From the above article:

"Crimes in downtown have dropped since the jail opened six years ago, according to statistics from the Springfield Police Department. Last year, for example, police did not receive one call about prostitution in downtown. Police last year also had fewer calls from downtown about found syringes, public drunkenness and fights. Downtown crime also was reduced after Springfield police, through an agreement with the state Department of Transportation, began enforcing laws under the Willamette River Bridge, the site of a homeless camp."

Add to this above list of potential downtown revitalization steps taken by Springfield their ordinance against street side panhandling.