The City of Portland today released new data showing a significant increase in downtown foot traffic during the kickoff to the holiday shopping season. According to Prosper Portland and Placer AI, the Central City West area saw 130,700 visitors on Small Business Saturday, an increase of nearly 20 percent over last year and 92 percent of 2019 levels.
"Portlanders are showing up for their local businesses, and it's making a real impact," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "This momentum brings us closer to our goal of fully restoring Central City foot traffic to pre‑pandemic levels by 2030."
The City and its partners continue to encourage residents to visit downtown throughout the holiday season, supporting local retailers, restaurants, and cultural destinations. The strong early‑season turnout adds to a multi‑year trend of rising activity in the city's core.
The Mayor also invited the community to celebrate New Year's Eve at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The New Year's Eve Drone Show and Dance Party on Wednesday, December 31 will feature food and drinks, a family‑friendly dance party, and two drone shows with hundreds of drones lighting up the night sky. PBOT's Safe Ride Home program will be available, and TriMet and Portland Streetcar will offer free rides after 8 p.m. to support safe travel.
Source: City of Portland