---
title: 'Questioning whether or not Portland can regain its “vibe”'
date: '2023-12-05T07:22:35-08:00'
type: post
word_count: 159
char_count: 1055
tokens: 207
categories:
  - Portland
---

# Questioning whether or not Portland can regain its “vibe”

I’ve talked to any number of people about the pervading pessimism that has taken hold in Portland over the past few years. It’s that single distinct and palpable change that concerns me most — for everyone here. A recent [Portland Monthly piece](https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2023/12/portland-lost-its-vibe-essay-william-deresiewicz) has a similar take on the malaise, the potential causes, and the question of whether or not Portland can ever become “unique and interesting again.”

> We can never go back to the old, but perhaps we can combine the best of old and new—the independent, cooperative spirit, so deep in Portland’s DNA, and the recent infusion of people and wealth—to take us somewhere good. Now, when cities everywhere are ailing, we should remember that Portland has shown the way forward before. It can again.

For more, read “[Has Portland lost its vibe?](https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2023/12/portland-lost-its-vibe-essay-william-deresiewicz)“