In general, nearly every problem related to public safety in Portland relates back to the problem of insufficient personnel to do the job. The Enhanced Community Safety Initiative offers a practical approach to solving a pressing problem. The November 2026 ballot initiative will finally give Portland the staffing and resources to get public safety right. But without a more reliable public safety system, addressing other problems is significantly harder. Oregon cannot succeed if Portland fails, and restoring public safety in Portland begins with solving the police staffing crisis.