Oregon is known as one of the least diverse states in the nation. Its largest city, in particular, has a visibly noticeable majority of people who identify as Caucasian. In other words, Portland isn’t as diverse as one might believe.
The Oregonian recently conducted a detailed analysis of the 2010 census, and their findings reflect a significantly high level of decreased diversity in the heart of the city of Portland.
Not only are more white people moving into the core of Portland, thus boosting numbers considerably, but people of differing races are also moving out of the area. According to the census, 10,000 racially diverse people—those who would not be considered Caucasian, most of whom are black—have moved east of Portland since the last census was taken 10 years ago. A large percentage of these moves were due to gentrification.
These are not numbers to be proud of, and Mayor Sam Adams seems to have realized this. “Whether you are a Portlander of color or a white Portlander, you should care about the fact that we offer such limited access to equal opportunities,” Adams told The Oregonian.
Out of 354 census tracts that were analyzed by The Oregonian, 40 of them in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties were found to be “whiter” than in previous years. Of the 40 whiter tracts, 38 were located in Portland. A larger population may perhaps add to the likelihood that its numbers of white people will continue to rise, especially as Oregonians who used to live in the suburbs—most of which contain white majorities—move closer to the city; this is no excuse, however, for the fact that other ethnicities are leaving more polished, and in turn safer, neighborhoods.
Despite the modern attitudes of the city, Portland has a history of systematic racism—this is a whole other story. But part of that story is that such a system has left certain areas and communities in a cycle of poverty. Lower-income families and citizens are now being pushed out of the heart of the city into sagging neighborhoods.
The problem is not that money is going into Portland’s “nicer” areas, but rather that the money going toward wealthier neighborhoods, or regions that are growing wealthier, is not being offered to lower-income areas. Wherever the money lives in Portland, the city will invest in that area over others.
In 2000, North and Northeast Portland was home to a mostly black population; now, Caucasians outnumber them.
Why is it that, when the rest of the country seems to be making strides toward equal opportunities, Portland is showing signs of pushing minorities out? This is a completely unnecessary problem that Portland has created for itself, and it will not be easily reversed if direct action is not taken. City officials and those with the power to change these statistics need to realize the importance of keeping the diversity of the city a top priority. Diversity is not only beneficial from a societal and cultural aspect, but also from an economic standpoint. Less opportunity for children can negatively impact the entire city as undereducated kids grow up.
Although Portland still ranks as one of the most desirable large cities to live in, it will undoubtedly lose this standing if census analyses continue to reflect the most recent study. It is time for the city to take control and provide the same opportunities for the white and black populations, thus preserving Portland’s positive reputation. ?