PORTLAND, Ore. -- Many retailers bank everything on the holiday shopping season. It’s nearly Thanksgiving and when you look around the downtown Portland shopping district, few people are buying presents.

City leaders hope to change that, by making downtown more convenient.

Thursday most street and utility work in the downtown area came to a halt. It will stay that way through the end of the year.

With all the construction equipment off the streets there are now an additional 400 parking spaces for shoppers. It’s much easier to get around.

Mayor elect Sam Adams kicked off the construction moratorium with the help of Santa and carolers singing Santa Claus is coming to town.

Adams said with the recession here, it's more important than ever to make downtown attractive for the holidays, but that’s just the beginning.

“After the first of the year we're going to announce a local stimulus package. What we're going to do in city government is focusing on people in need and businesses in need as well,” said Adams

Many people we spoke with downtown said because of the recession they'll be cutting back or eliminating Holiday presents this year.

“We’re probably not exchanging presents, only the little baby in our family is getting presents”, said Angie Mayr of Portland. Teresa Griffels-Jossy was buying a few presents at Pioneer Place, but said, “We’re not going to be spending as much on the individual people in my family. We’re planning on giving more money to the food banks and things like that because so many people are experiencing tough times right now.”

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City leaders understand what people are going through, but stress it doesn't take money to enjoy downtown Portland. You can ride Max for free and see the City’s Christmas tree and decorations are everywhere.