Mitch Green, a Portland City Councilor, is taking action to remove what he describes as bureaucratic barriers that hinder small businesses, particularly street vendors.
Green’s motivation stems from a personal experience nearly two decades ago when he purchased a hot dog cart with aspirations to launch a business named “Green Weenies” while studying economics at Portland State University.
His excitement quickly turned to disappointment when he discovered that he needed permission from the adjacent property owner to operate the cart, which was not granted.
“I thought it was pretty absurd,” Green said, reflecting on the setback. “But that was a roadblock I couldn’t get over, and I’m still not over it.”
As he prepares to introduce a new proposal this week, Green aims to eliminate the requirement for street vendors to get consent from property owners to operate their businesses on sidewalks.
“We can control whether or not we’re making it really impossible for people to do something so simple, and I would argue joyous, as to run a small sidewalk cart,” he told OPB.
Portland has long been a hub for street food, known for its burgeoning food cart scene, but regulation has kept many sidewalk vendors from entering the market legally.
Most vendors seen near popular venues like the Moda Center or at downtown events operate without licenses, navigating around the $150 annual permit fee charged by the city, creating potential public health risks.
Green’s ordinance not only seeks to remove property owner consent but also aims to repeal restrictions preventing vendors from setting up near similar businesses and to allow them to operate in residentially zoned areas where such businesses typically aren’t permitted.
The proposal has sparked divided opinions in the community.
While supporters, including Green, see this as a chance to reinvigorate small businesses and increase foot traffic amid rising vacancies in commercial districts, others voice concerns.
Jason Brandt, president of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, articulated the worries of many established businesses in a challenging post-pandemic market.
“Removing property owner approvals and proximity restrictions is a grave concern given what our industry has been up against in the post-pandemic environment,” he stated.
He further emphasized that downtown Portland restaurants are still recovering from a significant decline in foot traffic due to the shift toward remote work.
“Having competing businesses opening up who haven’t made the same long-term investments as brick-and-mortar restaurants introduces a host of challenges for Portland’s economic recovery,” Brandt added.
Jon Isaacs, vice president of the Portland Metro Chamber, expressed similar trepidation.
He pointed out that property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their properties, raising questions about the practicality of allowing vendors to operate without their consent.
“To say they’re responsible for that but they have no consent over businesses operating in that area?” Isaacs questioned. “It will become unmanageable.”
Despite these concerns, Isaacs is open to finding a balance that allows for street vending opportunities without undermining existing businesses. He plans to meet with Green to discuss potential adjustments to the ordinance ahead of the upcoming council meeting.
In contrast to the apprehensions expressed by Isaacs and Brandt, Margo Childs, owner of the East Burnside restaurant Franks-A-Lot, presented a nuanced perspective from her decades of experience in the hot dog business.
Although she worries about the impact of vendors selling cheaper hot dogs just around the corner, she also sees potential benefits.
“If there is a vendor that is able to park right on the corner and sell cheaper hot dogs, I might be a little upset,” Childs admitted. “Especially if their customers came over and used our ketchup. On the other hand, if Franks-A-Lot had a cart and was allowed to be set up next to a park, I’d be interested in that.”
However, parks that allow for commercial vending are limited in Portland.
Nevertheless, Green’s proposal aims to extend the operational reach of sidewalk carts into these areas as well.
Ryan Hashagen, founder and CEO of Icicle Tricycles, a local cargo bike manufacturer specializing in bikes for street vending, remains optimistic about the impact of Green’s proposal.
He pointed out that stringent limitations on vending keep the majority of his bike sales out-of-state, with a mere 3% sold within Oregon.
“This city’s strategic advantage is creative entrepreneurship,” Hashagen argued, supporting the notion that sidewalk vending enables small business experimentation.
He believes more street vendors can contribute positively to Portland’s economy.
“Having a more vibrant and activated city downtown, where more people have economic opportunities and new ideas, will make Portland a hub for innovation,” Hashagen asserted.
He is a firm believer that increased street vending can lead to more successful concepts that benefit the greater business community, similar to the evolution of food carts into brick-and-mortar establishments.
Returning to the economic implications of Green’s proposal, which encompasses a boost in vendor activity, Green’s office has estimated that a 10% increase in hot dog vending alone could translate to roughly $6 million in economic activity through sales, income, and other revenues.
It also suggests a potential increase in state and local tax revenues of up to $200,000, contributing to the city’s budget during a time of fiscal challenges.
One additional aspect to consider is the regulatory environment surrounding food vendors. Currently, all street food vendors in Portland are required to be licensed and inspected by the county health department.
As demand for street stands potentially rises, Green’s policy could lead to increased pressure on health inspectors, a concern not yet addressed in consultations with the Multnomah County Health Department regarding this proposal.
The ordinance is set to be introduced at the upcoming Tuesday Arts and Culture Committee meeting, and Green is hopeful his colleagues will recognize the potential benefits of street vending that initially inspired him nearly two decades ago.
As for Green’s own ambitions in the hot dog business—he humorously noted, “I’m prohibited from doing so while I’m in office. But if the good people of Portland have a distaste for my style of politics, then you know where I’ll be.”
image source from：opb
