Mayor: Show extra love at Portland businesses after protests

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The City of Portland, the Portland Business Alliance, Travel Portland and more are offering deals and free parking downtown this weekend in an effort to generate some of the revenue lost during last weekend’s political protests.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the Portland Business Alliance said Wednesday that demonstrations on Aug. 17 cost Portland businesses an estimated $3 million dollars in lost sales.

Ahead of the right-wing protest and counter-protest, many retailers and restaurants in the downtown area Saturday opted to close.

In a “Shop. Eat. Play.” promotion, downtown street parking and Smart Park garages will be free on Saturday. Portland Streetcar rides will be free all day. Biketown will also be free. And Lyft, Lime, Bird and Spin are all offering deals to riders.