City Cast Portland

We're talking about the results from an ethics investigation into six city councilors accused of violating public meetings law, the beginnings of self-driving cars in our streets, and a celebrity chef’s controversial new steakhouse. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler and local food reporter Brooke Jackson-Glidden. Discussed in today's episode:...

Today on City Cast Portland, the results are in and we’re officially better than Denver. Also, we're talking about the mayor’s proposal to help alleviate food deserts, and the latest on the Multnomah Athletic Club bombing. Joining host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: Portland mayor propose...

Today we’re continuing our series where we talk with Portlanders about the good, bad, and ugly of where they live, with a visit to North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood. Kenton resident Dave Blanchard (and NPR “Wild Card” podcast supervising editor) thinks is like taking a time machine to the Portland of 20 years ago. This episode originally aired on November 25, 2024 Discussed in today’s episode:...

We’re talking about the interesting way the city responded to a Portlander asking for help with a homeless encampment outside his home, some new details on the budget cuts the mayor is proposing, and some outdoor bar patios to check out now that we’ve hit peak patio weather. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are food and drink reporter Alex Frane and our very own executive producer, Joh...

We're talking about the CEO of Home Forward, Portland’s housing authority, resigning after being caught traveling extensively on the taxpayers' dime and why Mayor Keith Wilson requested for Council to drop a citywide ban on masked officers. Plus, we're diving into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie...

Whether you’re partying on a pedestrian-only Burnside Bridge, finding your new favorite glass of wine, or ⁠trying your hand at perfume making, May is blooming with possibilities. The team at City Cast Portland has picked the top food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you have your best May ever. It’s our spring membership drive! Get more from City Cast Portland when you become a Cit...

We’re talking about the push to develop a new entertainment district in downtown Portland, the uproar from the business community as the idea of a vacancy tax is explored in city council, and will there soon be more In-N-Outs than Burgervilles? Joining City Cast Portland Host Claudia Meza are Chris Pink, owner of the Paris Theater, and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in toda...

We’re talking about how Oregon schools rank very low when it comes to hours of instruction time, what you need to know about the primary election and why it’s important, and which summer music festivals should be on your radar. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and Portland Mercury music editor Nolan Parker. Discussed in today's episode: Enormous v...

Today we’re talking about why our city council is fighting over whether Portlanders should pay for a Moda Center renovation, and some major changes coming to our city's transit lines. Plus, we'll offer a few of our top picks from Beaverton's growing food scene. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are food and drink reporter Alex Frane and our very own senior producer Guilia Fiaoni. Discus...

Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Portland? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from t...

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the closing of a controversial overnight shelter in the Pearl District. We have an update on the CEO of Portland’s Housing Authority, Home Forward, taking extravagant vacations on the public’s dime. And we’re breaking down why a citywide law enforcement ban on masks isn’t gaining any traction. Joining me today are Oregonian homelessness and mental h...

We’re talking about the city and county’s proposed budgets, what’s getting cut, how many jobs are on the line, and the pushback they’re receiving. Plus, a new exhibit at the Portland Art Museum featuring Portland Public School students might prove the Arts Tax isn’t so bad. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer...

Today, we’re talking about City Hall’s plan to raise taxes and fees to address our crumbling roads. We also have tips for urban foraging this spring and ideas for the best late-spring and summer trips to take in our region. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Bryan M. Vance of Stumptown Savings and Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding. Discussed in today's episode: Portland leaders...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about a possible collaboration between Elon Musk and Intel, a Catholic high school’s decision on how to handle a racist remark, and Oregon's first measles hospitalization of the year. Joining host Claudia Meza are Oregonian technology and economy reporter Mike Rogoway and KBOO news director Althea Billings. Discussed in today's episode: Intel says it’s jo...

Today, we're looking into how the mayor’s Sunday routine often involves literally cleaning up Portland, and why Gov. Kotek is squaring off with some of the most powerful education organizations in the state. Plus, we’ll share picks for the best pizza in town. Joining host Claudia Meza are food and drink reporter Alex Frane and our very own senior producer Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episod...

Could public financing get more Portlanders involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact o...

We're talking about how the CEO of Portland's housing authority, Home Forward, spent more than $100,000 in taxpayer dollars on travel, a push to lower the bar for forced mental health and addiction treatment, and where to find the best Thai food in town. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and local food reporter Brooke Jackson-Glidden. D...

We’re talking about how AI landed a beloved local record store in hot water and why our state’s abortion coverage law is being ruled unconstitutional. Plus, we're also diving into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler and our very own senior producer, Rachel Monahan. Discussed in today's episode: Music...

We're talking about the puzzling plans for a Vancouver light rail and the horrific response to a worker’s death at a Troutdale Amazon warehouse. Plus, we’re sharing a few of our city’s essential group bike rides. Joining me are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and Portland Monthly senior editor Rebecca Jacobson. Discussed in today's episode: Vancouver City Council approves resolution oppos...

We're talking about the one bill Governor Kotek might veto and how it might affect our city council, local law enforcement asking for help finding an alleged child abuser (and former Gresham police officer) who escaped, and why the Oregon Health Authority is putting their foot down on pain numbing cream at tattoo parlors. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea B...

We're talking about what the sale of Portland Monthly means for local news coverage and the people working there, how our city's 911 dispatchers are being recognized internationally, and some fun free ways to enjoy Portland — and maybe even meet some new people this month. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are food and drink reporter Alex Frane and Willamette Week arts and culture repor...

Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are often closed when those businesses need help. That’s why Portland is considering hiring a Night Mayor. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza about what this new position would do, and if it is the answer to the pandemic’s enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and ni...

Today we’re looking into how the city and county are fighting (once again) over the state of our ongoing homelessness crisis and talking about a controversial Prosper Portland leadership pick and why it was revoked. Plus, there are some exciting new projects that are transforming our waterfront. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Oregonian homelessness and mental health reporter Lill...

Today we're talking about a new city e-bike rebate you might qualify for, why almost all of our sports teams are against a city ordinance to raise the wages of Uber and Lyft drivers, and we’re diving into our mailbag. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler and our very own senior producer, Rachel Monahan. Discussed in today's episode: Southeast Portland Trader Joe’s...

We're talking about how East Portland might be slowly becoming a food desert, the return of City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez — and this time he brought a friend— plus, some cool wildflower hikes you might want to check out. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M Vance and our very own senior producer Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠East Port...