Street food and vibrant urban spaces: lessons from Portland, Oregon

Abstract

Across North America, street vending of snacks and small meals is growing in popularity, coinciding with a rising interest in local food systems and mixed-use planning in urban neighbourhoods. However, many cities have little or no urban street food due to historically strict bylaws, and in some centres, the move to relax the prohibition on street foods has been difficult. This paper examines the theoretical discourse surrounding street food and presents a case study of the city of Portland, Oregon, which is seen as a leader in the area of allowing a vibrant street food culture to develop. This study found that Portland's success is a product of both progressive municipal bylaws and intrinsic spatial and social qualities of the urban landscape. Lessons for cities trying to encourage a street food industry are discussed.