City Cast Portland

The city of Portland just approved a permit for the controversial fuel transportation and storage company Zenith Energy to continue operating in our city. After widespread opposition from climate activists and some city councilors, we’re digging into why this happened. We’re also opening up our mailbag to hear listeners’ takes on Portland pizza, doughnuts, hummus, and much more. Joining executive...

February is Black History Month and today we’re talking about some of our city’s best Black-owned restaurants and other tasty spots with freelance reporter and self-proclaimed foodie Jenni Moore. She’s sharing some of her favorites — from a sneaker-themed coffee shop to Portland’s best catfish burrito and everything in between. Mentioned on Today’s Episode: Deadstock Coffee  Cafe United  L'Atelier...

Last month, Elana Pirtle-Guiney made history becoming the first president of Portland’s new 12-member City Council. She’ll be driving the conversation on a lot of big issues: Will they support Mayor Keith Wilson’s ambitious new plan to end unsheltered homelessness? And how will the Council deal with a staggering $100 million budget shortfall? Today, host Claudia Meza talks with President Pirtle-Gu...

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the most recent analysis of Oregon's housing market shortage and the latest city auditor's report, which calls out Portland's property maintenance ordinances for unfairly burdening homeowners of color. We're also learning about the return of our sea otters and a search for the Belmont Goats' permanent home. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news di...

From catching an acclaimed documentary about a Portland rock band to shopping for vegetables at one of the country’s best winter farmers markets, there’s a surprising number of fun things to do this month in Portland. The City Cast Portland team is here to narrow down your February plans to the must-dos, like booking a winter getaway at a lodge in the Deschutes National Forest. Plus, a bonus sugge...

In the week since President Trump took office, he’s already signed dozens of executive orders, started mass deportations, and threatened many of our closest trading partners with tariffs. Today, we’re talking with Oregonian business reporter Mike Rogoway about how President Trump’s plans could impact particular Oregon industries — as well as life here in Portland.    We’re doing a survey to learn...

Longtime radio host and podcaster Luke Burbank shares his personal history in Portland through the lens of four songs, part of a series on City Cast Portland that we’re calling Portland Mixtapes. Luke has been the host of the syndicated variety show Live Wire Radio, a frequent panelist and guest host of Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, and a correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning. We made a Spotify pla...

This Sunday is National Tater Tot Day, and there’s good reason to celebrate the ubiquitous snack here in Portland: Did you know that Oregon invented the tater tot?! Today, we’re talking with food writer and OPB’s Superabundant newsletter producer Heather Arndt Anderson about Oregon’s starchy history and picking a few spots that excel in our state’s snack of choice.  This episode originally aired o...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about Mayor Keith Wilson’s plan to give shelter to people living outside, the terrible condition that led to the closing of a busy East Portland DMV location, and the Portland chefs and restaurants nominated for this year’s James Beard Awards. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are City Cast director of digital strategy Bryan M....

As much as we love our city, there’s still plenty that annoys, baffles, and infuriates all of us about living here. Today, we’re tapping into our thriving comedy scene for its hottest takes and grumpiest gripes. Helping us share some submissions from our city’s funniest people is comedian Jay Flewelling. Comedians featured in today’s episode: Ben Harkins Justin Himes Kelly Thomas Check out the wee...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re going over some updates to the city budget, looking at the end of working from home for some city and county employees, and diving into our mailbag with thoughts from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek news roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni Discussed in Today’s Episode:  Portland Faces Potential $100M Budget Sh...

The Oregon legislature’s 160-day session begins today! And our state lawmakers are aiming to tackle some of the most pressing issues for Portlanders, including fixes for our mental and behavioral healthcare systems and our ongoing public defender shortage. This session also marks a leadership change in the House of Representatives, with Democratic Rep. Julie Fahey stepping in as the new speaker of...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the budget boost Portland City Council just voted in for themselves this week and their game plan for committee work. We’re also looking into Metro Council’s proposed changes to the homeless services tax that Multnomah County commissioners are not too happy about. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Oregonian City Hall r...

Did you know Foster-Powell might be the home of Abe Lincoln’s childhood wood stove? We’re continuing our neighborhood guide series with a trip through the dive bars, alleyways, and rich history of this Southeast Portland neighborhood. Today we’re talking with longtime Foster-Powell resident and podcast producer Phoebe Flanigan. Discussed in today’s episode: The Alley Sweeper [Oregonian] Help Rebui...

Last month, Governor Tina Kotek released her proposal for the upcoming two-year state budget, where she hopes to allocate $11.3 billion to Oregon public schools. That’s a significant increase from the previous budget. But will this be enough to meet the needs of students and educators across our state? Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Oregonian education reporter Julia Silverman abo...

When local officials clear out homeless encampments, it’s their duty to safeguard the belongings they collect. However, a recent ProPublica investigation revealed that in Portland, these possessions are only returned to their owners about 4% of the time. Today, ProPublica reporter Nicole Santa Cruz joins us to unpack this investigation. She’ll delve into the impact these policies are having on Por...

If you're still sorting out your New Year's resolutions, here's one that’s fun: Step out of your usual neighborhood routine and explore more of our region. Why not start with a trip to the suburbs? Over the past decade, areas like Beaverton and Hillsboro have become foodie destinations. Food influencers are highlighting restaurant openings, and more Portland chefs are planning expansions past our...

Today on the Friday news roundup, we’re talking about some of the biggest deficits we’ve seen in city and county budgets in decades, the challenges the new Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will be facing this year, and the Providence labor disputes that could affect the care of thousands of patients statewide. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and...

Portland’s streets are full of homemade stations like mini-libraries, keychain exchanges, and poetry pottery vending machines. This community-driven network of sidewalk joy showcases the city’s creativity and whimsy, but who creates them—and where can you find them? Rachael Harms Mahlandt, co-founder of the Sidewalk Joy Map, is here to guide us to these hidden gems.    Become a member of City Cast...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about our City Council’s new president and the marathon session that led to the final vote. We’re also digging into our mailbag and sharing thoughts from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today’s Episode: Elana Pirtle-Guiney Elected as Portland City Counc...

It’s Dry January, when many folks take a break from drinking alcohol and, in some cases, disappear from their local bars and restaurants during a time of year when business is already painfully slow. What does this mean for our small businesses — and for our growing nonalcoholic beverage industry? Today, we’re talking with Willamette Week arts and culture reporter Rachel Saslow about our city’s gr...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into some of the best ways to keep moving and have fun while staying dry this season. Walking us through some of our city’s best indoor activities is Ryan Hashagen. They’re the founder of Icicle Tricycles, the managing director of Better Block PDX, and the director of the Steel Bridge Skatepark Coalition. And somewhere in between, Ryan also keeps up with...

What can Portlanders expect from our new city government in 2025? How might Oregonians be affected by the incoming Trump administration? And what do we have to look forward to this year? Producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni are joining host Claudia Meza to preview what 2025 might have in store for us.  Mentioned in today’s episode:  The Perfect Road Trip to the Southern Oregon Coast [City C...

Whether you're embarking on an adventure to discover the region’s best tamales or catching cult classics at a locally beloved film festival, there’s no shortage of things to do this month in Portland. The City Cast Portland team is here to narrow down your January plans to the must-dos, like relaxing in a hot tub outside the snow-covered Timberline Lodge! Plus, a bonus suggestion from our episode...

Have you made New Year’s resolutions yet? Before we ring in 2025, here’s some tips on how you can start new habits, break bad ones, make achievable goals, and so much more. We’re listening back to a conversation with University of Oregon psychology professor Dr. Elliott Berkman, who studies the factors that influence health goals. He’s sharing advice on becoming more resolute in our resolutions, p...