City Cast Portland

We're talking about how a new law banning law enforcement from covering up their face in Oregon will actually work, why Amazon is paying a multi-million dollar settlement to Morrow County, and what happened with Multnomah County’s inability to track how $150,000 worth of gift cards and cash incentives were distributed. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Bill...

Today, we're talking about surprising findings after tracking local grocery store prices for a year, the U.S. Forest Service closing Portland headquarters near wildfire season, and a few events to look forward to as the weather gets better. Joining host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: Bruc...

While both Portland. and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Thorns!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has...

Few things generate more civic pride than our beloved airport PDX. Last year, the Washington Post ranked Portland International Airport ⁠the best airport in America⁠. Today, we're revisiting a round up of our favorite hacks that make any trip to PDX a breeze, from where to eat and drink, to ways you can chill out before boarding during the hectic upcoming holiday travel season. This conversation f...

Eastmoreland and Westmoreland are often overshadowed by neighboring Sellwood, but there's a lot to love in this idyllic corner of Portland. Today, we're revisiting a conversation Willamette Week culture reporter Rachel Saslow had with executive producer John Notariani to talk about "The Morelands," aka Eastmoreland and Westmoreland. We learn about must-dos and fun spots to visit, plus why the neig...

Whether you’re ⁠eating crab in Astoria⁠, experiencing a new show ⁠during Portland’s largest performing arts festival⁠, or ⁠welcoming the tufted puffins back to the state⁠, April is getting us even closer to warmer weather and more outdoor activities. City Cast Portland has picked the month’s top food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you have your best April ever. Discussed in today...

We’re talking about a proposed new city program that keeps long-time businesses from closing and why a controversial homeless services provider is shutting down and what it means. Plus, traffic deaths are falling in Portland, except for one key demographic. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director, Althea Billings and our very own newsletter editor, Rachel Monahan. Discussed in today's epi...

Today on the show, why certain members of City Council are against a policy to crack down on sex trafficking and why there’s confusion and backlash over a park’s name change. Plus, we’re diving into our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners! Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Di...

More affordable housing is needed in places like Portland. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-incom...

Where we’re at with ICE and their crowd dispersal tactics ahead of this weekend’s “No Kings” protest, a possible elegant solution for cleaning up two environmental disasters on the Willamette River, and why tariffs and other price hikes mean it's now a good time to explore local takes on international food products. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Saturday ‘No Kings’ rallies expected to draw thousa...

We’re breaking down why Multnomah County is still strapped for funding, even with a $4 billion budget, and checking in on the Portland Community College faculty and staff strike. Their president makes how much?!! Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporters Anthony Effinger and Brianna Wheeler. Discussed in today's episode: Why Multnomah County Has $4 Billion but Not...

We’re talking about the Chinook Indian Nation continuing their fight for federal recognition and how Amazon paid Morrow County officials more than $100 million when working out their data center expansion. Plus, we have a little check-in on Portland’s music venue scene and nightlife. Joining me this morning are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Nota...

We’re talking about a Trump homeless policy adviser being surprised that he and city leaders might be “more in agreement” than expected, why your water bill might climb even higher, plus Damian Lillard’s new hotel bar and other favorite hotel bar picks. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni.  Discussed in...

We’re talking about all the red flags the city missed by funding a floundering shoe-manufacturing company in Old Town, the possible renaming of César E. Chávez Boulevard, and if an Oregon couple can save Bagby Hot Springs from itself. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: Port...

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Portland. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler abo...

Today, we're discussing the ever-growing cost estimate for the Interstate Bridge replacement, what big changes at two high-profile restaurants tell us about our city's dining scene, and several new Portland restaurants you’re going to want to check out as soon as possible. Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Portland Monthly's associate editor of food and drink, Alex Frane, and City Ca...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into the possible nepotism at Portland Public Schools related to a $61 million contract and what our city auditor has to say about Portland’s beleaguered arts tax program. Plus, we’re also diving into our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners. Discussed in today's episode: Portland Superintendent’s Daughter Lands Job With Firm Awarded $61M School Di...

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into a bold idea promising to eliminate traffic deaths in our city, the renewed scrutiny the Portland Housing Authority is under, and a few seasonal events to look out for in the coming weeks. Joining host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan Vance and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Ge...

Portland's first long-term city administrator, Raymond Lee, has now been on the job for two and a half months. Today, he’s answering our questions on some hot-button issues: from his support for the U.S. Immigration and Customs facility in South Portland, to the mysterious appearance of an extra $100 million in housing money, and funding a renovation of the Trail Blazers' stadium. Become a member...

With the recent spring-forward time change and even longer days approaching, it's time to look forward to late summer nights out on the town. Although we've never really been a 24-hour city, there are still great late-night food options if you know where to look. Today we're revisiting a conversation host Claudia Meza had with senior producer Giulia Fiaoni about the best late-night food spots that...

Portlanders are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local polic...

Today we're talking about a local labor leader's attempts to influence city council, two new rulings limiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to use tear gas in Portland, and a new citywide tax that's being considered to patch up our ailing roads. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this week's Friday news roundup are Portland Mercury reporter Jeremiah Hayden and KBOO...

Today, as part of our neighborhood guide series, host Claudia Meza joins Tanya Lyn March to talk about their beloved neighborhood of St. Johns. March has a master's degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University and her own ​​guided walking tour company, Slabtown Tours. She’s telling us why St. Johns has one of the most unique histories in all of Portland — and what places you should che...

Today on the midweek news roundup, we're digging into the mixed signals about Portland's economy. On one hand, unemployment isn't especially high. But on the other, new data show the Portland metro area has lost more jobs over the past few years than almost anywhere else in the country. Oregonian technology and economy reporter Mike Rogoway joins us to explain what's actually going on. Plus, we're...

Our city has a lot of pride in our local food scene: It feels more common to meet someone who raises backyard chickens than to hear them admit they enjoy eating at a chain restaurant. But that doesn't mean we don't have local food chains that we love and are worth celebrating. So today, we're rating local chains: which are our favorites, our guilty pleasures, and even the specific Portland locatio...