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
Saving Bagby Hot Springs, the City’s Failed Shoe Company, and Is 39th Ave Returning?
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…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
- City Cast Portland
The Ballooning I-5 Bridge Cost, República's Closure (and Reopening), and New Restaurants To Check Out ASAP
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…
- City Cast Portland
Nepotism Accusations at PPS and a ‘Damning’ Arts Tax Audit. Plus, Mailbag
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…
- City Cast Portland
Can Portland Actually Stop Traffic Deaths? Plus, Portland Housing Authority in Hot Water and Cherry Blossoms
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…
- City Cast Portland
Portland's New City Administrator on the ICE Facility and Our Looming Budget Crunch
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…
- City Cast Portland
The Best Late-Night Food Spots for Longer Spring Nights
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…
- City Cast Portland
‘Your City Could Be Better’: DC’s Plan To Hold Federal Agents Accountable — Presented By City Cast Portland
Portlanders are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington…
- City Cast Portland
Labor Power Broker Exposed, ICE Tear Gas Limits, and the Push for a New Street Tax
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…
- City Cast Portland
Why You Should Love St. Johns: From its Rich History to its Tight-Knit Vibe
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…
- City Cast Portland
Is Oregon a Canary in the Coal Mine for the National Economy?
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…
- City Cast Portland
Our Favorite Portland Chain Restaurants (Plus a Few Guilty Pleasures)
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…
- City Cast Portland
Police Surveillance Files, Racist Maps, and Other Secrets Hidden in the City Archives
The Portland City Archives are home to a paper trail capturing every major and minor moment of our city’s history, from mayoral memos to hand-drawn maps. The…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': What Portland Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan
Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Portland are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the…
- City Cast Portland
Will the Oregonian on Trump’s Cabinet Resign? Plus, the Gas Tax and For-Profit Docs
Today, we’re looking into the wild drama surrounding the only Oregonian in President Trump's Cabinet, the legal fights and political fallout over the gas tax…
- City Cast Portland
How Portland Public Schools Will Address Urgent Budget Gaps
Portland Public Schools was already staring down a $50 million budget deficit for the next school year. Then, last week, the district announced it will be $10…
- City Cast Portland
ICE Facility To Remain Open, Wildfire Damages Soar, and Data Center Tax Debate
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the city official vowing to keep Portland's ICE facility open, PacifiCorp's liability in a class action…
- City Cast Portland
City Money For Having Roommates, Polyamorous Family Protections, Plus Mailbag!
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into the city’s new pilot program hoping to make us all landlords and how Portland might become a haven for…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to March 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re settling in for a tasting menu at one of our city's best restaurants during Portland Dining Month or listening to a string ensemble performing…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': What Portland Needs To Know About Pittsburgh's Plan To Fix Downtown
A lot of cities, including Portland, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who…
- City Cast Portland
Why ICE Called 911, Kotek's Muddled Data Center Plan, and Portland's Biggest ‘Survivor’ Fans
Today on City Cast Portland we’re looking into a troubling 911 call from an ICE officer, Gov Kotek’s confusing stance on data centers, and a group that hosts…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to Hood River in the Offseason
Today we’re talking with Portland Monthly Managing Editor Margaret Seiler, about her car-free, off-season guide to Hood River and the surrounding area. Even at…
- City Cast Portland
City Council Cuts Committees, Debating Open Carry at City Hall, and Crabbers vs. Whales
Today on the midweek news roundup, we’re talking about our 12-member City Council finding ways to cut down on meetings, a measles outbreak in our state, a city…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Staycations: Spanish Villas, Mediterranean Gardens, and Enchanted Forests
With the price of everything skyrocketing and many of us still wanting to pop out of town for a quick winter getaway, we're revisiting a conversation with our…
- City Cast Portland
In Loving Memory of Our Favorite Closed Restaurants
As Portlanders, we can't help but be nostalgic for the past. So when it comes to our restaurant scene, it can be hard to accept how often we have to say…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': What Portland Needs To Know about Madison's Data Centers Fight
Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Portlanders. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI…
- City Cast Portland
Protesters Suing Trump, Portland Schools Under Fed Investigation, and Local Pizzeria Targeted
Today, we're talking about how Portland’s housing authority, Home Forward, is taking ages to fill vacant apartments, why the Trump administration is once again…
- City Cast Portland
Why Portland Has the Best Gluten-Free Food Scene on Earth
Our city gets a lot of national attention for being the best at certain things. We have the best airport, pizza, vegan food, and protests, according to some…
- City Cast Portland
Can a Night Mayor Revive Downtown Portland?
Earlier this week, we discussed ideas for bringing people back to our city center — including promoting Portland's nightlife. Many cities across the U.S. have…
- City Cast Portland
From Office Conversions to Cops in Drag, How To Revive Downtown
Despite countless efforts by city and state leaders, downtown foot traffic is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. Today, we’re talking with two local leaders who…
- City Cast Portland
'Your City Could Be Better': How the Twin Cities Organized. Plus, What Counts As ‘Cold’?
All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Portlanders’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of…
- City Cast Portland
Ammon Bundy vs. ICE, the City's Growing Unspent Funds, and Overhauling 82nd Avenue
Today, we’re looking into far-right activist Ammon Bundy's stance against ICE agents, the millions of unspent housing dollars the city uncovered, and big…
- City Cast Portland
Why Is Portland So Bad at First Dates?
With Valentine’s Day just days away, it's a good time to remember just how complicated dating can feel in Portland. Today, comedian Jay Flewelling joins us to…
- City Cast Portland
Will the Trail Blazers Stay? Plus, a Gresham Family's Return From ICE Detention, and Our Mailbag
Today, we have updates on major local stories, including the millions more in unspent dollars found in our city’s Housing Bureau, the return of the Gresham…
- City Cast Portland
The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Portland Together
Portland has no shortage of award-winning cocktail lounges and dive bars, but there's still something extra special about a neighborhood bar. They're your…
- City Cast Portland
Why the Richmond Neighborhood Is Home to Portland's Best Shopping District
According to data recently published by the Portland Business Journal, the most popular shopping district in our city is located in Southeast Portland's…
- City Cast Portland
Portlander in the Epstein Files, an Apartment Drug Market, and a City Tear-Gas Ban?
Today we’re talking about a drug market that moved into a local affordable housing complex, as well as yet another surplus of unspent funds found in the city…
- City Cast Portland
The Unexpected History of Our Local Exports, From Les Schwab to Juanita's Chips
Everyone knows Nike and Tillamook, but countless other popular products and brands got their start in our region — and many of them have unexpected stories…
- City Cast Portland
What This Weekend's Tear-Gas-Laden Protests Looked Like on the Ground
Today, we’re talking with Portland Mercury reporter Jeremiah Hayden about the string of protests that happened in town this past weekend, including Saturday’s…
- City Cast Portland
Why Oregon City Is One of Portland's Most Underappreciated Suburbs
Today we’re continuing our neighborhood guide series with a trip beyond the city limits to Oregon City. This history-rich suburb is full of unique shops, great…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to February 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re seeing the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra perform live or dancing in a Mardi Gras Parade on Mississippi Ave., there are plenty of ways to make the…
- City Cast Portland
City Leaders vs. ICE Facility Landlord, Police Oversight Gaps, and Is the Keller Worth It?
Today, we’re looking into why city leaders are pushing for more penalties against the landlord of the South Portland ICE facility. We’re also hearing about a…
- City Cast Portland
Is Winter Broken?
It has not felt like a normal winter in Portland. December was the warmest on record, January has been unusually dry, and people are already noticing plants…
- City Cast Portland
What You Need To Know About ICE in Minneapolis. Plus, Gresham Family Detained and Shooting Suspect Apprehended
Today on City Cast Portland, we have updates on the shooting that left two police officers injured, and more details on the Gresham family detained and sent to…
- City Cast Portland
Gas Tax Fumble, Banning ICE Face Masks, and Breaking With Federal Tax Codes
Next week, Oregon lawmakers are heading into a short, five-week legislative session with a very long to-do list. At the top of it is how to keep the state’s…
- City Cast Portland
Why Portland Transplants Say We Make Terrible Friends
According to recent data, fewer than half of Multnomah County residents were born in Oregon — meaning most Portlanders aren't actually from here. But adjusting…
- City Cast Portland
ICE’s ‘Sloppy’ Hiring Practices, Manhunt for Shooting Suspect, and James Beard Public Market Delayed
This week, we’re looking into a shooting that injured two local police officers, and what happened when a former Portland journalist went undercover to…
- City Cast Portland
How To Begin Planning Now for a Perfect Pacific Northwest Summer
It’s easy to forget that peak hiking and camping season is a lot closer than you might think. Even though we're in the depths of winter, January is a good time…
- City Cast Portland
Dan Ryan Apologizes Over Text Scandal, OHSU Raises Wages, and Big Changes for Jefferson HS
Today on City Cast Portland we're discussing the latest in the back-and-forth over some nasty texts seen at City Hall, the major new labor contract at OHSU…
- City Cast Portland
Can This Neon-Clad Mall Walking Group Save the Lloyd Center?
The Lloyd Center mall is about to go through some big changes this year, with demolition already partially underway. But the Food Court 5000 retro mall walking…
- City Cast Portland
Council Finally Picks a President, Shelter System Report Card, and a Protest Hero's Controversy
This week we’re looking into the long and contentious vote for a new City Council president, a recent report showing how well our county's homeless shelter…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Has How Many New Italian Restaurants?
Last year, our city might have set a record for new Italian restaurants. If you want to try them but are overwhelmed by all the options, we've got an expert…
- City Cast Portland
The Latest on the Border Patrol Shooting and Reactions From Portlanders
Today, we’re looking into all the latest updates surrounding the border patrol shooting of two people in East Portland, and we’re also hearing from you, our…
- City Cast Portland
How Close Is Portland To Ending Homelessness?
Last year, Portland leaders took big swings at addressing homelessness in our city. But even so, homelessness has continued to rise. As the new year begins…
- City Cast Portland
How Oregon’s Plan for 100% High School Graduation Fell Apart
For more than a decade, Oregon pursued one of the most ambitious education goals in the country: that every student who entered kindergarten in 2012 would…
- City Cast Portland
Breaking: Border Patrol Shooting in East Portland and What We Know So Far
Two people were shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in East Portland yesterday. On a special breaking news episode, host Claudia Meza and executive producer…
- City Cast Portland
Troops Finally Leave, Gov. Kotek Backpedals on Transportation, and TriMet Cuts Lines
First, an update on yesterday's breaking news about the two people shot by federal immigration agents in Portland. Then we’re talking about National Guard…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Tourist Traps You Should Finally Visit This Year
The new year is the perfect time to explore where you live a little deeper. Today we’re revisiting a conversation with Eden Dawn, author of The Portland Book…
- City Cast Portland
New Oregon Laws, a Potential Foie Gras Ban, and a Toxic Dump Becomes a Botanical Garden?
Today we're talking about some of the new state laws going into effect this year, a city councilor’s push to ban foie gras, the closing of a beloved North…
- City Cast Portland
5 Portland Restaurants You Must Visit in 2026
For bars and restaurants, January is usually the quietest month of the year. That makes it a great time to visit some of Portland's new food spots. Today…