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
Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up
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…
- City Cast Portland
Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season
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…
- City Cast Portland
How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients
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…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
Controversial Arts Tax Goes up, Progressive City Councilor Accused of Discrimination, and Budget Drama Continues
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…
- City Cast Portland
Possible State Ban on Fishing and Hunting? Plus, Renaming Cesar Chavez Blvd and Mailbag!
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…
- City Cast Portland
Oregon’s Push For Universal Healthcare and a Controversial Parks Plan. Plus, Are Portlanders Really Doing OK?
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…
- City Cast Portland
Portland’s New Italian Delis To Try Right Now, a Moderated Food Fight, and Tiny Home, Big Smell
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…
- City Cast Portland
City Budget Amendment Drama, Trump’s Impact on the Governor’s Race, and Opera Meets Women's Soccer
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…
- City Cast Portland
Who Wins Summer in the USA? Portland Makes Its Case
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…
- City Cast Portland
Pearl District Bar Asks for More Police, Housing Leadership Shakeup, and Is Powell’s Selling ‘AI Slop’?
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…
- City Cast Portland
Controversial Homeless Provider on the Chopping Block, Primary Procrastinators’ Guide, and Mailbag
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…
- City Cast Portland
Primary Election Predictions, Multnomah Judge Ballot Battle, and an Alberta St. Food Crawl
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
Councilor Kanal on Why a City Mask Ban Is Needed. Plus, Luxury Mag Says See You at Slim’s
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why 41% of Portlanders Want To Leave and PPS's Definition of ‘Earthquake-Safe.’ Plus, Mailbag!
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…
- City Cast Portland
Moda Center Renovations in Limbo and City Code Changes Target Sex Trafficking. Plus, Foie Gras Ban Debate Intensifies
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…
- City Cast Portland
Live Show: Night Districts, Arts Tax, and Doughnuts with City Council President Jamie Dunphy
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…
- City Cast Portland
Federal Wildfire Cuts Leave Oregon Vulnerable, Top Astoria Food Picks, and a Bumper Sticker Showdown
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
MAC Bomber’s Struggles, a Needle Ban Debate, and a Notable Restaurant Closing
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…
- City Cast Portland
City Council Cleared of Violations, Waymo Begins Mapping Portland, and Brian Malarkey's Bonkers Dining Spectacle
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…
- City Cast Portland
Mayor Wilson's Food Desert Plan, the MAC Bomber's Mental Health Struggles, and Portland Beats Denver
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why Kenton’s Got That ‘Old Portland’ Vibe
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…
- City Cast Portland
Homeowner Asks City for Help and Gets Fined $693, Mayor’s Proposed Budget Cuts, and Best Bar Patios
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…
- City Cast Portland
Travel Scandal Topples Housing CEO, Mayor Wilson Warns Against Officer Mask Ban, and Mailbag!
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…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
The New Downtown Entertainment District, Are Vacancy Taxes a Business Killer? And Is In-N-Out Better Than Burgerville?
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why Some Oregon Students Lose 3 Years of Schooling, Deadline Tonight to Vote In May, and Portland’s Best Music Fests
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…
- City Cast Portland
The Moda Center Funding Fight, TriMet To Cut Routes, and Where To Eat Next in Beaverton
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why Police Are Saying No to Mask Ban, Controversial City Shelter to Close, and Updates on Home Forward Drama
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…
- City Cast Portland
Looming City and County Budget Cuts and a Case for the City’s Arts Tax
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…
- City Cast Portland
Higher City Taxes for Roads, Urban Foraging in Portland, and Oregon's Best Weekend Getaways
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…
- City Cast Portland
Intel + Elon, Catholic School Handles Racist Slur, and Measles Grows Stronger in Oregon
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…
- City Cast Portland
Our Mayor’s Surprising Sunday Routine, Kotek Blocks Shorter School Years, and Portland's Best Pizza
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
Affordable Housing Leader Under Fire, Lowering Bar for Forced Treatment, and Best New Thai Food
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…
- City Cast Portland
Music Millenium’s AI Backlash, State Abortion Law Ruled Unconstitutional, Plus Mailbag!
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…
- City Cast Portland
Vancouver’s Light Rail Problem, Worker Death in Amazon Facility, and Essential Group Bike Rides
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…
- City Cast Portland
Gov. Kotek’s Only Possible Veto, Alleged Child Abuser Escaped, and Local Cosmetic Tattoo Industry Shakeup
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…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Monthly’s Shaky Future, Our 911 Dispatchers Among Best in World, and Free Stuff To Do
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor
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…
- City Cast Portland
Mayor Wilson vs Reality, a Vision for the Waterfront, and a Controversial City Leadership Pick
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why Sports Teams Oppose Raises for Uber Drivers, New E-Bike Discounts, and our Mailbag
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…
- City Cast Portland
East Portland Needs More Grocery Stores, Rene Gonzalez Sues the City, and Fun Wildflower Hikes
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…
- City Cast Portland
New State Law Banning Masked Officers, Amazon vs Morrow County, and the County’s Gift Card Problem
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…
- City Cast Portland
Where To Buy the Cheapest Groceries, Forest Service Shakeup, and Some Fun Event Picks
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
Parking Tricks, Secret Speakeasies, Quiet Corners, and Other PDX Airport Hacks
Few things generate more civic pride than our beloved airport PDX. Last year, the Washington Post ranked Portland International Airport the best airport in…
- City Cast Portland
Why Does Westmoreland Have a Crying Room?
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…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
City Plan To Save Local Businesses, 290 Shelter Beds in Jeopardy, and Surprising Traffic Death Data
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…
- City Cast Portland
Council Split on Sex Trafficking Plan, Introducing 'Scht Park, and Where's Sugarpine Drive-in?!
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
‘No Kings’ Protest, Cleaning Up the Willamette, and Tariffs Hitting Our Food Scene
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why MultCo Is Going Broke — and the PCC President Makes How Much?!!
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…
- City Cast Portland
Good Things Coming for Portland Nightlife, More Data Center Drama, and Why Chinook Indian Nation Needs Federal Recognition
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…
- City Cast Portland
Trump Homeless Policy Adviser Meets With City Leaders, Higher Water Bills, and Damian Lillard’s New Bar
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…