christmas-trees/71607796007/" target="_blank">largest grower</a> — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exporter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/NurseryChristmasTree/ShippingPlantMaterial/SiteAssets/Pages/ChristmasTreeShipping/2024%20Christmas%20Tree%20Shipping%20Guide%20.pdf" data-vars-content-id="81eb07c0-4d38-4b51-9b06-1e0f7e98ba06" data-vars-headline="Where to find an Oregon Christmas tree this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/NurseryChristmasTree/ShippingPlantMaterial/SiteAssets/Pages/ChristmasTreeShipping/2024%20Christmas%20Tree%20Shipping%20Guide%20.pdf" target="_blank">exporter</a> — of Christmas trees in the country, with North Carolina coming in a close second.<ul><li>Over 1,000 Oregon farms grow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than 4 million" data-vars-click-url="https://ourimpact.oregonstate.edu/story/osu-research-keeps-oregon-christmas-tree-industry-no-1-nation#:~:text=Oregon%20is%20the%20No.,Oregon%20agricultural%20commodity%20in%202020." data-vars-content-id="81eb07c0-4d38-4b51-9b06-1e0f7e98ba06" data-vars-headline="Where to find an Oregon Christmas tree this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ourimpact.oregonstate.edu/story/osu-research-keeps-oregon-christmas-tree-industry-no-1-nation#:~:text=Oregon%20is%20the%20No.,Oregon%20agricultural%20commodity%20in%202020." target="_blank">more than 4 million</a> Christmas trees annually — supplying nearly a third of the trees sold in the U.S.</li></ul>

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Portland

If toiling over a hot stove isn't your idea of a holiday, there are plenty of places that will do it for you.

Food and Drink

The easiest way to prepare a hearty Thanksgiving meal this year is to not do it at all.Driving the news: If toiling over a hot stove isn&#x27;t your idea of a holiday, there are plenty of places that will do it for you — with turkey, fixings or non-traditional items ready to fill your table … and your stomach.

Portland Irish Festival goes bigger than ever

Kells St. Patrick's Day is now a three venue event.

Over three decades, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gerard McAleese" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kellsbrewpub.com/about" data-vars-content-id="1dd2b9b6-207e-4fc6-b96b-2a429e7fe511" data-vars-headline="Portland Irish Festival goes bigger than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kellsbrewpub.com/about" target="_blank">Gerard McAleese</a> has grown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kells Irish Pub&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kellsportland.com/" data-vars-content-id="1dd2b9b6-207e-4fc6-b96b-2a429e7fe511" data-vars-headline="Portland Irish Festival goes bigger than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kellsportland.com/" target="_blank">Kells Irish Pub&#x27;s</a> St. Patrick&#x27;s Day celebration into a three-day festival across three venues with multiple forms of entertainment.Why it matters: What used to consist of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yeates Irish dancers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yeatesacademy.com/" data-vars-content-id="1dd2b9b6-207e-4fc6-b96b-2a429e7fe511" data-vars-headline="Portland Irish Festival goes bigger than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yeatesacademy.com/" target="_blank">Yeates Irish dancers</a>, Gaelic folk music, and a U2 cover band, has grown into an official piece of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regeneration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/11/02/post-pandemic-economic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="1dd2b9b6-207e-4fc6-b96b-2a429e7fe511" data-vars-headline="Portland Irish Festival goes bigger than ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/11/02/post-pandemic-economic-recovery" target="_self">regeneration</a> of downtown Portland.

What to expect from Portland's holiday travel surge

Portland International Airport is expecting about 730,000 passengers this season.

Brace yourself for busy airports and highways this holiday season.Driving the news: This year, AAA is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="predicting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/11/christmas-travel-new-year-record" data-vars-content-id="a8288d7e-f13f-4635-b934-25dfb88ac48f" data-vars-headline="What to expect from Portland&#x27;s holiday travel surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/11/christmas-travel-new-year-record" target="_self">predicting</a> its second-highest year-end travel forecast since the group began tracking holiday travel in 2000.

Portland isn't likely to see a white Christmas this year

"It doesn't look promising," a National Weather Service meteorologist tells Axios.

Chances of a white Christmas are dismal for Portland this year, though that could bode well for holiday travelers. Driving the news: The likelihood of snow on the holiday is less than 5%, Colby Neuman, a meteorologist with the Portland office of the National Weather Service tells Axios.

Holiday gifts with a Portland twist

Holiday gifts from truffles to theater tickets.

Portland is chock-full of creative folks — and that, among other things, translates to great holiday gifts.Worthy of your time: We compiled a short list of local gems after eyeing them through this critical lens:<ul><li>If you sent them to out-of-town friends, would that tempt them to visit?</li></ul>

Indigenizing Thanksgiving

Portland events and other ways to indigenize Thanksgiving

Native Americans are holding public and private events here and around the country this week, transforming traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with Indigenous food and alternative meanings.Why it matters: Thanksgiving has become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="target in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/23/the-rise-of-thankstaking" data-vars-content-id="b188426d-fc54-44c0-b1db-25195b861ecd" data-vars-headline="Indigenizing Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/23/the-rise-of-thankstaking" target="_self">target in recent years</a> for Native Americans who seek to retell the story of the U.S. holiday from their points of view.