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
What U.S. Cities Will Be Talking About in 2026 (Including Portland)
Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Portland…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to January 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re hitting the slopes to go snowboarding on Mount Hood or staying inside to watch a Studio Ghibli film with themed snacks, there are plenty of ways…
- City Cast Portland
From Country Dancing to Indoor Skating, Your Winter Weather Escape Guide
As we count down to the new year and brace for the cold, rainy weeks ahead, we’re revisiting a conversation with Ryan Hashegen about some of the best ways to…
- City Cast Portland
Staying Active This Winter With the Portland Area’s Best Cross-Country Skiing
Now that the holidays are almost over, it's time to think about staying active all winter long. In addition to experiencing our beautiful wilderness during one…
- City Cast Portland
Portland's Biggest News Stories of 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we're reflecting on everything we’ve lived through this year. Today on City Cast Portland, producers John Notarianni, Giulia Fiaoni…
- City Cast Portland
The Best Books by Oregon Authors in 2025
This was a big year for Oregon writers. Some of the most talked-about books of 2025 came from authors living right here — including a couple of National Book…
- City Cast Portland
City Councilors Lawyer Up, New Seasons Workers’ Big Win, and a Costly New Shipping Terminal
This week in Portland, we’re looking into why five city council members are lawyering up, the controversial multibillion-dollar idea to revitalize a coastal…
- City Cast Portland
An Expert Guide to Snow Camping in Portland and Not Getting Frostbite
Today, we're talking about one unexpected activity that might stir your spirit for the outdoors this winter — snow camping. How do you even do it, and is it…
- City Cast Portland
Portland’s New Big Boss, Gas Tax on Hold, and an ICE Emergency in Multnomah County
This week, we’re discussing our official new city administrator, the reason the state's new gas tax is now on hold, the latest local government declaring an…
- City Cast Portland
What We Misunderstand About Hunger in Oregon
One in six Oregon children lives in a food-insecure home, and now as we enter the holidays and brace for new cuts to federal food assistance, many families are…
- City Cast Portland
Portland's Best Breakfast Sandwiches
This is the time of year when a quick, comforting breakfast feels especially appealing, so it's fortunate that Portland has plenty of options. Today we're…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Sued by Right-Wing Influencer, Mayor Wilson Eyes Central City, and Will Jefferson Ever Thrive?
This week in Portland, Mayor Wilson's next set of ambitious goals, an influencer suing the Portland Police Department for being biased against conservatives…
- City Cast Portland
The Year's Best Graphic Novels From Portland's Vibrant Comic Scene and Beyond
Portland’s graphic novel and comic book arts scene is one of our most deep-seated and vibrant creative communities. Today on City Cast Portland, with the help…
- City Cast Portland
Millions of Unspent Housing Dollars and the Controversial Firing of Portland’s Housing Director
Today, we’re looking into how the Portland Housing Bureau director, a leading expert on affordable housing, was fired by our mayor and what the move says about…
- City Cast Portland
What's Driving Up the Cost of Your Portland Water Bill?
Portland City Council approved a 6% increase to our water and sewer utility bills last summer, and they’re forecasting even higher rates in the next few years…
- City Cast Portland
Why Russell Is Portland's Best Neighborhood To Buy a Home
East Portland's Russell neighborhood is quiet, safe, and totally under-the-radar. Today, we’re continuing our neighborhood guide series where we talk with…
- City Cast Portland
Wilson Hits Shelter Goal, Empty Affordable Units, and Is This Guy Our Next City Administrator?
This week, we’re talking about Mayor Keith Wilson declaring victory on reaching a pivotal goal in his plan to end unsheltered homelessness, and his pick for…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Hip-Hop Isn’t Just Aminé
When most people think of Portland hip-hop, acclaimed rapper Aminé might be the only name that comes to mind. But Portland’s had a thriving hip-hop scene since…
- City Cast Portland
Portland Chef Stuck in Mexico, ICE Ramps Up Sweeps, and Newport vs. Feds
Today, we’re looking into the latest actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that are affecting our region. Joining host Claudia Meza on this…
- City Cast Portland
Is Seattle Better Than Portland?
Portland and Seattle have always had a good-natured rivalry. As two of the Pacific Northwest's biggest cities, it's easy to compare ourselves with our neighbor…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to December 2025 in Portland
Whether you’re trekking into the forest to cut down your own Christmas tree or seeking out the best holiday light displays in the area, December offers plenty…
- City Cast Portland
The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including Portland!)
Join City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Salt…
- City Cast Portland
3 Portland Chefs Have New Cookbooks: We Tested Them in the Kitchen
Today we're trying out recipes from three new cookbooks written by some of the Portland food scene’s biggest stars: Joshua McFadden of Ava Gene's, Cathy Whims…
- City Cast Portland
Portland’s Best Last-Minute Grocery Store Dishes for Your Holiday Meal
This time of year can be kind of stressful, with all the holiday potlucks and family dinners stacking up. Today, grocery-deal expert (and Stumptown Savings…
- City Cast Portland
Who’s Winning Our City’s Biggest Job? Plus, Oregon’s ‘Economic Malaise’ and RIP Yachats Whale
This week, we’re looking at the three finalists for our next city administrator, the story behind the whale that washed ashore in Yachats, Ore., and the almost…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide To Escape the Gray and Enjoy Portland's Rainy Season
Portland's rainy season can sometimes feel endless and draining. That's why today we're talking with our resident good-time expert, Eden Dawn. She’s the…
- City Cast Portland
Watermark at the Pearl, Where Community Comes to Life (Sponsored)
In this sponsored episode, City Cast Content Director Andrea Silenzi chats with a resident of the Watermark at the Pearl, a senior living community in the…
- City Cast Portland
Trump's Emergency Troop Appeal, a Win Against Zenith, and a New Seasons Holiday Strike?
Today we’re looking into the last legal battles over Trump's troop deployments and Zenith Energy. We also dig into a potential strike at New Seasons, the…
- City Cast Portland
The 25 Restaurants That Put Portland Dining on the Map
Our city's food scene is widely praised, but that wasn't the case even just 25 years ago. Today, we're talking with the editor-in-chief of Portland Monthly…
- City Cast Portland
How the Portland Art Museum Is Leading the Downtown Renaissance
The Portland Art Museum’s new Rothko Pavilion is opening this week. This means the entire museum’s collection will be under one roof for the first time since…
- City Cast Portland
Another Threat to Vote-by-Mail, City Hall Takes on Rent Price-Fixing, and Hiring More City Police
This week, we’re looking into how a Supreme Court decision regarding Mississippi’s elections could impact Oregon and a potential ballot initiative hoping to…
- City Cast Portland
County DA Nathan Vasquez on Protests, Federal Troops, and the Camping Ban
Today we're talking with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez about the state of Portland: Does he have a strategy to address the threat of…
- City Cast Portland
US Sen. Wyden on Ending the Government Shutdown, Another Troop Deployment Ruling, the Epstein Files, and Much More
A few recent moves in national politics are affecting everyday Portlanders this week. From a federal judge permanently banning the deployment of National Guard…
- City Cast Portland
Alleyways, the Mavericks, Benson Bubblers, and More Portland Icons
Tomorrow, Nov. 12, is one of the most iconic days in Oregon history. It's the 55th anniversary of exploding whale day — when officials in Florence, Ore…
- City Cast Portland
Where To Find Pickle Ranch Biscuits, Pink Cabbage, the Best Cup of Coffee, and Other Seasonal Goods
Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, gifts for the holidays, or just looking for something to do on a Saturday morning, the Portland State University…
- City Cast Portland
Parks Measure Succeeds, Tensions Rise Over Avalos Fire, and City Begins Camping Crackdown
Today we’re looking into the massive parks levy Portland voters just passed, the fire that nearly burned down the already strained relationship between our…
- City Cast Portland
Oregon’s Strange Culture of Cults
Oregon has a reputation in popular culture for its long and weird history with cults. Whether it was for the cheap abundant land, mystic moody vibes, or just…
- City Cast Portland
Why Portlanders Should Read This Book Right Now. Plus, a Look at the Upcoming Book Festival
It's no secret our city is full of book lovers of all kinds. From graphic novels to dense texts on niche interests, there's a reason we're home to the biggest…
- City Cast Portland
The Hidden Corners of PDX To Explore Before Your Next Flight
Few things generate more civic pride than our beloved airport PDX. Earlier this year, the Washington Post ranked Portland International Airport the best…
- City Cast Portland
Your Guide to November 2025 in Portland
Whether you’re taking a class to learn about electronic music at Synth Library Portland or spending a rainy day on the water in your own rented crabbing boat…
- City Cast Portland
They Sent Troops Anyway? Plus, States Sue Over SNAP, and Portland Parks Ask for Funds
This week, we’re looking into the latest court maneuvering over troop deployments to Portland and the government shutdown's impact on SNAP benefits in Oregon…
- 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 movement of our city’s history, from mayoral memos to hand-drawn maps…
- City Cast Portland
More Legal Wrangling Over Troops, Councilor Avalos' House Fire, and a New Candidate for Governor
This week in Portland, the legal challenges over Trump's troop deployment continue to fly. A fire severely damages a City Councilor’s home. A familiar face…
- City Cast Portland
Why 311 Will Fix (Almost) All of Your Portland Problems
Portland is a city full of engaged and concerned citizens; it's not uncommon to talk with your neighbor about a growing pothole on your street or what actually…
- City Cast Portland
Whistleblowers Say the Oregon Renaissance Faire Isn't All Fun and Turkey Legs
The Oregon Renaissance Faire draws over 75,000 visitors and generates millions each year, but behind the scenes, workers have been sounding the alarm on unsafe…
- City Cast Portland
Troop Deployment’s Next Big Legal Hurdle, Half-Full Shelters, and Next Adventure is BACK!
This week in Portland, we're keeping a close eye on the ongoing threat of National Guard troop deployment to our city and the potential impact of another legal…
- City Cast Portland
What Happens When 20,000 Crows End Up in Portland Each Fall
Every year around this time, more than 20,000 crows pour into downtown Portland. At night, they fill the trees, rooftops, and power lines. And honestly, we…
- City Cast Portland
The 9th Circuit Court’s Ruling, the National Guard, and What This Means for Portland Right Now
Today, we’re talking about the 9th Circuit Court’s ruling in favor of the Trump administration and what that means right now for our city. We’re also hearing…
- City Cast Portland
The Best Fried Chicken in Portland
Today we're talking with Portland Monthly's associate editor of food and drink, Alex Frane, about the best fried chicken in town. From the classic style of the…
- City Cast Portland
Where to Warm Up with Portland's Best Coffee
Ever since the late ’90s, when specialty roasters like Stumptown started up, Portland has been known as a coffee town. But now that we have hundreds of shops…
- City Cast Portland
Judge Delays Troops Again, City Parks Lack Stable Funding, and a Warning for PPS
This week in Portland, the latest court ruling surrounding Trump’s troop deployment into our city, a warning saying we’re building too many public high…
- City Cast Portland
From Homemade Oreos to Fish Tacos, Our Local Wine Country Is More Than Just Wine
Our local wine country has grown over the years, and recently, that's meant more substantial food offerings in the area. High-caliber chefs from Portland and…
- City Cast Portland
Still Waiting on the Courts, the Video PDX Airport Won’t Play, and Emergency Naked Bike Ride
Today, we’re updating you on all that’s happened since we last checked in, including waiting on troop deployment court rulings, an emergency naked bike ride…
- City Cast Portland
This Is the Time of Year When Portland Gets Weird About Mushrooms
For a lot of Portlanders, fall means two things: rain and mushrooms. But mushroom foraging isn’t just about tromping through the woods and getting lucky…
- City Cast Portland
What The Week’s Court Hearings Mean For Troop Deployments in Portland
Today, we're continuing to closely follow the latest developments surrounding Trump’s federal troop deployment, the aftermath of U.S. Homeland Security…
- City Cast Portland
How Would You Revive Downtown? {Sponsored}
Downtown Portland is full of potential, and Pivot Property Management wants your ideas to bring it back to life. In this sponsored episode, City Cast Portland…
- City Cast Portland
Apple Cider Slushies, Smoked Meatloaf, and Scenic Drives on the Hood River Fruit Loop
With over 30 farms, wineries, and restaurants, spread along a scenic drive through the Hood River County countryside, the Hood River Fruit Loop is a magical…
- City Cast Portland
The Latest on Trump's Troop Deployment and Sharing Notes From Our Listeners
Today, we’re catching you up on what happened this weekend and where we are now with Trump’s push to deploy federal troops to our city. We’re also hearing from…
- City Cast Portland
Portland’s Best Saunas and Soaking Pools To Soothe Your Nerves
If the stress of the headlines over the past week has brought you fantasies of sitting in a hot sauna or soaking pool, you’ll be pleased to know that Portland…
- City Cast Portland
How Portland Public Schools Are Dealing With ICE Fears and a Changing Student Body
In the first few weeks since Portland area students have been back in school, a lot has been happening: There’s been rising anxiety after an ICE detention near…