Downtown in distress: Portland’s core is unsafe and uninviting, residents say in new poll, threatening city’s recovery Updated 10:00 AM; Today 7:27 AM Residents describe downtown as “destroyed,” “trashed,” “riots” and “sad." Persistent vandalism, accumulating trash and homelessness have soured attitudes about Portland's economic, cultural and transportation hub.Dave Killen/The Oregonian Facebook Share Residents across the metro area say downtown Portland has become dirty, unsafe and uninviting and many anticipate visiting the city’s core less often after the pandemic than they did before. Those are the worrisome findings of a new poll of 600 people -- half who live within Portland’s city limits -- commissioned by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Asked for their perceptions of downtown, respondents frequently used words like “destroyed,” “trashed,” “riots” and “sad.” Many cited homelessness as a particular issue, and said there is an urgent need for the city to find housing and support people living on the street.