Shows / City Cast Portland
City Cast Portland
City Cast Portland captures the one-of-a-kind creative spirit of this place and tackles who we are and where we’re going — from big deals, like equity and livability, to tiny delights, like the city's most wonderful doughnut. Host Claudia Meza is so over the notion that ‘Portland is over.’ On the show, she’ll revive your civic pride and stir you to help create local change — through conversations with neighbors, newsmakers, artists and entrepreneurs about our ever-changing city. Learn more and…
Episodes
- City Cast Portland
How To Guarantee Your Ballot Gets Counted, Another Suburban School District Eyeing Closures, and Listener Mail
Today we're discussing everything you need to know about how to vote in the upcoming election — including deadlines, how ranked-choice is going to work, and…
- City Cast Portland
The Auto Tycoon Buying Up Downtown Portland. Plus, 800 City Workers Ready To Strike and Portland Etiquette Gripes
We're talking about how hundreds of Portland city workers may go on strike as soon as next week. We’re also digging into the Las Vegas-based auto tycoon buying…
- City Cast Portland
The Surprising History of Our Local Exports, From Tuna to Tofurkey
Portland is famous for its music, coffee, craft beer, and a little sneaker brand called Nike — but our city and state’s influence goes far beyond that. Today…
- City Cast Portland
A Cursed Portland Arcade Game and Other Creepy Lore. Plus, the Wildest Halloween Parties in Portland
Host Claudia Meza gets into the Halloween spirit with Matthew Trueherz, arts and culture editor at Willamette Week, and Alex Frane, food and culture reporter…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Portland
How prepared is Portland to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world —…
- City Cast Portland
Banning AI Price Gouging, a Canvassing Group's Misleading Hustle, and Hot Takes on Nike Dunking on the Stag Sign
We're talking about how Portland could become one of the first cities to ban surveillance pricing — before it even hits local stores. Also, what do we know…
- City Cast Portland
Portland's Most Unpopular Billionaire, a Federal Indictment for La Mota CEO, and How the OLCC Made Our Bar Food Elite
We're talking about the Trail Blazer owner’s image problem as well as the recent grand jury indictment of a cannabis business CEO for tax fraud. Plus, how the…
- City Cast Portland
A Guide For Portland Transplants, From Portland Transplants
Earlier this year, data showed fewer than half of Multnomah County residents were born in Oregon — meaning most Portlanders aren't actually from here. Some…
- City Cast Portland
Why Oregon's Gun Laws Can’t Prevent School Shootings, Mount Hood's Gray Rock Winter, and the Sports Bra Goes National
We're talking about the lack of snow on Mount Hood and what it could mean for winter. We’re also reviewing Oregon’s gun control laws after last week's shooting…
- City Cast Portland
Why State Sen. Christine Drazan Wants to Be Your Governor
We're continuing our fall election coverage by interviewing state Sen. Christine Drazan, who is running against Gov. Tina Kotek in a rematch of their 2022…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers Are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Portland
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Portland? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep…
- City Cast Portland
School Closure Fury Builds, City Hall Wants To Hit Pause on Drone Delivery, and Prosper Portland's No Bid Contract Scandal Deepens
We're talking about City Hall squaring off against Amazon’s drone delivery. We're also breaking down recent updates on proposed local school closures, and…
- City Cast Portland
ICE Patrols Surge, Gov. Kotek Finally Acts on Data Centers, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
We're talking about a recent surge in ICE patrols in Salem and the Portland metro area. Plus, how Gov. Tina Kotek is actually doing something about the new…
- City Cast Portland
Portland’s Costly Failure to Enforce Parking Laws, a City Councilor Faces a Public Records Fight, and and a GOP Ad’s Portland Mix-Up
We're talking about how an ad for a U.S. Senate race in Maine ended up in Oregon, and how a lawsuit could affect our city's curb and parking laws. Plus, why…
- City Cast Portland
Salt & Straw Sues Over Taco Ice Cream, a White Nationalist Brunch Hits Clarklewis, and Hood River's Hidden Wine Scene
We're talking about how two local ice cream makers might be heading to court over Portland's version of the ChocoTaco. We're also breaking down what exactly…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Portland
Another Portland school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day…
- City Cast Portland
The Fight Over Closing Portland Schools, Who Should Control $16 Million in City Spending, and Could Oregon Drivers Get Refunds?
We're looking at the uproar over Portland Public Schools' plan to close up to 14 schools, breaking down the participatory budgeting ballot measure on your fall…
- City Cast Portland
Are You a Portland Sinner? Unspoken Portland Rules Worth Breaking
Inspired by a recent Portland subreddit post, we're discussing our city’s unspoken rules — and how we here on the show break them — to decide which one of us…
- City Cast Portland
Oregon's Unbuilt EV Stations, the CenturyLink Price-for-Life Lawsuit, and Mailbag!
We're talking about the two Portlanders who successfully sued CenturyLink over rising internet rates, and why Oregon has yet to install an EV fast-charging…
- City Cast Portland
Eugene Police Wants $2.5M for Public Records, Our Waterfront Is Getting a Makeover, and I-5 South Closure Updates
We're talking about why the Eugene Police Department is charging millions for public records, plus ideas from Europe on how to get more out of our waterfront…
- City Cast Portland
Racist Tweets Tank a Blazers Hire, the Arts Tax Gets Challenged in Court, and Oregon's Governor's Race Has Democrats Sweating
We're talking about the hiring and firing of a new Blazers broadcaster over some pretty heinous old tweets, and why the Portland Metro Chamber is suing the…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Portland
When Portland looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to…
- City Cast Portland
Portland's Most Underrated Restaurateur Is Retiring, a DIY Bar Takeover, and Miami Beats Portland at Food?
We’re talking about an upcoming event hoping to bring attention to Portland’s bar scene. We’re also looking into some recent food news coming out of a small…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to October 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re stuck in a corn maze, catching a local theatrical production, or drinking your weight in pumpkin cider, October is the start of the cozy season…
- City Cast Portland
Old Town’s First Grocery Store in 50 Years, the Plan To Increase Portland’s CEO Tax, and Scout the Huggy Golden Retriever
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about one nonprofit's mission to open a grocery store in Old Town, and how two city councilors are proposing an…
- City Cast Portland
Why Gov. Tina Kotek Wants To Keep Her Job
Gov. Tina Kotek is running for reelection in a tight race against the same Republican opponent she faced back in 2022, former state Sen. Christine Drazan. She…
- City Cast Portland
Meet the 3 Candidates for Multnomah County Chair
Today, we're continuing our coverage of the upcoming fall election with the three candidates running for Multnomah County chair. Joining host Claudia are…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Portland
What’s a seemingly small project in Portland that’s made a big difference? About 12 miles away in the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just…
- City Cast Portland
Round 2: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 3
Today we’re finishing up our Portland City Council interviews for our fall election coverage with the second panel of candidates for District 3. Joining host…
- City Cast Portland
The City’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Is Also a Lobbyist? Plus, What To Do With 20 Empty School Buildings, and Mailbag!
We're looking into why a city campaign finance officer was lobbying city leaders in her free time — and just what might happen to roughly 20 school buildings…
- City Cast Portland
Round 1: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 3
Today we’re continuing our coverage of the city's fall election with the first panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 3. Joining host Claudia…
- City Cast Portland
The Massive Energy Suck of Oregon Data Centers, a Tense Standoff Outside the Sports Bra, and a Fantastically Popular New Bookshop
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about a new book shop that’s drawing hundreds of people to Hillsboro, and the mounting tension between protest…
- City Cast Portland
The Fruit Loop’s Doom Loop, Portland's Indie Theaters Go Full Horror Mode, and Dolly Gets Her Own Day
Portland City Hall is giving Dolly Parton her own day — and that's only the beginning of this chaos rodeo. Host Claudia Meza is joined by local food and…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Portland
Would Portland be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded…
- City Cast Portland
A Fentanyl Vaccine, City Council Implodes Over Zenith, and the Portland Book Festival Is Almost Here
We're talking about how Northwest researchers are developing vaccines that could prevent opioid overdose deaths, and how things are shaking out at City Hall…
- City Cast Portland
Washington County’s Viral Middle Finger, Portland Schools' Messy Laid-Off Teacher Recalls, and Councilor Green's Spicy Police Rants Resurface
A Washington County board meeting turned into a viral moment when County Chair Kathryn Harrington silently flipped off Commissioner Nafisa Fai — the board's…
- City Cast Portland
What City Councilors Spent Their Office Budgets On, More River Pig Saloon Drama, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
We're talking about the $2.2 million city councilors spent on pet projects — as well as how a Pearl District bar owner who once complained about crime is now…
- City Cast Portland
Round 2: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 4
Today we have our second interview of the city's fall election with the second panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 4. Joining host Claudia…
- City Cast Portland
Round 1: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 4
Today we're kicking off our interviews for the city's fall election with the first panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 4. Joining host…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Portland
It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Portland, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has…
- City Cast Portland
Why the County Chair Race Needs Your Attention. Plus, I-5 Carmageddon Starts Tonight, and Electricians Are Leaving Oregon
With a two-mile stretch of southbound I-5 shutting down tonight, a county chair race that could reshape Portland's entire social safety net, and union…
- City Cast Portland
The Political PAC Winning Over Local Restaurant Owners. Plus, Are Hot Dogs at Bars a Recession Indicator? And Listener Mailbag!
We're talking about the connection between a conservative PAC and some local chefs, as well as the new trend of local bars serving hot dogs and where to find…
- City Cast Portland
Low Marks for City Hall, Affordable Housing’s Rent Hike, and Oregon’s ‘Tiger King’ Goes To Prison
Today on the podcast, we're talking about why shockingly few Portlanders think city government is effective, and why some tenants of Home Forward, the City of…
- City Cast Portland
3 New Restaurants To Check Out This Fall. Plus, Why Gresham Made Your Water Bill More Expensive
We're talking about some newly opened restaurants to try out and a locally made game that is taking inspiration from our Portland foods scene. Plus, water…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Portland
Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Portland? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use…
- City Cast Portland
Police Chief Bob Day on ‘Blue Flu’ Accusations, High-Priority Call Response Times, and Needing More Police Officers
City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is talking with Portland Chief of Police Bob Day about everything from repairing community trust to stats pointing to a…
- City Cast Portland
Who’s Fighting the Participatory Budget Initiative? Plus, the PPS Superintendent’s Controversial Raise and Our Mailbag
Today we're talking about the opposition that's gathering against Portland's fall participatory budgeting ballot initiative and the latest on potential cuts…
- City Cast Portland
Where To Eat Vegan Without Ditching Your Meat-Loving Friends
We all know Portland is a vegan food haven with all sorts of vegan-only spots, but what about when friends of all dietary preferences want to go out and share…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to September 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re picking apples by the gallon, listening to jazz on an extinct volcano, or sipping on a perfect Negroni, September is your gateway to fall while…
- City Cast Portland
Best Places To Eat in Portland, According to TikTok Star The Korean Mama
A couple of years back, we had a conversation with the always delightful Jane Kim and her son Ed Kim — the duo behind the social handle The Korean Mama. The…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Portland
The Portland airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years…
- City Cast Portland
PPS Could Close Up to 20 Schools, Safer Portland Hires a Trump Lawyer, and Home Forward's Ex-CEO Scandal Deepens
We’re talking about why the state is leading an ethics investigation into the travel spending of Home Forward's previous leader. Plus, the team behind the…
- City Cast Portland
Why a Third of Portland's Shelter Beds Are Vanishing. Plus, Oregon's Shadiest Sheriff, and a Burlesque Tribute to Dolly Parton
We’re talking about why Portland area leaders are undoing a homeless shelter system they just developed — as well as the surprising and historic unanimous vote…
- City Cast Portland
A Secretive Push To Privatize Oregon Liquor, City Council Candidate’s Embarrassing Website Mix-up, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about why there’s a secretive effort to privatize Oregon liquor sales and what it would mean for prices. We’re also…
- City Cast Portland
Are Home Kitchens the New Food Carts? Plus, Portland Fire’s New Mascot and the Rise of Portland’s Tabletop Gaming
We're talking about Portland metro’s growing home-based food scene, from donuts to birria to supper clubs — as well as the rise of Portland’s tabletop gaming…
- City Cast Portland
Mayor Wilson Snubs Progressive Council, Elephants Deli Won't Return to Goose Hollow, and Portland Bridges for Cats
We're talking about two Portlanders going all out for their cats, Mayor Keith Wilson picking favorites in the upcoming City Council election, and the plans for…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool
Have you ever swam in the Willamette? Kayaked? Tiki toured? There are tons of opportunities to get in the river, yet lots of locals still avoid the water…
- City Cast Portland
Why a Portland Cop is Suing a 76-Year-Old Woman. Plus, the Portlanders Using the Most Water and Another Wild City Audit
We’re talking about the police officer suing an elderly woman for falling off her steps, the Portlanders being accused of using the most water, and a new city…
- City Cast Portland
Wildfire-Safe Camping Spots, Portland's Shrinking Population, and Mailbag
We're talking about why our city is getting older, not figuratively but quite literally. We also have updates on the Grasshopper Wildfire and tips on how to be…
- City Cast Portland
Why Portland's Chain Restaurants Are Cooler Than Most Cities
Today on City Cast Portland we're rating local chains: which are our favorites, our guilty pleasures, and even the specific Portland locations of some sinful…