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 subscribe to our daily newsletter at portland.citycast.fm.
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Nov 13, 2026 · 31:03
We’re talking about a pretty big resignation coming soon from the leadership ranks of Portland Public School, as well as updates on the shady vendor contracts Prosper Portland's…
Nov 12, 2026 · 33:31
We’re talking about the impacts of Portland Public School closures on special education students, and a new state law that could charge a developmentally disabled Benson High…
Nov 11, 2026 · 35:40
We're talking about Oregon suing the Trump Administration over actions that could leave thousands uninsured, and also looking into ways you can save money on your utilities as a…
Nov 10, 2026 · 32:19
We're breaking down the labor dispute that's sent 800 members of the city's professional workers' union out on strike, how we got here, and what might come next. Plus: from…
Nov 9, 2026 · 34:44
We're talking about the latest on school closures, potential plans for these buildings, and other Portland Public School news ahead of this week's announcement by Superintendent…
Nov 8, 2026 · 23:14
It’s fall in Portland, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government is realizing that rising temperatures…
Nov 6, 2026 · 31:54
Portland voted, and the results are full of surprises — and even a few "wait, really?" moments. Host Claudia Meza is joined by Jake Weigler, local political strategist and…
Nov 5, 2026 · 22:56
To kick off peak winter mushroom foraging season, we’re revisiting a conversation with Wild Solitude Guiding founder and seasoned mushroom forager, Norther Emily. We’ll cover the…
Nov 4, 2026 · 25:41
Today we're breaking down the first results from Tuesday's midterm elections. What are the early takeaways, and what could they mean for our city and our state? Joining host…
Nov 3, 2026 · 34:42
We're talking about a St. Helens nonprofit drug treatment program that continues to leave Native American patients homeless on Portland streets, and why the Portland Police…
Nov 2, 2026 · 36:35
We’ll be talking about all the last minute updates surrounding our city and county races. Plus, some exciting news from the Portland International Airport. Joining host Claudia…
Nov 1, 2026 · 24:37
When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Portland. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes…
Oct 30, 2026 · 37:15
Whether you’re going to the opera for the first time, getting a head start on your holiday shopping, or celebrating our region’s olive harvest, November is kicking off the season…
Oct 29, 2026 · 30:11
Today we're discussing everything you need to know about how to vote in the upcoming election — including deadlines, how ranked-choice is going to work, and what to expect from…
Oct 28, 2026 · 41:41
We're talking about how hundreds of Portland city workers may go on strike as soon as next week. We’re also digging into the Las Vegas-based auto tycoon buying up downtown…
Oct 27, 2026 · 34:44
Portland is famous for its music, coffee, craft beer, and a little sneaker brand called Nike — but our city and state’s influence goes far beyond that. Today on City Cast…
Oct 26, 2026 · 35:42
Host Claudia Meza gets into the Halloween spirit with Matthew Trueherz, arts and culture editor at Willamette Week, and Alex Frane, food and culture reporter. They dig into the…
Oct 25, 2026 · 23:18
How prepared is Portland to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world — the only U.S. city…
Oct 23, 2026 · 32:33
We're talking about how Portland could become one of the first cities to ban surveillance pricing — before it even hits local stores. Also, what do we know about the two City…
Oct 22, 2026 · 29:04
We're talking about the Trail Blazer owner’s image problem as well as the recent grand jury indictment of a cannabis business CEO for tax fraud. Plus, how the Oregon Liquor and…
Oct 21, 2026 · 41:46
Earlier this year, data showed fewer than half of Multnomah County residents were born in Oregon — meaning most Portlanders aren't actually from here. Some listeners have noted…
Oct 20, 2026 · 29:37
We're talking about the lack of snow on Mount Hood and what it could mean for winter. We’re also reviewing Oregon’s gun control laws after last week's shooting at a Bend…
Oct 19, 2026 · 42:01
We're continuing our fall election coverage by interviewing state Sen. Christine Drazan, who is running against Gov. Tina Kotek in a rematch of their 2022 race. A former Oregon…
Oct 18, 2026 · 25:53
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Portland? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep city streets free of…
Oct 16, 2026 · 36:37
We're talking about City Hall squaring off against Amazon’s drone delivery. We're also breaking down recent updates on proposed local school closures, and looking into why Mayor…
Oct 15, 2026 · 31:05
We're talking about a recent surge in ICE patrols in Salem and the Portland metro area. Plus, how Gov. Tina Kotek is actually doing something about the new data center…
Oct 14, 2026 · 30:45
We're talking about how an ad for a U.S. Senate race in Maine ended up in Oregon, and how a lawsuit could affect our city's curb and parking laws. Plus, why Multnomah County…
Oct 13, 2026 · 37:28
We're talking about how two local ice cream makers might be heading to court over Portland's version of the ChocoTaco. We're also breaking down what exactly happened at…
Oct 11, 2026 · 24:24
Another Portland school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve…
Oct 9, 2026 · 32:53
We're looking at the uproar over Portland Public Schools' plan to close up to 14 schools, breaking down the participatory budgeting ballot measure on your fall ballot, and…
Oct 8, 2026 · 34:04
Inspired by a recent Portland subreddit post, we're discussing our city’s unspoken rules — and how we here on the show break them — to decide which one of us is Portland’s…
Oct 7, 2026 · 30:52
We're talking about the two Portlanders who successfully sued CenturyLink over rising internet rates, and why Oregon has yet to install an EV fast-charging station even though…
Oct 6, 2026 · 31:23
We're talking about why the Eugene Police Department is charging millions for public records, plus ideas from Europe on how to get more out of our waterfront. We’re also looking…
Oct 5, 2026 · 35:58
We're talking about the hiring and firing of a new Blazers broadcaster over some pretty heinous old tweets, and why the Portland Metro Chamber is suing the city. Plus, we're…
Oct 4, 2026 · 23:38
When Portland looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to integrate flood…
Oct 2, 2026 · 32:30
We’re talking about an upcoming event hoping to bring attention to Portland’s bar scene. We’re also looking into some recent food news coming out of a small stretch of Southeast…
Oct 1, 2026 · 36:09
Whether you’re stuck in a corn maze, catching a local theatrical production, or drinking your weight in pumpkin cider, October is the start of the cozy season and we have some…
Sep 30, 2026 · 33:29
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about one nonprofit's mission to open a grocery store in Old Town, and how two city councilors are proposing an increase in our city’s…
Sep 29, 2026 · 36:34
Gov. Tina Kotek is running for reelection in a tight race against the same Republican opponent she faced back in 2022, former state Sen. Christine Drazan. She talks with host…
Sep 28, 2026 · 41:37
Today, we're continuing our coverage of the upcoming fall election with the three candidates running for Multnomah County chair. Joining host Claudia are current Multnomah County…
Sep 27, 2026 · 20:21
What’s a seemingly small project in Portland that’s made a big difference? About 12 miles away in the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a…
Sep 25, 2026 · 37:42
Today we’re finishing up our Portland City Council interviews for our fall election coverage with the second panel of candidates for District 3. Joining host Claudia Meza are…
Sep 24, 2026 · 28:25
We're looking into why a city campaign finance officer was lobbying city leaders in her free time — and just what might happen to roughly 20 school buildings if Portland Public…
Sep 23, 2026 · 34:39
Today we’re continuing our coverage of the city's fall election with the first panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 3. Joining host Claudia Meza are current…
Sep 22, 2026 · 31:00
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about a new book shop that’s drawing hundreds of people to Hillsboro, and the mounting tension between protest groups outside of The…
Sep 21, 2026 · 36:15
Portland City Hall is giving Dolly Parton her own day — and that's only the beginning of this chaos rodeo. Host Claudia Meza is joined by local food and culture reporters Alex…
Sep 20, 2026 · 29:12
Would Portland be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly…
Sep 18, 2026 · 31:14
We're talking about how Northwest researchers are developing vaccines that could prevent opioid overdose deaths, and how things are shaking out at City Hall concerning the sale…
Sep 17, 2026 · 29:52
A Washington County board meeting turned into a viral moment when County Chair Kathryn Harrington silently flipped off Commissioner Nafisa Fai — the board's sole Black and Muslim…
Sep 16, 2026 · 33:54
We're talking about the $2.2 million city councilors spent on pet projects — as well as how a Pearl District bar owner who once complained about crime is now being looked into…
Sep 15, 2026 · 37:05
Today we have our second interview of the city's fall election with the second panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 4. Joining host Claudia Meza are current…
Sep 14, 2026 · 33:15
Today we're kicking off our interviews for the city's fall election with the first panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 4. Joining host Claudia Meza are current…
Sep 13, 2026 · 27:01
It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Portland, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has continued to…
Sep 11, 2026 · 33:21
With a two-mile stretch of southbound I-5 shutting down tonight, a county chair race that could reshape Portland's entire social safety net, and union electricians quietly…
Sep 10, 2026 · 27:41
We're talking about the connection between a conservative PAC and some local chefs, as well as the new trend of local bars serving hot dogs and where to find the best ones. Plus,…
Sep 9, 2026 · 31:09
Today on the podcast, we're talking about why shockingly few Portlanders think city government is effective, and why some tenants of Home Forward, the City of Portland’s housing…
Sep 8, 2026 · 27:57
We're talking about some newly opened restaurants to try out and a locally made game that is taking inspiration from our Portland foods scene. Plus, water rates are rising again,…
Sep 6, 2026 · 23:06
Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Portland? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license…
Sep 4, 2026 · 38:33
City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is talking with Portland Chief of Police Bob Day about everything from repairing community trust to stats pointing to a sharp decrease in…
Sep 3, 2026 · 27:06
Today we're talking about the opposition that's gathering against Portland's fall participatory budgeting ballot initiative and the latest on potential cuts and school closures…
Sep 2, 2026 · 22:09
We all know Portland is a vegan food haven with all sorts of vegan-only spots, but what about when friends of all dietary preferences want to go out and share a meal? Today on…
Sep 1, 2026 · 31:28
Whether you’re picking apples by the gallon, listening to jazz on an extinct volcano, or sipping on a perfect Negroni, September is your gateway to fall while still squeezing out…
Aug 31, 2026 · 31:12
A couple of years back, we had a conversation with the always delightful Jane Kim and her son Ed Kim — the duo behind the social handle The Korean Mama. The Kims have nearly two…
Aug 30, 2026 · 28:47
The Portland airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh…
Aug 28, 2026 · 37:26
We’re talking about why the state is leading an ethics investigation into the travel spending of Home Forward's previous leader. Plus, the team behind the Safer Portland…
Aug 27, 2026 · 30:59
We’re talking about why Portland area leaders are undoing a homeless shelter system they just developed — as well as the surprising and historic unanimous vote to expel a County…
Aug 26, 2026 · 37:28
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about why there’s a secretive effort to privatize Oregon liquor sales and what it would mean for prices. We’re also looking at some of…
Aug 25, 2026 · 36:31
We're talking about Portland metro’s growing home-based food scene, from donuts to birria to supper clubs — as well as the rise of Portland’s tabletop gaming scene. Joining host…
Aug 24, 2026 · 35:57
We're talking about two Portlanders going all out for their cats, Mayor Keith Wilson picking favorites in the upcoming City Council election, and the plans for the fire-damaged…
Aug 23, 2026 · 26:08
Have you ever swam in the Willamette? Kayaked? Tiki toured? There are tons of opportunities to get in the river, yet lots of locals still avoid the water because of its…
Aug 21, 2026 · 36:17
We’re talking about the police officer suing an elderly woman for falling off her steps, the Portlanders being accused of using the most water, and a new city audit showing how…
Aug 20, 2026 · 30:21
We're talking about why our city is getting older, not figuratively but quite literally. We also have updates on the Grasshopper Wildfire and tips on how to be fire safe when…
Aug 19, 2026 · 35:39
Today on City Cast Portland we're rating local chains: which are our favorites, our guilty pleasures, and even the specific Portland locations of some sinful national chains our…
Aug 18, 2026 · 28:57
Today we're talking about what happened when the state's human resources director violated their own policies, and how a Northwest tribe and local researchers are working to…
Aug 17, 2026 · 29:58
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about why there's a wave of celebrity chefs hitting Portland’s shores. We’re also getting a sneak peek into Rose City Comic Con and…
Aug 16, 2026 · 24:40
What will Portland do when it runs out of space for trash? Madison, WI, has a plan, and it’s one that other cities could follow. What could’ve just been another county landfill,…
Aug 14, 2026 · 32:42
We're talking about City Council approving the Moda Center term sheet and what that means heading into negotiations — as well as the wildfire risk within Portland City limits.…
Aug 13, 2026 · 31:28
We're talking about the upcoming I-5 closure predicted to potentially triple your commute time and the recent raid on the infamous Red House, which was the site of large-scale…
Aug 12, 2026 · 34:32
We're talking about our city's best food carts, Portland Mercury's Burger Week, and the best places to eat on your way to the coast. Joining host Claudia Meza are Portland…
Aug 11, 2026 · 33:45
We’re talking about the Lloyd Center’s bittersweet final weekend. We’re also looking ahead to this week’s big deadline for Moda Center negotiations and breaking down the latest…
Aug 10, 2026 · 31:45
We’re talking about a Portland city councilor who was caught burning yard waste during the worst wildfire season on record and a proposal to ban right turns on red at certain…
Aug 7, 2026 · 29:26
As much as you love Portland, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On…
Aug 6, 2026 · 26:07
We've got updates on the I-5 Rose Quarter renovation, the climate cash for cops ballot initiative, and Portland's toxic air quality as we bring back our news lightning round.…
Aug 5, 2026 · 36:37
We're talking about a lawsuit alleging a nearly year-long cockroach infestation at a Home Forward property. Plus, an insider's look at this year's Helium Comedy Club Portland's…
Aug 4, 2026 · 30:32
Today we’re talking about how Oregon’s wildfires are the largest in our state’s history. Plus, Salem is standing up against encroaching data centers, and there’s a more probable…
Aug 3, 2026 · 34:50
Today on City Cast Portland, can Portland snag the world-famous James Beard food awards from Chicago? And could Pioneer Place become the new Lloyd Center? Plus, The Malarkey…
Aug 2, 2026 · 27:14
Do you know how zoning laws affect Portland’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall…
Jul 31, 2026 · 34:56
We're talking about why efforts to fund cops with climate dollars aren't going as smoothly as some had hoped, and we have updates on our state hospital’s troubling patient care…
Jul 30, 2026 · 23:49
Whether you’re riding bikes to the cutest curated public art galleries, roller skating to some local hip-hop, or trying delicious Hawaiian shaved ice for the first time, August…
Jul 29, 2026 · 27:03
We’re talking about how a single tree cost the city over $700,000 and a new local alternative to Nextdoor promising less snark and more community. Plus, we’re gonna try to figure…
Jul 28, 2026 · 38:50
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson is joining host Claudia Meza to talk about how things are going nearly halfway through his term. We’ll be chatting about his efforts to keep the…
Jul 27, 2026 · 30:35
Today, it's Portland vs. Seattle. Which city is actually better? We're listening back to a conversation with Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle. Stay tuned as we try to settle…
Jul 26, 2026 · 26:15
It’s not a given that every Portlander will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer Taylor Lahey about how functional…
Jul 24, 2026 · 38:09
We're talking about a Portland renter beating his landlord in court and Mayor Wilson's tie-breaking vote on a City Council ordinance and why some are not happy about it. Plus,…
Jul 23, 2026 · 30:07
We're talking about the latest in the ongoing Moda Center negotiations, and why Preschool for All might need fewer seats in the coming year. Plus, we’re diving into our mailbag…
Jul 22, 2026 · 29:22
We're talking about the Guinness World Record our city just broke, why an energy expert is sounding the alarm that Portland is at risk of an LA-style wildfire, and layoffs at…
Jul 21, 2026 · 35:20
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!…
Jul 20, 2026 · 33:54
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…
Jul 19, 2026 · 27:14
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…
Jul 17, 2026 · 35:36
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…
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