Arts and Economy Committee commends Froelich Gallery on 30 years; owner urges action on downtown safety and parking

The Arts and Economy Committee on Oct. 7 presented a city commendation to Froelich Gallery marking its 30th anniversary, and gallery owner Charles Froelich used the occasion to call attention to what he described as mounting challenges for downtown small businesses including public-safety concerns and higher operating costs.

Froelich, who opened Froelich Gallery in 1995, told the committee his gallery’s operating budget is covered entirely by art sales and that the business currently represents 21 artists. “My gallery is a commercial for‑profit business whose operating budget is entirely covered by art sales revenue,” he said. He described gallery sales as an essential part of artists’ livelihoods and said downtown attendance and sales have “plummeted.”

Why it matters: The remarks linked a celebratory recognition to a policy conversation about downtown economic conditions. Committee members responded with public commitments to examine issues Froelich raised, including safety, how tax revenue is used and parking policy—matters that affect foot traffic, local spending and small-business viability.

Froelich said longtime customers and colleagues now avoid downtown because of visible open‑air drug use and a perception that public safety has declined. He told the committee higher business‑insurance rates and recurring security costs have raised his expenses, and said some of his patrons have questioned how tax dollars are spent. He also urged “transparent and thorough audits of all government agencies and contractors” and asked the mayor, city council, PBOT and the city administrator to reduce downtown parking rates, saying recent increases discourage visits.

Committee members thanked Froelich for three decades in Portland. Co‑Chair Ryan (referred to in the meeting as Co‑Chair Ryan) and Co‑Chair Green each praised his longevity and contributions to the arts scene; Councilor Clark and Councilor Smith also offered congratulations. The committee presented a written letter of commendation from the council and mayor during the meeting.

Froelich described the gallery’s regional reach, saying he has helped sell artists’ work to private collectors and museums beyond Oregon, and he thanked employees, artists and collectors who have supported the gallery over decades. The committee closed the recognition with applause and a short birthday acknowledgement; Froelich noted it was also his birthday.

No formal action or vote was recorded on policy changes during the recognition. The presentation was a ceremonial commendation and an opportunity for the owner to address elected officials directly; committee members said they heard and appreciated his remarks.