Portland

A picture of the Portland skyline with the letters PDX

blue

Axios Portland Partners

Portland Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Portland with Kale Williams and Meira Gebel.

Axios Portland

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Portland.

Axios Portland Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Portland Members

Membership

Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch

Policy is just one piece as housing production overall slows.

Real Estate

Portland has been held up nationally as a model for building more affordable &quot;middle&quot; housing units, but recent data suggests a sharp slowdown in construction — a sign that policy is just one remedy for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="easing the city&#x27;s housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/28/portland-housing-unaffordable-middle-income" data-vars-content-id="eb89a1cb-fb61-4d2b-b89e-ca3bf5fea816" data-vars-headline="Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/28/portland-housing-unaffordable-middle-income" target="_self">easing the city&#x27;s housing crisis</a>.The big picture: A recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/18/portland-housing-infill-ratio-duplexes/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzc0MzI0ODAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzc1NzA3MTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NzQzMjQ4MDAsImp0aSI6ImYyOGEzOGExLTY1ZDUtNGMwNS1hNTE1LWQwYWQzOTUyNmZmNiIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI2LzAzLzE4L3BvcnRsYW5kLWhvdXNpbmctaW5maWxsLXJhdGlvLWR1cGxleGVzLyJ9.t6_eWGOgooL-IHqkzQK0VznNvYD9r3k6-0IFrlowZAc" data-vars-content-id="eb89a1cb-fb61-4d2b-b89e-ca3bf5fea816" data-vars-headline="Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/18/portland-housing-infill-ratio-duplexes/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzc0MzI0ODAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzc1NzA3MTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NzQzMjQ4MDAsImp0aSI6ImYyOGEzOGExLTY1ZDUtNGMwNS1hNTE1LWQwYWQzOTUyNmZmNiIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI2LzAzLzE4L3BvcnRsYW5kLWhvdXNpbmctaW5maWxsLXJhdGlvLWR1cGxleGVzLyJ9.t6_eWGOgooL-IHqkzQK0VznNvYD9r3k6-0IFrlowZAc" target="_blank">Washington Post report</a> highlighted Portland&#x27;s success in spurring middle housing units (duplexes, fourplexes, accessory dwelling units and &quot;cottage clusters&quot;) through its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Residential Infill Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/rip" data-vars-content-id="eb89a1cb-fb61-4d2b-b89e-ca3bf5fea816" data-vars-headline="Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/rip" target="_blank">Residential Infill Project</a> (RIP), which loosened local zoning laws to incentivize denser development on a single lot.

Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies

Organizers expect millions to join nationwide protests, with dozens planned locally.

News

Organizers across the U.S. are planning more than 3,000 local events Saturday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" data-vars-content-id="fbe76952-bedd-4b5c-852b-10d3e28673eb" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" target="_self">No Kings</a> Day of Nonviolent Action, including protests and rallies in and around Portland.The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect Saturday&#x27;s demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="fbe76952-bedd-4b5c-852b-10d3e28673eb" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="fbe76952-bedd-4b5c-852b-10d3e28673eb" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.

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.

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.

Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

Several Portland chefs and restaurants are finalists for top culinary honors this year.

Food and Drink

Several Portland chefs and restaurants were named finalists for this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/21/james-beard-2026-oregon-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="fd5b0e19-0d8b-46e6-a1cb-d1356a7d1d40" data-vars-headline="Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/21/james-beard-2026-oregon-semifinalists" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> on Tuesday.The big picture: The names in contention for the industry&#x27;s highest honors might sound familiar to anyone who follows the Portland culinary scene closely.

Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division

What happens when two former Intel executives fall in love while on a work trip in Barcelona? They open a restaurant specializing in paella and tapas to bring the drop-in late-night conviviality of Spanish dining to Portland.The big picture: Vy and Steve Chao — the duo behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doja Teas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dojateas.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dojateas.com/" target="_blank">Doja Teas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balkan restaurant Alma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" target="_self">Balkan restaurant Alma</a> — opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vyapdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vyapdx.com/" target="_blank">Vya</a> (pronounced &quot;via&quot;) last month in the former Palomar space on the busy stretch of Southeast Division Street.

Carmack's Doughnuts revives family "spudnut" recipe

Carmack's Doughnuts is run out of a home kitchen steps away from Peninsula Park.

Sean Carmack is bringing a generations-old family <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" target="_self">doughnut</a> business back to life in his home kitchen, just steps away from North Portland&#x27;s Peninsula Park. The big picture: Carmack&#x27;s &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnuts " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" target="_self">doughnuts </a>made with potato flour — can be traced back to 1953, when his great-grandfather took over a small shop in Bountiful, Utah. It was a cult-classic success for four decades until a fire and failed revival attempt shut it down for good.

L'Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes

The bistro delivers standout classics in a cozy atmosphere.

Am I late to the party? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="L&#x27;Echelle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/l-chelle-brings-french-cuisine-to-se-division" data-vars-content-id="fc2294a3-17d1-4403-8839-60c09c2226a5" data-vars-headline="L&#x27;Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/l-chelle-brings-french-cuisine-to-se-division" target="_self">L&#x27;Echelle</a>, named one of the best new restaurants last year and known locally as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late chef Naomi Pomery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/14/photos-to-go-celebrating-naomi" data-vars-content-id="fc2294a3-17d1-4403-8839-60c09c2226a5" data-vars-headline="L&#x27;Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/14/photos-to-go-celebrating-naomi" target="_self">late chef Naomi Pomery</a>&#x27;s legacy establishment, continues to draw devoted diners and emulates a quaint neighborhood bistro.The big picture: Heralded by Pomeroy&#x27;s longtime collaborators and close friends, restaurateur Luke Dirks and chef Mika Paredes, L&#x27;Echelle isn&#x27;t flashy, but it is refined — focusing on elevating French classics with subtle twists, warm service and an intimate, swanky ambiance.

Comedian Brandon Lyons stirs up Portland's doughnut debate

Brandon Lyons has pretty specific criteria, too.

Blueberry fritters, maple bars, loukoumades and cronuts: Brandon Lyons has eaten them all (and more) over the last month in his quest to find <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the best doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" data-vars-content-id="9db75d86-626a-4023-9cd4-27498773abe2" data-vars-headline="Comedian Brandon Lyons stirs up Portland&#x27;s doughnut debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" target="_self">the best doughnut</a> in and around Portland.The big picture: The Rose City-based comedian has always loved doughnuts — he used to ask for them in lieu of birthday cake growing up — so he decided to turn his obsession into a creative, video-based social media chronicle that could also fuel his standup.

Mako Matcha Mill grinds tea leaves in Portland's West End

The cafe mills Japanese tea leaves on site and serves $4 matcha lattes.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matcha" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/18/food-fight-great-matcha-portland" data-vars-content-id="babbdef8-45fd-4f74-b89e-84afa6258c45" data-vars-headline="Mako Matcha Mill grinds tea leaves in Portland&#x27;s West End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/18/food-fight-great-matcha-portland" target="_self">matcha</a> cafe is now open in Southwest Portland&#x27;s West End neighborhood, grinding its own dried, shade-grown tea leaves on site.The big picture: Mako Matcha Mill is receiving the same amount of buzz — including hour-plus waits — as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Project Matcha" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2025/07/project-matcha-portland" data-vars-content-id="babbdef8-45fd-4f74-b89e-84afa6258c45" data-vars-headline="Mako Matcha Mill grinds tea leaves in Portland&#x27;s West End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2025/07/project-matcha-portland" target="_blank">Project Matcha</a>, which opened in Central Eastside last spring, luring in hordes of customers with Instagram-friendly drinks and high-quality tea.

Rhinestone doubles down on fun in year one

The Vegas-cowboy-inspired bar is only serious about one thing: hospitality.

&quot;Keep it fun&quot; is the guiding principle at Rhinestone, Southeast Portland&#x27;s Vegas-cowboy-coded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktail bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="fef51546-c35c-4595-b272-ae45b5b71705" data-vars-headline="Rhinestone doubles down on fun in year one" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" target="_self">cocktail bar</a>, run by bar manager Trevor Thorpe and chef Graham Chaney. <ul><li>The menu is just one reflection of that: Flamin&#x27; Hot Cheeto-crusted spam sliders, carnitas eggs Benedict, chicken-fried baby-back ribs, and cocktails with names like Helldorado, Get Blasted, and Can I Cricket. </li></ul>

Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals

Score three- or five-course meals at top spots for a fraction of the usual cost.

That <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="29962f4d-b39a-4b22-985d-b9149be0d3c3" data-vars-headline="Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" target="_self">new restaurant</a> you&#x27;ve been meaning to try? March may be the time to finally book a reservation.The big picture: More than 100 of the city&#x27;s top dining establishments are participating in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Dining Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxdiningmonth.com/" data-vars-content-id="29962f4d-b39a-4b22-985d-b9149be0d3c3" data-vars-headline="Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxdiningmonth.com/" target="_blank">Portland Dining Month</a>, where exclusive, limited-time prix-fixe meals — with either three or five courses — will be a fraction of the cost.

The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland's dining scene

Handmade noodles and deep-rooted traditions have made this Central Eastside favorite a new classic.

<figure><img alt="Bowl of Northern Vietnamese noodle soup topped with herbs, crispy shallots and pork, served with fresh greens, bean sprouts and dipping sauce on a wooden table with chopsticks and patterned dishes." height="450" id="4d77840c-4ddf-4565-830d-12fb8be37747" src="https://images.axios.com/Zwo0gcyAzaMPg47ALhNuYSpscF0=/2026/02/18/1771449773450.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A bowl worth the hype. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>In the two years since The Paper Bridge opened in Portland&#x27;s Central Eastside, the Northern Vietnamese-style restaurant has received a handful of national accolades securing its popularity and one-of-a-kindness.The big picture: The buzz is rooted in commitment. Co-owners Quynh Nguyen and Carlo Reinardy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hand-make their rice noodles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#the-paper-bridge" data-vars-content-id="ba8154f4-88fa-49a4-8cc2-9dda9e1b3140" data-vars-headline="The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland&#x27;s dining scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#the-paper-bridge" target="_blank">hand-make their rice noodles</a> daily and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the 14-page menu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepaperbridgepdx.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="ba8154f4-88fa-49a4-8cc2-9dda9e1b3140" data-vars-headline="The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland&#x27;s dining scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepaperbridgepdx.com/menu" target="_blank">the 14-page menu</a> provides the cultural history of each dish — tracing its lineage to inform diners not of what to expect on their plate, but of the long tradition.

Portland's best cheap eats right now

Times are tight, but your appetite doesn't have to be.

<figure><img alt="A moving image showing a sushi restaurant, with plates of items moving on a conveyor belt as a patron eats." height="450" id="884913a0-d56e-43d6-be08-7c34e930c312" src="https://images.axios.com/IsfVKZyNIYYSn_9A6onrDvd4qSA=/2026/01/22/1769120414708.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Happy hour at Sushi Hada is a busy affair. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>Portland remains undefeated at eating well without breaking the bank — even as inflation lingers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grocery prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/16/grocery-prices-west-rise-december-2025" data-vars-content-id="3081745a-d316-4284-a541-5c07788c0ee2" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s best cheap eats right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/16/grocery-prices-west-rise-december-2025" target="_self">grocery prices</a> stay stubbornly high.The big picture: The city offers no shortage of options, from weekday oyster specials and all-day beer deals to late-night dumplings, discounted pasta and old-school happy hours.<ul><li>Here are just a few of the spots we&#x27;ve tried, tested and love.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

Yanni's Greek Donuts does sticky-sweet, made-to-order loukoumades

Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division

Carmack's Doughnuts revives family "spudnut" recipe

L'Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes