City Cast Portland

We're talking about our city's most overrated and underrated summer activities. Yes, we've got gripes but also tips about how to get the most out of a fleeting Portland summer! Joining host Claudia Meza are City Cast Portland producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: ⁠Oregon Ballet Theatre⁠ ⁠PaintCare⁠ ⁠Grand Central Bakery⁠

We're talking about the news that Portland's housing authority, Home Forward, is in a bigger financial shortfall than previously reported. And as we hit another heat wave, we're also sharing the best places to enjoy a refreshing cold drink. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and local food and drink reporter Alex Frane. Discussed in today's episode: Portland Pickle's Napoleon Dynamite Night Presented by City Cast Portland Home Forward Said Its Budget Shortfall Had Improved. That Was Wrong, Agency Now Says [Willamette Week] Portland's Affordable Housing ‘Cleanup Guy' on Why Things Are So Effed [City Cast] Rum Club Farag's Tope Landmass Wonderly Wayfinder Beer Blank Slate Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at ⁠citycast.fm/survey⁠—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Portland swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 20th episode: Oregon Ballet Theatre PaintCare

Sometimes it can feel like the Portland government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don't have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You've heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers. Mentioned on the show: Atlas Obscura feature on the community-built benches in Chattanooga Efforts by Strong Chattanooga to make a path through the woods in a sidewalk-less neighborhood Review of Hoboken's streak of zero traffic fatalities  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

We're talking about miniature horses in classrooms and why one Portland EMT's fight against cameras in ambulances has gotten national attention. Plus, we've got a family-friendly guide to Seaside, Oregon. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week arts and culture reporter Rachel Saslow and our very own senior producer Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episode: Hay, did you know: Mini horses can be service animals in Portland Public Schools classrooms [Oregonian] Cameras are starting to record patients in ambulances. Oregon EMT says she was fired for turning them off [Oregonian] Embrace Kitschy Family Fun at the Coast With a Trip to Seaside [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at ⁠citycast.fm/survey⁠—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Portland swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: SAIF Grand Central Bakery pFriem Beer

We're checking in on how our county's drug deflection program is faring. Plus, we've got ideas for last-minute outdoor summer adventures and we're also digging into the best of Portland's missed connections. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author, Brianna Wheeler, and Norther Emily, a wilderness skills educator, writer, and the founder of Wild Solitude Guiding. Discussed in today's episode: Meet the Portland teen whose $3 ‘one in a billion' Goodwill find could soon sell for $250K [Oregonian] After Anemic Early Results, Multnomah County Updated Its Program to Divert Drug Users Into Treatment. Is It Working? [Willamette Week] Recreation.Gov /Last Minute Camping Alerts /Camping This Weekend Missed Connection Portland [Instagram] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at ⁠citycast.fm/survey⁠—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Portland swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: ⁠SAIF

We're talking about the thousands and thousands of tires illegally dumped on an unsuspecting property owner and Portland Police's troubling response times. Plus, we're digging into Oregon's surprisingly competitive governor's race. Joining host Claudia Meza are Bryan M. Vance — the founder of Stumptown Savings, your friendly food economy newsletter — and our very own senior producer Rachel Monahan. Discussed in today's episode: Man feels hopeless after someone dumps hundreds of tires on his Portland property [KATU] Portland police response times are climbing to troubling levels [Oregonian] Early signs suggest Oregon governor's race is competitive [OPB] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Portland swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: SAIF

We're talking about the possible end of the psilocybin industry here in Oregon and the legality around the use of AI in local political ads. Plus, we're remembering Nutmeg, the cat who was affectionately known as the mayor of Sellwood. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: Nutmeg, beloved Sellwood CVS cat known as the ‘unofficial mayor,' dies at 19 [Oregonian] Over-the-top AI campaign ads will test Oregon disclosure law [OPB] ‘I don't think the industry can survive this': Oregon regulators propose steep psilocybin fee hikes [Oregon Capitol Chronicle] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 14th episode: SAIF Grand Central Bakery pFriem Beer

We've got ideas on where to build a new ice rink once the Lloyd Center mall is gone. Plus, we've got picks for the best new wine bars and local drive-thrus in town to check out right now. Joining host Claudia Meza are local food and drink reporters Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Alex Frane. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Portland City Council rejects appeal, clearing Lloyd Center redevelopment project⁠ [KATU] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 13th episode: ⁠SAIF⁠

There's lots to love about Portland, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) about everything he's seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

We're talking about an incoming ballot measure aimed at giving the public more say in city budget matters, City Hall's newest efforts to increase affordable housing ownership. And the surprising championship a Portlander just won. Joining host Claudia Meza are OPB city politics reporter Alex Zielinski and Bryan M. Vance, the founder of Stumptown Savings, your friendly food economy newsletter. Discussed in today's episode: Portlander spins to national Yo-Yo championship [Oregonian] Portland ballot measure for more public say in city budget clears hurdle [OPB] Portland councilors to consider lifting income limits for some affordable homes [OPB] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: D'Amore Law Grand Central Bakery

We're talking about massive rate hikes coming for data centers across our state, where our Oregon students are lagging and where they are thriving. Plus, we're opening our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners! Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠⁠Another Portland bar just closed. Are we in the midst of a new ‘barmaggedon'?⁠⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠⁠Oregon approves PGE's 29.7% rate hike for data centers under landmark law⁠⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠⁠Oregon governor says state is a ‘cheap date' for data centers⁠⁠ [OPB] ⁠⁠National report: Oregon great for giving kids health insurance, bad for teaching them how to read⁠⁠ [OPB] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: ⁠D'Amore Law⁠

We're talking some of the best hidden perks you can get with your library card, the proposed ballot measure that would redirect money from the city's climate fund to the police bureau, and what to expect now that the decade-long $2 billion renovation is finally finished at PDX. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and City Cast Portland senior producer Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Planning a trip to an Oregon state park? Your library card might score you free parking⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠Controversial Portland proposal to redirect climate cash to cops moves closer to November ballot⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠Portland police response times are climbing to troubling levels⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠Increased police budget and staffing does not prove to decrease crime⁠ [Street Roots] ⁠Portland airport has finished its 11-year, $2.15B renovation. Here's what it looks like now⁠ [Oregonian] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode: ⁠D'Amore Law⁠

Today on City Cast Portland, we're embracing the dreamy summer weather we're having by revisiting a conversation host Claudia Meza had with Eden Dawn, author of The Portland Book of Dates, about planning the perfect summer date. Whether in town, on a day trip, or an overnighter somewhere magical — with a friend, lover, or anything in between — she's got plenty of date ideas, from picnicking to horseback riding on the beach. This episode originally aired on July 21, 2025. Hug Point has been temporarily closed since the taping of this episode. You can check for updates here. Mentioned in today's episode: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Villa Catalana Cellars Sauvie Island Topaz Farms Lost Lake Hood River Fruit Loop Tunnel Beach Oswald West State Park Short Sand Beach Oysterville Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 7th episode: D'Amore Law Grand Central Bakery

Today we're talking about the legacy of one of the winemakers who helped put Willamette Valley on the map. We also have recommendations for the best summer reads and cool treats that are not technically ice cream (but are delicious). Joining host Claudia Meza are local food and drink reporter Alex Frane and senior artistic director at Literary Arts, ⁠⁠Amanda Bullock⁠⁠. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠⁠Joe Campbell, co-founder of Elk Cove Vineyards, dies at 87⁠⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠⁠Phelp's Creek Vineyards⁠⁠ Summer reads: ⁠⁠Scavengers by Kathleen Boland⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Homebound by Portia Elan⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Famous Men by Julie Buntin⁠⁠ Icy treats: ⁠⁠Kulfi⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Cornet Custard⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Ice Queen⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Kate's Ice Cream⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Pinolo Gelato⁠⁠ Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 6th episode: ⁠⁠D'Amore Law⁠⁠

See if your Portland knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country's semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options. 

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about how over a thousand Portland-area shelter beds are closing before the end of the year and what that means to our Mayor's efforts to end unsheltered homelessness, why a leading psilocybin therapy center is no longer treating patients. Plus, we're weighing in on Portland's pettiest gripes. Joining host Claudia Meza are Oregonian homelessness reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes and Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Report Fireworks in Portland⁠ ⁠More than 1,100 homeless shelter beds to close in Portland area by year's end⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠In Change of Tack, Major Portland Psilocybin Service Center Closes⁠ [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠.⁠ ⁠ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: ⁠pFriem Beer⁠

Whether you're watching fantastical kinetic sculptures race each other, catching some live music, or slurping down a slushie, July is when our Portland summer hits its peak. And to help you have the most memorable July ever, the team at City Cast Portland has rounded up their top picks in food, entertainment and everything in between. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Stumptown Savings Farmers Market Directory ⁠ Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠.

We're talking with District 3 Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo about the interpersonal dynamics of City Council, the Moda Center renovations, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and much more. Councilor Morillo is the youngest councilor currently serving in Portland and is also part of the six-member City Council progressive caucus known as Peacock. Discussed in today's episode: Avatar: The Last Airbender Dueling Plans to Restore Public Safety Services and Jobs Emerge in City Council [Willamette Week] Reporting Live: City Council's Contentious Budget Meeting [Portland Mercury] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 30th episode: pFriem Beer

A Clackamas County official is accused of stealing over $200,000 of tax payer money. Plus, we have picks for the best summer food events and a highly scientific comparison of the Portland and Chicago dining scenes. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are local food reporters Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Alex Frane.  Discussed in today's episode: Fired pest control official accused of stealing $200K to buy drones, other goods to keep or sell [Oregonian] 6th Annual Tomato Fest Summer Supper 2026 9th Annual PDX Hot Sauce Expo Donald Daze Hazelnut Festival North Plains Elephant Garlic Hermiston Melon Fest  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Just how good are the sidewalks in Portland? The state of a city's sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about what drove this initiative, how it's going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

We're talking about improved wait times for emergency calls, what happened at the big Moda Center renovation business summit, and why it's getting more and more expensive to live in Portland. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Portland 911 call wait times improving, audit finds⁠ [OPB] ⁠Dundon Offers Brief Remarks and Elected Officials Urge Moda Center Renovation at Business Summit⁠ [Willamette Week] ⁠Portland's cost of living is ballooning as city tax, fee increases pile up. Residents feel the pain⁠ [Oregonian] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: ⁠Portland Bureau of Transportation⁠ ⁠SAIF⁠ ⁠Grand Central Bakery⁠

A Portland church is giving its land back to a local indigenous organization, and why consumer advocates are concerned about digital price tags hitting our grocery stores. Plus, we're sharing the most Portland missed connections we could find on the internet. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler, and the founder of Stumptown Savings, your friendly local food economy newsletter, Bryan M. Vance. Discussed in today's episode: Four Amazon electric vans destroyed in Portland fire [OPB] After church closes, Oregon Lutherans return land to Portland Indigenous organization NAYA [OPB] Kroger is doubling down on a controversial price tag technology, including in Oregon [Oregonian] MCPDX [Instagram] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Portland Bureau of Transportation SAIF Grand Central Bakery

We're revisiting a conversation about the essential neighborhood bars holding our city together. These community hubs are our third spaces, our therapist offices, and our quick bite options when we don't want to cook dinner but can't really decide on where to eat. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza to discuss their and our listener's favorite neighborhood bars are producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni. This episode originally aired on February 10th, 2026 Editor's Note: Le Bistro and The Garrison are no longer in business and closed after the taping of this episode. Mentioned in today's episode: LaVerne's The Old Gold Mosaic Taphouse Lucky Horseshoe Lounge Prost! Wilder Dear Sandy Dream House Tulip Shop Tavern Side Eye Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Portland Bureau of Transportation SAIF Grand Central Bakery

A homeless services provider on the verge of shutting down could owe Multnomah County millions of dollars, and Mayor Keith Wilson's home-sharing pilot program that pays Portland homeowners to take on roommates is surprisingly not popular. Plus, we weigh in on Portland's pettiest gripes. We also remember a fantastic reporter and frequent guest, ⁠Zane Sparling⁠. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Collapsing homeless services provider may owe Multnomah County as much as $3.6M, financial report finds⁠ [KGW] ⁠Mayor's Home-Sharing Pilot Program Receives Five Applications in Four Months⁠ [Willamette Week] ⁠Home Sharing Pilot Program⁠ [Portland.gov] Remembrances in Zane Sparling's name can be made here: ⁠Fight EHE⁠ and ⁠Oregon High School Journalism Institute⁠ Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode: ⁠Portland Bureau of Transportation⁠ ⁠SAIF⁠ ⁠Grand Central Bakery⁠

We're talking about a new downtown park honoring a local icon, the deep dive a city reporter made into our City Councilors' travel expenses, and a program that's empowering Portlanders to start their own small businesses. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and Madam Cooper Hays, owner of Madam Cooper's Parlor. Discussed in today's episode: Remembering Portland's 92-Year-Old Iconic Drag Queen [City Cast Portland] Portland's first gay rights march [OPB] PDX Pop-Up Shops: a proven pipeline for small business growth and downtown economic vitality See Where Portland Elected Officials Traveled in 2025, and How Much They Spent [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 22nd episode: Portland Bureau of Transportation SAIF Grand Central Bakery

We're talking about big leadership changes coming to our major health providers, Gov. Tina Kotek declaring a wildfire emergency, and the Portland winners at this year's James Beard Awards. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are local food reporter Alex Frane and Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler. Discussed in today's episode: Portland pools open Thursday with same adult supervision rule after OHA abandons stricter proposal [KGW] Two Major Portland Health Systems Are Getting New Chiefs [Willamette Week] OHSU sues OPB, seeking to withhold records about fired executive [OPB] Portlanders take home three James Beard Awards [OPB] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: McMenamins PaintCare ByWater Health

We're talking about why Oregon is now considered to have the worst state hospital in the nation, and why our leader's best laid plans for the Oregon Bottle Bill are unraveling. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are our very own City Cast Portland producers Giulia Fiaoni and Rachel Monahan.  Discussed in today's episode: Copihue Farms A Tomato-Only CSA Is Here for BLT Lovers [Portland Mercury] Locked up and alone: Sharp rise in Oregon State Hospital's seclusion of patients pushed state to worst-in-nation status [Oregonian] In a win for no one, Bottle Bill alternative redemption center plans unravel [Oregonian] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17th episode: McMenamins PaintCare ByWater Health

We're talking about the latest concerning public funding for the Moda Center, as well as the state ethics investigation into former PCC president Adrien Bennings. Plus, we're diving into the mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni.  Discussed in today's episode: State Ethics Commission Opens Investigation Into Former PCC President [Portland Mercury] What's Next for the Moda Center? Get More Facts [porltand.gov] Rip City, Not Rip Off Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: McMenamins PaintCare ByWater Health

Today, we're talking about ideas to bring down the state's median age, why Portland City Council can't seem to agree on how to fund about 100 city jobs, and the headache we've all experienced: getting delayed by trains in the Central Eastside. Joining executive producer John Notarianni are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and Garrett Andrews, Willamette Week contributor and adjunct professor of political science at Portland Community College. Discussed in today's episode: Oregon's Aging Population Poses Challenges for Economic Revival [Oregon Journalism Project] Council Fails to Reach Deal to Preserve Public Safety and Administrative Jobs [Willamette Week] It's the Most Annoying Traffic Jam in Portland. Here's How to Fix It. [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 15th episode: McMenamins PaintCare ByWater Health

Do you know how many parks Portland has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map has already become a valuable tool for locals, who now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: they can also find outdoor spaces that meet their needs. Mentioned on the show: Every Park SLC - The First-Ever Guide to Every Park in Salt Lake County (City Cast Salt Lake) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

We're talking about our best summer hacks for eating, lounging, adventuring, and cooling off. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are producers Giulia Fiaoni and John Notarianni.  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: D'Amore Law Sake One pFriem Family Brewers

City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is sitting down for a one-on-one with Home Forward's interim executive director, Michael Buonocore, to dig into major challenges facing affordable housing providers right now. Buonocore has led both Home Forward and the Portland Housing Bureau — two agencies at the forefront of our city's affordable housing crisis. Discussed in today's episode: Interim Leader of Home Forward Pledges Greater Transparency and New Chapter After CEO Resigns [Willamette Week] Major Portland affordable housing provider could close in 6 months, leader tells city [Oregonian] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: D'Amore Law

We're talking about the uptick in ticks in Portland, according to Multnomah County health officials, and a proposed 29% electricity rate increase for data centers. Plus, we're diving into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own senior producer, Rachel Monahan. Discussed in today's episode: Tick bites on the rise at popular Oregon hiking spot [KATU2] PGE requests large rate increase for Oregon data centers [FOX12] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this June 10th episode: D'Amore Law

Today, we're talking about a record-breaking payout for damage caused by a Portland pothole, the deep cuts in Multnomah County's $4 billion budget, and Travel Oregon's new executive director. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and KBOO news director Althea Billings. Discussed in today's episode: Like ‘an explosion': Driver hits pothole, secures what may be heftiest roadway settlement in Portland history [Oregonian] After all-night session, Multnomah County board passes budget with deep cuts; homeless services, DA among them [Oregonian] Former Multnomah County Commissioner Dr. Sharon Meieran's website, fix-multco.com  Travel Oregon Names New Executive Director [Oregon Journalism Project]   Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: D'Amore Law Sake One pFriem Family Brewers

We're talking about the free shuttle bus service to the Zoo and Forest Park coming this summer, and the major cuts coming to TriMet services and staffing. Plus, we're digging into the best of Albina. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are JT Flowers, a TriMet board member and Albina Vision Trust's government affairs and communications director, and local food reporter and supporter of all things public transit, Alex Frane. Discussed in today's episode: Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle [portland.gov] Bus and MAX reductions coming this summer as TriMet is struggling for new revenue [Oregonian] JT Flowers Is Planting the Seeds of Northeast Portland's Future [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 8th episode: D'Amore Law Oregon Department of Transportation

Portland recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas podcast host Jesse Merrick to learn how the city makes do with what it has and how its practices could save other cities' water supplies. Plus, are any Las Vegans actually going to the casinos? Mentioned on the show: "Reality Check - There are Big Fines If You Don't Change Your Watering Clock" (Southern Nevada Water Authority) "Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?" (City Cast Las Vegas) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite — Portland doughnut experiences. Plus, a local spiritual master is on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct, and more reasons to get excited about our new WNBA team, the Portland Fire. Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and Portland Monthly senior editor Rebecca Jacobson.    Discussed in today's episode: National Donut Day 2026 Is Friday in Portland [Bridgetown Bites]  The Great Portland Doughnut Throwdown [City Cast Portland] A Buddhist Leader in Portland Is on Leave After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct [Willamette Week] How I Fell for the Portland Fire [Portland Monthly] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode: Veganizer TaskRabbit Oregon Department of Transportation Sake One

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. Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and Oregonian education reporter, Julia Silverman.   Discussed in today's episode: Patagonia and Pattie Gonia trade offers to settle trademark dispute [Oregonian] In Portland schools, an ‘optimistic' new AI handbook proves polarizing [Oregonian] Portland utility rate hike pushes average water, sewer bill above $2K per year [Oregonian] Apply for financial assistance with your sewer, stormwater, water bill [MultCo] Utility, Phone, Internet & Furniture Assistance [MultCo] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode: Veganizer PaintCare Oregon Department of Transportation

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 varieties of strawberries⁠ were invented in Oregon? Or that from May through September, we actually become the #4 growing region for strawberries in the country? Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are OPB “All Things Considered” host and “Superabundant” producer ⁠Crystal Ligori⁠ and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. This conversation first aired on June 29, 2023. All comments on produce availability are not relevant to the current season. Mentioned in this Interview: ⁠Hood Strawberries⁠ ⁠Marys Peak Strawberries⁠ ⁠Puget Crimson Strawberries⁠ ⁠Albion Strawberries⁠ ⁠Superabundant: Strawberry⁠ [OPB] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠here⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠503-208-5448⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠morning newsletter⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: ⁠Veganizer⁠ ⁠PaintCare⁠ ⁠Oregon Department of Transportation⁠

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, and surprising new data about who's actually profiting from SNAP food assistance. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are KBOO News Director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episode: Freeland Spirits opens tasting room at PDX, offers free drink perk for investors [KGW8] ‘Something dramatically wrong': Questions but few answers after Longview mill tragedy [OPB] Confirmed death toll climbs in Longview paper mill disaster [OPB] Oregonians using SNAP benefits most frequently listed big grocery, retail companies as employer [Capital Chronicle] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode: Veganizer PaintCare Oregon Department of Transportation Sake One

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 another perfect Portland summer. And the team at City Cast Portland has picked the top food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you have your best June ever. Discussed in today's episode: Bike Summer (aka Pedalpalooza) Modular on the Spot Human Access Project events Strawberry Shortcake Week Lo's Burgers Harmonies Pizza State Parks Day Goat Maps Event calendars: Oregon State Parks, Metro, and Portland Parks Taste Testing Oregon's Sweetest Strawberries [City Cast Portland] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 1st episode: Veganizer PaintCare Oregon Department of Transportation

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 when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago's libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.