Portland’s Mayor Keith Wilson, approaching his first year in office, has announced a significant shift in strategy to address the city’s persistent homelessness crisis. This change comes as residents demand effective solutions to a problem that has become emblematic of the city’s challenges. When Wilson was elected, he pledged to eliminate unsheltered homelessness by 2026. However, recent developments suggest that achieving this goal may be more complex than anticipated.
As of July, the estimated homeless population in Multnomah County, which primarily encompasses Portland, stood at around 7,500. While this figure may seem manageable for a city of Portland’s size, the situation is far from straightforward.
In an effort initiated by former Mayor Ted Wheeler, the city had previously implemented a ban on public camping. Shortly after taking office, Wilson paused the enforcement of this ban, alongside a plan to allocate $28 million towards creating shelter beds for those without homes. However, on November 1, 2025, Wilson announced the resumption of enforcement, albeit with a caveat. He emphasized that the city would not rely solely on arrests to manage homelessness, stating, “We can’t arrest our way out of homelessness, nor should we.”
Instead, the focus will shift towards issuing citations for behaviors that disrupt community safety, while ensuring that individuals are not penalized merely for camping. Wilson affirmed a commitment to connect unhoused individuals with available shelter and supportive services, indicating that the city aims to expand its shelter options, which may include congregate settings, transitional housing, and hotel placements.
Despite these initiatives, the pace of progress has been slow. The city has targeted the development of over 1,000 beds within the year, yet this number falls short of the needs indicated by the homeless census. Wilson has also introduced a concept he refers to as “reunification,” providing transportation for individuals wishing to return to family or support systems elsewhere. He hopes to facilitate travel for approximately 700 people, although the effectiveness of this initiative remains uncertain.
Looking ahead to 2026, the question remains: how will Portland’s homeless population compare to the current estimate of 7,500? The city’s projections suggest that even an optimistic outcome might only result in a modest decrease.
While Wilson’s approach is commendable in its seriousness, it may require both broader and narrower strategies to make a meaningful impact. A broader strategy could involve diverse solutions tailored to the various needs of the homeless population. In contrast, a narrower focus might delve into individual stories and circumstances to develop personalized solutions.
The reunification program exemplifies this individualized approach. By addressing specific barriers to stable housing, such as the cost of transportation, the city could potentially assist a number of individuals in regaining stability. Additionally, drawing inspiration from successful drug court models elsewhere in the country might provide a pathway to address underlying social issues related to substance abuse.
Combining enforcement of camping regulations with effective court interventions and a range of supportive services could facilitate more targeted solutions. This dual approach might not only address the immediate concerns of homelessness but also foster long-term change for those affected.
As Portland navigates this complex issue, the city remains committed to exploring a variety of strategies in its quest to reduce homelessness. Wilson’s leadership and the city’s evolving policies will play a crucial role in shaping the future for Portland’s unhoused population.