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Forest Service overhaul threatens Portland's role

Federal changes could move research and policy roles out of Portland.

News

A sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service is poised to reshape how millions of acres of Western <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/09/public-trails-hiking-research-forest-oregon-state" data-vars-content-id="8a111d47-cf98-4870-8cb9-0edcacfe3f83" data-vars-headline="Forest Service overhaul threatens Portland&#x27;s role" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/09/public-trails-hiking-research-forest-oregon-state" target="_self">forests</a> are managed, and will likely force the relocation of hundreds of researchers from Portland.Why it matters: Portland has long been a hub for wildfire planning, timber policy and scientific research across Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Portland road conditions worsen as city weighs new fee

Plus: Northwest 23rd Avenue may be the most despised corridor by drivers.

<figure><img alt="Cars drive across an intersection that has cracked pavement and deep wheel ruts in Portland&#x27;s Northwest 23rd neighborhood." height="450" id="37c6efa8-1917-4c7b-9799-7eb770d044c4" src="https://images.axios.com/Ma9j9UWlrc1LBtVgWWX-PdTNu3U=/2026/03/31/1774989898549.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Portland&#x27;s Northwest 23rd Avenue corridor is one of the worst for drivers. Or as reader Joel S. calls it: &quot;Can you say &#x27;Oregon Trail&#x27;?!&quot; GIF: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>From deep wheel ruts to uneven pavement and even sinkholes, Axios Portland readers shared their frustration about our bumpiest streets and how little has been done to fix them.Why it matters: These recurring concerns come as city leaders weigh new ways to fund road maintenance, including a proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation utility fee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/03/portland-could-charge-you-a-monthly-fee-to-help-fix-its-deplorable-streets.html" data-vars-content-id="2f1d819c-13a9-4644-824c-1b7b76060228" data-vars-headline="Portland road conditions worsen as city weighs new fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/03/portland-could-charge-you-a-monthly-fee-to-help-fix-its-deplorable-streets.html" target="_blank">transportation utility fee</a> that would charge residents monthly.

Portland bucks national immigration slump

New Census data shows immigration falling nationwide, but Portland saw slight growth.

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, new U.S. Census data shows. <ul><li>Portland, however, ever so slightly bucked the trend.</li></ul>Why it matters: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

What Portland homeowners do for a living

Rising costs reshape who can buy homes in Portland, with educators leading.

Real Estate

Those in the education and social services sectors are most likely to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="424fc0ab-e71f-494b-88fe-e4aedea7cd6a" data-vars-headline="What Portland homeowners do for a living" 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">own homes</a> in Portland, according to a new analysis shared exclusively with Axios.Why it matters: Who can afford to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/27/home-down-payment-time-2025" data-vars-content-id="424fc0ab-e71f-494b-88fe-e4aedea7cd6a" data-vars-headline="What Portland homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/27/home-down-payment-time-2025" target="_self">own a home</a> is shifting — reflecting rising housing costs and changing job geography, per the National Association of Realtors analysis of census data.

A new retail blueprint is emerging in Beaverton

Walker Center is reshaping how national retailers perceive Beaverton as a viable, growth-ready market.

Business

A new retail trend is taking shape in the Portland metro area and beyond: major retailers are shifting away from city centers and focusing expansion efforts on high-opportunity suburban hubs.

Beaverton's Walker Center enters a new era

Beaverton's Walker Center is shaping Portland's retail landscape with the opening of REI Co-Op.

Portland&#x27;s retail landscape is shifting, with shoppers seeking more than just transactions — they want experiences, convenience and connection to value-driven brands.What you need to know: Beaverton&#x27;s Walker Center is evolving into a premier retail destination in the Portland metro area.