City Cast Portland

We're talking about the free shuttle bus service to the Zoo and Forest Park coming this summer, and the major cuts coming to TriMet services and staffing. Plus, we're digging into the best of Albina. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are JT Flowers, a TriMet board member and Albina Vision Trust’s government affairs and communications director, and local food reporter and supporter of al...

Portland recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has...

In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite — Portland doughnut experiences. Plus, a local spiritual master is on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct, and more reasons to get excited about our new WNBA team, the Portland Fire. Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week City H...

Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills rising yet again. Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and Oregonian education reporter, Julia Silverman.   Discussed in today's episode: Patagonia and Pattie Gonia trade offers to settle trademark disput...

We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you know more than ⁠15 varieties of strawberries⁠ were invented in Oregon? Or that from May through September, we actually become the #4 growing region for strawberries in the country? Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are OPB “All Things Considered” host...

We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemical plant explosion, and surprising new data about who's actually profiting from SNAP food assistance. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO News Director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episod...

Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is officially kicking off another perfect Portland summer. And the team at City Cast Portland has picked the top food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you have your best June ever. Discussed in today's episode: Bike Summer (aka Pedalpalooza) Modular on...

Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry insid...

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about our city's arts tax increasing for the first time in over a decade, a discrimination complaint against a city councilor, and more on what came of the recent long and tense city budget meetings. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh. Discu...

We’re talking about the new name being considered to replace Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard as well as the ballot initiative aiming to ban hunting and fishing in Oregon. We're also diving into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in...

We’re talking about whether Oregon is ready for universal healthcare, what it might take to save the city's parks system, and how Portlanders are feeling about the economy — particularly their own finances. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza on the show are Oregonian technology and economy reporter Mike Rogoway and Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance. Discussed in today's episode: T...

We're talking about nightmare neighbors, the trend of recent deli and sandwich spots opening up in Portland, plus local food reporters Alex Frane and Brooke Jackson-Glidden are joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza in a moderated debate about their hottest food takes. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠A tiny home moved in next door and this couple says they now wear gas masks because of its to...

We're talking about Portland City Council battling it out over the budget, and what's to come in November now that the primary election is over. Plus, Portland's growing pre-professional sports empire that now includes a new women’s soccer team! Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week arts and culture reporter, Rachel Saslow and our very own senior producer Rachel Monahan....

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Claudia beat...

Today we're talking about what a shooting at a Pearl District bar reveals about security in the central part of our city, the ever-changing leadership at our regional housing agencies, and the accusations that Powell’s Books is selling AI slop. Joining host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode:...

It's primary election day! We're talking about the Metro Council races, as well as a proposed city budget amendment that would stop funding Portland’s largest homeless services provider. Plus, we'll dig into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director, Althea Billings, and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in...

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the primary election: the governor’s race, the gas tax repeal vote, and possibly the most Multnomah County judge races we’ve seen on a single ballot. Plus, we have a food and drink tour of the Alberta Arts District. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Portland political strategist Jake Wiegler and food and drink reporter Alex Frane. Dis...

Would Portland be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getti...

We're checking in on the City Hall law enforcement mask ban — and why some are advising against it. Plus, we're reviewing a luxury travel magazine's recent takes on our city. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are District 2 Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal and Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Seven Months In, Councilor’s Police Masking B...

Today we're talking about new polling showing more than 40% of people in Portland are considering moving — as well as some new details on PPS's plans to retrofit its schools to withstand an earthquake. Plus, we'll dig into our mailbag. Joining executive producer John Notarianni are Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episod...

We're talking about why Portland City Council is pumping the brakes on funding the Moda Center renovations. Plus we’re looking into the city code changes that are aimed at fighting human trafficking, and the heated debate if foie gras should be sold in our city. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and local food reporter Brooke Jackso...

Taped live in front of an audience at the beautiful Paris Theater located in downtown’s brand-new Pink District, City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is joined by author and Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler, our very own executive producer John Notarianni, and Portland’s very own City Council President, Jamie Dunphy. Discussed in today's episode: Portland 503 Day celebrates the city’s orig...

Today on City Cast Portland we're talking about why the federal government’s wildfire response might not be enough this year as well as some top food picks in Astoria. Also, we need your help voting for your favorite City Cast Portland bumper sticker! Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are food and drink reporter Alex Frane and our very own senior producer, Rachel Monahan. Discussed in t...

Portlanders, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city’s...

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about what the Multnomah Athletic Club bombing says about the state of Oregon's mental health safety nets and why the county is looking to ban needle distribution programs near schools. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Oregonian homelessness and mental health reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes and Willamette Week’s City Hall reporter, Sophie...