Gentrification

Being a newcomer to this NW gem of a city, it is fascinating to hear about how Portland has transformed even in the past few decades. I live in North Portland, near Killingsworth. Just 10 years ago, drive-by shootings, robberies, and gang-related activity was rampant along this street. The number 4 bus, which I ride home from work, was the most dangerous bus to ride in Portland, with regular stabbings, fights breaking out, etc. Now, the number 4 passes through the 'Historic Mississippi District' which today draws wanderlusting yogis, overall-wearing fashionistas, and not-so-underground-indie bands alike, but was once a terribly shady part of town.

Gentrification is the process of urban revitalization that leads to the mass displacement of poorer residents and ethnic minorities. Portland is one of the fastest gentrifying cities in the United States. And it's population is expected to double in the next 10-15 years, or so I hear from fellow Portlandians.

There only relics to the once diverse communities of North and Northeast Portland are corner stores and mom&pop ethnic restaurants. Soon they will be drowned out by coffee roasters and vintage furniture stores--succulent nurseries and ballet barre studios. This interactive map published by Oregon Live shows displacement patterns, pushing low-income and minority residents to the depths of the East Side, all the way to Gresham.

What does this mean for a young city known for its individuality? Can we keep Portland weird if EVERYONE from Cesar Chavez Blvd in rides fixies, hungover on microbrews, to their nonprofit job, in flannel and danner boots and tattoos? There is a certain monotony that accompanies gentrification. And this SNL skit brings to light a contentious issue with on-point candor.