From one of the linked articles:
“Numbers from the Portland State University Population Research Center indicate a slowing of growth in the state, but also show a drop in the Portland metro area.”
Portland is very liberal, with consequences. Maybe they aren’t counting the homeless who came from California for more generous handouts.
However, I wonder about de-population in general due to Wuhan virus and, worse yet, the mRNA shots. Where I live in Florida, restaurant seating in Carrabba’s restaurant seems more plentiful. Chili’s used to be too loud. Maybe I should give it another try. I remember that every time a dominoe fell to communism in Southeast Asia, new ethnic restaurants opened in the US. I’m sad to say that the silver lining is a mere sliver.
Prices are doing it. Dinner for two can easily top $200 now.