It is part of the Pamplin Media Group, which publishes a number of community newspapers in the Portland metropolitan area.

[8] But its launch preceded a significant national downturn in advertising sales, which posed difficulties for a startup newspaper.

[11] In July 2009, "difficult economic conditions" led to the layoff of two reporters and the resignation of its managing editor, resulting in a newsroom staff of 14.

[12] In January 2020, the Portland Tribune returned to once-weekly on Thursdays and online articles became limited to paid subscribers only.

In October 2022, publisher Mark Garber announced that the weekly newsprint edition, which had continued to be free, would change at the beginning of November to a paid product, available only to subscribers and by purchase at retail outlets.