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City Cast Portland
by City Cast
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.
Episodes
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What City Councilors Spent Their Office Budgets On, More River Pig Saloon Drama, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
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 for committing fraud. Plus, we have a new installment of Portland’s pettiest gripes. Joining host Claudia Meza is Bryan…
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Round 2: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 4
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 Portland City Commissioners Mitch Green and Eric Zimmerman as well as Jamey Evenstar, a former policy adviser to then city...
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Round 1: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 4
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 Portland City Council Vice President & District 4 Councilor Olivia Clark, Central Bike Squad supervisor & PPB...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Portland
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 experience record-breaking heat in recent years, essentially forcing it to lead the charge in protecting residents from...
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Why the County Chair Race Needs Your Attention. Plus, I-5 Carmageddon Starts Tonight, and Electricians Are Leaving Oregon
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 packing up for Idaho, a lot is happening in the city right now that deserves your attention. Host Claudia Meza digs into all…
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The Political PAC Winning Over Local Restaurant Owners. Plus, Are Hot Dogs at Bars a Recession Indicator? And Listener Mailbag!
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, we’re diving into our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza are food and culture...
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Low Marks for City Hall, Affordable Housing’s Rent Hike, and Oregon’s ‘Tiger King’ Goes To Prison
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 authority, could face rent hikes of more than ten percent. Plus, the owner of a roadside zoo in Bandon, Ore., is being...
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3 New Restaurants To Check Out This Fall. Plus, Why Gresham Made Your Water Bill More Expensive
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, and this time it’s Gresham’s fault. Joining host Claudia Meza are food and culture reporters Brooke Jackson-Glidden…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Portland
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 plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are...
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Police Chief Bob Day on ‘Blue Flu’ Accusations, High-Priority Call Response Times, and Needing More Police Officers
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 homicides. We’re also tackling the perception of a “blue flu” regarding increasing response times on high-priority calls....
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Who’s Fighting the Participatory Budget Initiative? Plus, the PPS Superintendent’s Controversial Raise and Our Mailbag
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 at Portland Public Schools — and why, despite it, the superintendent is getting a raise. Plus, we're cracking open our...
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Where To Eat Vegan Without Ditching Your Meat-Loving Friends
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 City Cast Portland, vegan food enthusiast Sara Bahmanyar is sharing her picks with host Claudia Meza of the best spots in...
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Your Guide to September 2026 in Portland
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 the last bits of summer. And to help you have the most memorable September ever, the team at City Cast Portland has...
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Best Places To Eat in Portland, According to TikTok Star The Korean Mama
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 million followers across platforms, watching as they enthusiastically dine at Portland-area restaurants. We talked with...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Portland
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 International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself…
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PPS Could Close Up to 20 Schools, Safer Portland Hires a Trump Lawyer, and Home Forward's Ex-CEO Scandal Deepens
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 initiative to hire more police officers using PCEF money have hired a lawyer that’s represented the Trump administration in...
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Why a Third of Portland's Shelter Beds Are Vanishing. Plus, Oregon's Shadiest Sheriff, and a Burlesque Tribute to Dolly Parton
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 Sheriff. Joining host Claudia Meza are Oregonian homelessness and mental health reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes and...
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A Secretive Push To Privatize Oregon Liquor, City Council Candidate’s Embarrassing Website Mix-up, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
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 Portland’s pettiest gripes. Plus, does a City Council candidate even know what our City Hall looks like? Joining host...
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Are Home Kitchens the New Food Carts? Plus, Portland Fire’s New Mascot and the Rise of Portland’s Tabletop Gaming
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 Claudia Meza are food and drink reporters Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Alex Frane. Discussed in today's episode…
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Mayor Wilson Snubs Progressive Council, Elephants Deli Won't Return to Goose Hollow, and Portland Bridges for Cats
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 Elephant's Delicatessen in Northwest. Joining host Claudia Meza are Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool
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 (outdated) reputation of being polluted. The river is now safe and swimmable thanks to decades of work from advocates,...
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Why a Portland Cop is Suing a 76-Year-Old Woman. Plus, the Portlanders Using the Most Water and Another Wild City Audit
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 bad the city is at hiring contract workers. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel...
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Wildfire-Safe Camping Spots, Portland's Shrinking Population, and Mailbag
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 recreating outdoors. Plus we’re diving into our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza are...
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Why Portland's Chain Restaurants Are Cooler Than Most Cities
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 team enjoys. Joining host Claudia Meza are producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni. This episode originally aired…
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The State HR Director Who 'Rolled the Dice,' Saving the Sea Star, and 6 Ways to Finish Summer Strong
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 bring a sea star species back from the brink of extinction. Plus, we're picking the top local events you need to check out...
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Why More Celebrity Chefs are Coming to Portland, What to Expect at Rose City Comic Con, and Big AI Has a New Local Champion
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 Geek Week from a real-life nerd. Plus, a former Oregon congresswoman is now lobbying for data centers. Joining host…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: A Madison Landfill That’s A Smart Business Move — Presented By City Cast Portland
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, slated to open in 2027, will instead be a “sustainability campus”, where local businesses will unite to more...
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City Council OKs Moda Renovation, What Now? Plus, Oaks Bottom’s Wildfire Risk and the World’s Last Sam Goody
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. Plus, Oregon is now the home of the last outpost in the world for two American chain stores. Joining host Claudia Meza…
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Why Your Commute Time Might Triple, St. Helens Treatment Center Dumping Patients in Portland, and Red House Gets Raided
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 protests back in 2020. We’re also looking into a St. Helens treatment center that is bussing patients to our city and…
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We Tried 6 Portland Mercury Burger Week Offerings! Plus Top Food Carts and Coast Trip Food Picks
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 Mercury managing editor Katherine Chew Hamilton and local food reporter Alex Frane. Become a member of City Cast Portland!...
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Could Trains Topple This Crumbling Warehouse? Plus, the Lloyd Center's Wild Goodbye and a Moda Center Deadline
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 in the aftermath of the Centennial Mills warehouse fire. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea…
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Will Portland Ban Some Right Turns on Red? Plus, a Councilor Torched His Backyard and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
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 intersections. Plus we’re also sifting through Portland’s biggest online gripes. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Portland
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 today’s very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C....
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Portland Had the World's Worst Air, Downtown Is Bribing Brokers, and Climate Dollars for Cops Fails
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. Plus, we're looking at big incentives being paid to bring tenants downtown, and we’re digging into our mailbag to hear…
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Roaches, Comedians, and a Rebel Grocer Saving Parkrose's Biggest Food Desert
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 funniest person competition, and we’re also looking into how the Parkrose neighborhood is coming together to fight food...
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Why You Might Smell Smoke This Week. Plus Salem's Data Center Revolt and the Real Reason PDX Trees are Dying
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 reason that our airport’s trees are dying. And no, it’s not dog pee. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director...
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Why Portland Should Host the Food Oscars, the New Punk Rock Mall, and Portland's Newest Party Bars
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 steakhouse opened, and so have some bars that are a good place to party. Joining host Claudia Meza are food and drink...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Portland
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 buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO...
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Police Ballot Signature Mess, State Hospital Scandal Updates, and Portland Parks Kills Beloved Waterslide
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 record. Plus, why City Hall is shutting down a beloved, nearly half-century-long summer tradition at a Brooklyn...
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Your Guide to August 2026 in Portland
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 is the month that reminds you that summer is ready when you are. To help you have the most memorable August ever, the…
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City Gets Sued for $717K Over a Single Tree, Why Nextdoor is the Worst, and Theories on All Those Loud Booms
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 out what all those big booms people are constantly posting about online are all about. Joining City Cast Portland host...
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Mayor Keith Wilson on Keeping the Blazers, Fixing 911 Response Times, and His Efforts To End Homelessness
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 Blazers in Portland and to address growing homelessness. Plus, why police response times are climbing to a historic high....
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Is Portland Really Better Than Seattle?
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 the question once and for all. This episode originally aired on December 2, 2025. Become a member of City Cast…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Portland
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 incentives could be the missing link in traditional systems of donations and volunteering. Inspired by a waste exchange…
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Does City Council Have a ‘Daddy’? Plus, Oregon’s Outdated School Funding Formula and Shady Landlords
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, we're looking into why our state systemically undercounts our poorest students. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette...
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Why No One Is Happy With the Moda Deal. Plus, Preschool for All’s Uncertain Future and Listener Maibag
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 and hearing from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author, Brianna Wheeler,...
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Why Portland Is at Risk of an LA-Style Wildfire. Plus, We Beat Seattle in a World Record and Intel in Trouble
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 Oregon’s largest private-sector employer. Joining host Claudia Meza are Bryan M. Vance — the founder of Stumptown Savings,...
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The Most Overrated (and Underrated) Portland Summer Activities
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…
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Why Fox News Hates the Portland Pickles. Plus, More Financial Trouble for Home Forward and Our Top Summer Drink Spots
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...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Portland
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
City Cast
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does City Cast Portland have?
City Cast Portland currently has 967 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is City Cast Portland about?
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...
How often does City Cast Portland release new episodes?
City Cast Portland releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 967 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to City Cast Portland?
You can listen to City Cast Portland on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts City Cast Portland?
City Cast Portland is created and hosted by City Cast.
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