Progressive Portland’s Shift on HomelessnessThe Guardian: Interview

Stick over carrot’: progressive Portland takes a hard turn on homelessness

Portland, Oregon, known for its liberal policies, is experiencing a significant shift in its approach to homelessness. Jessie Burke, owner of The Society Hotel, witnessed the transformation firsthand as tent encampments around her property in Old Town began to clear. This change is part of a broader city effort to address homelessness by moving away from a hands-off policy to actively clearing camps and encouraging unhoused individuals to relocate to centralized communities. The move has sparked controversy, with advocates arguing it criminalizes homelessness and fails to address underlying causes, while others see it as a necessary step towards restoring order and safety in downtown Portland.