How can Portland sustain so many new restaurants?

imageBY HANNAH WALLACE | OB BLOGGER

I’m thrilled that Portland’s restaurants are thriving. But who are these people who can afford to dine out several nights a week? They can’t all work for Adidas, Intel, or Nike—or some new tech start-up or innovation consultancy firm.

From the editor: Digging out

Today the real estate cycle is on the move. For those who want cheap entertainment, there is no shortage of holes in the ground (with modern-day steam shovels) to peer into. So bring your lunch and watch the city grow.

Housing envy

High-density living is the mantra for many urban planners in Portland, Eugene and other Oregon cities. But readers aren’t so keen on policies encouraging construction of apartments and condominiums.

Defensive play

 

The defense market can be easy to overlook in Oregon, a place with a bigger reputation for its antiwar movements than for its military history.