Progress Portland

In episode 60, we talk to Debra Porta, executive director of Pride NorthWest and her long relationship with the organization and how it’s evolved over the years.Pride NW is much more than the force behind organizing the yearly Pride march here in Portland, it is a champion for rights across the city in corporate and public spaces and is involved with helping folks regardless of needs.We discuss the barriers and challenges of staying in the forefront of the myriad issues the “dedication to inclusion and a respect for all of the identities that make up (our) community” present, how far there still is to go, and why “Portland Nice” just doesn’t cut it especially when championing for people’s survival. Learn more about Pride NW here: https://www.pridenw.org/Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram at @ProgressPortlandhttps://youtu.be/a8ibpUq9r14

Kat and “Tom” kvetch about stupidity and how passing the bar doesn’t mean you are a smart or coherent person by default, why integrity matters whether its revisiting the events of 9/11 or the summer of 2020 police response to nightly protests, and sweetheart deals to corporate interests whilst ignoring the needs of Portlanders.And what kind of undead creature is Rudy GiulianiPortland Asian Food Festival details here: https://www.pandafests.com/pandafestevents/portland2026Listen to Progress Portland wherever you pod from and find us on the YouToobz™, Instagramz®, and ZuckBook© at @ProgressPortland.

Kat and Kip discuss the global tragedy of losing Tim Curry, why the city struggles to own up to their own failings, the same tired shit being repackaged into “Go, Portland, Go” 🙄, and how we’re all doomed by the capitulation over the CEI hub. And “Daria” as your co-pilot.Listen to Progress Portland wherever you pod from and find us on the YouToobz™, Instagramz®, and ZuckBook© at @ProgressPortland.

In episode 59, we welcome back Shannon Singleton to the pod  who is currently representing District 2 in Multnomah County and running for county chair. Shannon is uniquely qualified for chair given her history working on the forefronts of human centered services, equitable leadership, and finding commonalities across disparate viewpoints. We discuss her experiences as commissioner these past two years and her vision for a revamped county government including transparent and accountable budgeting, thoughtful and expansive services for those in need, building better relationships with governmental peers and how to build a far better culture within Multnomah county which has seen drastic cuts, chaotic leadership, and low morale.And why a Philly mindset is exactly what we need in Portland to get shit done.Please support Shannon here https://www.shannonsingleton.org/ and rank her first if not only for Multnomah County Chair. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram at @ProgressPortland

Kat and Kip discuss the global tragedy of losing Dolly Parton, the city response to the partial release of the Independent Police Review report on the response to the 2020 protests, people peaking in High School and how very stupid everything is.Also, NY bagels and sex swings.Follow us on YouTube™ and Instagram® at @ProgressPortland

Kat and Kip talk about dwindling services for unhoused people when the issue is growing substantially, the failure and misplaced anger of the PPA legislative initiative to take money from the environmental fund, music, and bagels.And abhorrence of ranch dressing.Find us on YouTubez and IG @ProgressPortland Support the re-elections of these councilpeoples:https://teachertiffanyforthepeople.com/https://www.angelitaforportland.com/https://www.mitch4portland.com/See “The Elk” documentary this Friday. Details at: https://pfcat2026.eventive.org/films/6a24579db480596b25076d60

Things are grim, so you get a grim kvetch. Large orange blobs hiding in food container transport leaving cabinet members and the press corp to whatever fates may happen, measles and cyclospra everywhere, term sheets and dysfunction in city council, and dating.And the possibility of t-shirt cannons to liven things up.Check us out on YouTubes at https://youtu.be/F94a65Tl9vk and on IG at @ProgressPortland

Kat and Kip talk about the air quality outside and in Portland City Council, who gets to apologize and be right, Centennial Mills and the lack of any accountability for fallow properties, The West Wing, and much more.And the various uses of Cyclospora outcomes. Gross.Catch us on the Instagrams and the YouToobs at @ProgressPortland and https://youtu.be/9aO1rxTHWxU

Kat and Kip discuss city council and the “Daddy” issue (see what we did there?), accountability and process, and lack of basic competency. And the stickiness of riding a bike naked.And Impuning.

Kat and Kip discuss the Moda Center debacle YET AGAIN, how unprepared for weather emergencies we are YET AGAIN, leisure activities, and Kip’s internet dies which is FUN.Follow along on YouTube™ at https://youtu.be/n2RxdKR-4UsVisit our Instagram at @ProgressPortlandGet a mug or t-shirt at https://progress-portland.myshopify.com/ and get a free Progress Portland button and some stickers with your order!

In episode 58, we talk to Sean Davis; family man, purple heart recipient, writer and artist, and all-around good human being who is running for mayor of Astoria, Oregon. We discuss his motivations and ideals rooted in livability and grounded reasoning to address the houseless crisis, lack of affordable housing, equity and access to services, and the myriad of other challenges the lovely town of Astoria faces.Please share and support Sean at https://seandavisforastoria.com/Please check us out on YouTube and Instagram at @ProgressPortland

Kat and Kip go weird again across multiple topics: ICE murdering people, volunteerism, both-sidism. And nutrional yeast...Check us out on the YouTubes™ https://youtu.be/roszsZvn6Ys

Kat and Kip discuss the departure of local Portland grifters and how easy it would be to do good, even for the wrong reasons, what the actual fuck is wrong with Batman and how Robin is just a disposable commodity, Supergirl, and more. Oddly not a single Muppet mention.Follow Progress Portland on IG at @ProgressPortland or https://www.instagram.com/progressportland/

Kat and Kip discuss the Not-So-Supreme Court decisions, the Portland Police staffing and response report, safe driving/riding, Oscar the Grouch and much more. Check us out on Instagram at @ProgressPortland and if you need Family/Divorce law support, contact Kat at https://kmahoneylaw.com/

This weeks Kvetch is heavier than usual. The ongoing Moda Center boondoggle (there is a reasonable amount of investment needed. The current plans ain’t it) discussion is getting heated and Mayor Wilson released a newsletter with deeply concerning language, whether intended or not, and in a manner that is beneath the office.We discuss this and the usual suspects of topics.And couple twinning.You can read the full newsletter here

In episode 57 we welcome back Liz Starke and meet Eboni Brown of the Nonprofit Divas, a multi-faceted organization that helps both community in need and other nonprofits be successful. We discuss the challenges of well-funded Portland nonprofit spaces and local government, and the toxic patriarchy and systemic malfeasance that makes it really hard to do good work. We also discuss how background and lived experience inform purposes and passions. And so much more.Learn more at https://nonprofitdivas.org or on IG @nonprofitdivas

Kat and Kip talk about how the county and city need to get their shit together because opening just two cooling centers on the third day of a heat wave is criminal. And how a few years back there might be a dozen a more.We recorded this Monday evening and learned Tuesday evening that at least 4 people from various areas in Portland have died apparently from heat related illness.This is unacceptable. We Kvetch about other things too, but it doesn’t really matter in the scheme of things. Thus we are posting tonight.We know that climate catastrophe is affecting everyone globally and that here in Portland people will die. Yet our local governments seem incapable, or worse, unwilling to do everything reasonably possible to prevent our most vulnerable people from suffering or worse, dying during extreme weather events.It is criminal.

Kat and Kip kvetch about dating, group dynamics, fitting in- or not- accountability, and Good Times. And Sanford and Son. 😬

In Episode 56 we welcome back Tiffany Koyama Lane, whom we endorsed for city council district 3, to discuss how things are going after a year and a half in office, showing up for your constituents, finding transparency and accountability in the budgeting process. And so much more.You can follow the councilor at https://www.portland.gov/council/districts/3/tiffany-koyama-laneSupport Councilor Koyama Lane at: https://teachertiffanyforthepeople.com/Watch at: https://youtu.be/R7jIqz07BxY

Kat and Kip discuss dishonesty in intentions-especially petitions, budgeting and reality in policing, Scooby-doing, and much more.And whether we were live and how we apologize.

Kat and Kip kvetch about food, hugging, Bruno Ganz and ballroom bunkers, what's wrong with everyone. And Coagulating. Together.

Kat and Kip talk about Star Trek, Firefly, and other Sci Fi classics, video games (Justice Sucks!), coyotes, their only friends: Toys. And a lot more.It's a weird but hopefully entertaining episode.

Kat and Kip discuss the Portland city budget debacle yet again, why austerity measures are offensive when there's not a great understanding of what money exists and how it's been used, why Prosper Portland needs to go away, and why people shouldn't harass or stalk other people. For the YouTube™ version, see https://youtu.be/JrU0iVR1ZkAAlso, the St. John's Fire station #22 was re-funded, even though the vote was not unanimous due to disagreements where the money should come from mostly (still waiting on finding a detailed vote and reasoning to be published).As Kip is a resident of St Johns and the station is just down the street, the station is the ONLY fire station on the peninsula and the closest to the CEI hub.It is unimaginable that this cut was even suggested or unsupported.

Kat and Kip continue the What-The-Fuck incredulity over how poorly the city budget and housing/homeless crisis has been managed for a decade plus now, supporting city leaders with integrity (yes, there are several), the governor’s race, gnome liberation and more.

Kat and Kip discuss the mayor's budget, public safety, Monty Python, and Muppets.And maybe butts again.

Kat and Kip Kvetch about the lack of integrity in city/state leadership and management, the near-constant budget “crisis” and the inability to find $170 million in an $8.5 BILLION dollar budget. And Bears and Butts.Also, Thursday April 30th city council needs to hear your testimony at 2 pm supporting the “Right To Know” ordinance that will prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face masks and compel them to provide identification when interacting with people. This is a basic right that should be codified into city law. Any state actor who has the ability to take away your freedoms to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness should be required to identify themselves. Whether they are local police or the federal gestapo.You can sign up to testify in-person, virtually, or submit written testimony here: https://www.portland.gov/council-clerk/testimony-registration?doc_id=59274And the Oregon Working Families Party is holding a rally in front of city hall 1-4pm. More details here https://www.mobilize.us/oregonworkingfamiliesparty/event/946292/

In Episode 53 we welcome back Mitch Green, whom we endorsed for city council district 4, to discuss his first year in office representing D4, the CEI Hub and how fucking dangerous it is for Portland, social housing, shady dealings like the boondoggle the Blazers/Moda center deal appears to be, and so much more.And of course, hot dogs.

The WTAF episode: The orange shitgibbon threatens annihilating Iran, Rene Gonzalez wants to sue the city for defamation of character (you defame yourself on your own bud), and discussion of a hit & run and accounatbility. And more.

Kat and Kip discuss No Kings and why it's both great and stupid and why transformative action or at least a demand or three is critical, war- and why it's evil, why driving in Seratlle is stupid, getting rid of systemic racism and Meat.Kip was on the road, so a few audio glitches. Our apologies.

And now for something completely different... Kat and Kip discuss current global events, the rapture, and hats. And other things as well. Enjoy!

For episode 52 we talk with Lauren Armony of Welcome Home Coalition about the "Finding Home" report they released last year that interviews several hundred people facing houselessness and unflinchingly documents what their needs are which are systemically not met in any meaningful way despite the hundreds of millions of dollars Portland and Multnomah county spend each year. You can read it here.

Kat and Kip rage against the machine of endless malfeasance and incompetence when it comes to helping our neighbors who need the most help. We discuss Sunstone Way, the latest debacle. Also, TV and ears.

The Wednesday Kvetch (one day late, someone has a cold and spaced it... 🙄) where Kat and Kip talk about driving in Portland and how stupid it can be, local political structures, and the Strict Scrutiny podcast live event (Kip's heroes!)

We talk with Nick Caleb, friend of the pod on running interference on many important efforts including environmental challenges, dark money influences in Portland Politics, and why we just can't have nice things unless we really put an end to bullshit.

Kat and Kip discuss current events like going to war, identify politics as a form of silencing, and as usual, what aren't we doing well helping our neighbors struggling most.Please like, subscribe, and share. Community is everything.

We discuss too many things, but primarily the city council meltdown over housing dollars, how intentions and transparency matters, and potential new features and ideas.

In our 50th (!!!) episode, we welcome Kristofer Brown from People's Depot which provides a daily central place for people to bring their recyclable cans and serves as a hub for community and connection to services. Kristopher brings his personal stories and intentions to the conversation and demonstrates that a little help up and thoughtfulness goes a very long way. More info at https://www.groundscoreassociation.org/

Kat and Kip discuss various issues including the drawdown in Minneapolis, the role of legal observers in activism, challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, and the formation of the CBPA. They explore themes of accountability, community support, and the complexities of public committee structures, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences.The AI Said all that^

A new feature: The Wednesday Kvetch. Kat and Kip and occasional guests will recap events from the previous week as well as top of mind items. And Kvetch a bit. Let us know what you think.TakeawaysInclusivity in halftime showsImpact of budget decisions on housing and homelessnessThe need for systemic change and multi-angle advocacyStickbugs

Mike Schmidt, General Counsel for the Urban League of Portland and former Multnomah County DA talks to Kat and Kip about the upcoming Legislative Day of Action in Salem for the Urban League of Portland as well as other important and timely issues.  Please sign up ASAP at this link or call 503.280.2600 to volunteer.  *no, really this time. We can math. Kind of.

Kip and new co-host Kat Mahoney  talk about Progress Portland moving into 2026, a little about Kat's background, and about being rude New Yorkers. *Not really. But whatevs

We're back after a long and much needed break! In this episode, Kip and Kat talk with Kristle Delihanty of PDX Saints Love about the org's origins, housing vs. shelter, and the city's fuckery around grant money.

Today is a short episode that sprang from a conversation I had with Kip on July 24, the day after a meeting of PCCEP (Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing). PCCEP is a 13-person committee of citizens tasked with monitoring the Portland Police Bureau's implementation of the DOJ Settlement Agreement, which is an important job.  In June of this year, a man tragically died in police custody. Kip talks about the case, what we know and what is under investigation. 

Prentice Onayemi has carved out a varied and unique place here in Portland. He is a founding partner of Grains of Salt, a consulting form that supports community-driven projects at the intersection of the arts and real estate; he is co-founder of Foglight Farms, a BIPOC-owned and operated farm in Hillsboro; and he applies his rich bass to narrating audio books. Tim and Prentice share a history they only recently discovered, having both served as director of communications for ArtPlace America, a creative placemaking initiative that seeded many interesting projects across the country. Prentice talks about how he sees all of his work as connected, and how he thinks art can thrive in our city. 

The unsinkable Steph Routh joins us, fresh from a stint working with Senator Khanh Pham in Salem. Steph ran for City Council last year and was our very first guest, and continues to be a force of nature in local politics and activism. We talk about Electrify Oregon, the Mamdani Effect, the social benefits of biking, and much more.

Kip and Tim interview self-proclaimed "local nuisance" Kat Mahoney, attorney, board member of Portland Neighbors Welcome, former executive director of Sisters of the Road, and general rabble rouser. This is officially a "shit-talking" episode, so you'll hear some dirt. Topics include the Mayor's shelter-heavy approach to homelessness and protesting past, present and future in Portland.  Kat Mahoney practices law specializing in Family, Domestic Violence and Animal Law. You can engage with here here: https://kmahoneylaw.com/

Former Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt joins us to talk about his work as General Council at Urban League of Portland and his new podcast, The Schmidt Show PDX. Mike turned lemons into lemonade, turning the expensive negative campaign against him into promotion for a podcast that focuses on the forces for good in Portland. We also shoot the proverbial sh*t about the Current City Council, Portland Police Bureau, County politics, and more. 

We talk to two insiders providing homeless services downtown to get deeper into what Portland needs to do better. Liz Starke is Development Director of Rose Haven, a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home and other disruptive life challenges. Justine Ziegler is Development Director at Outside In, helping homeless youth and other marginalized people move towards improved health and self-sufficiency.  “If I had to choose one thing to pressure people to put resources in, it’s the folks that have the most severe physical and mental disabilities. Because that bogs down our agency. When someone’s having a mental health crisis, how many of our staff members does it take to get that person back down to baseline and keep everybody safe when we could have been working with 5 people inside that were ready to work towards other goals. I think that’s the challenge, because the police don’t have the capacity to deal with it, the jails are full, the hospitals are full. So there’s no where to send these people, and those are the folks that the neighbors are the most upset about.” - Liz Starke, Development Director of Rose Haven

No interview this time, just a check-in on what's happening with the City Council, including the potential ban of algorithmic price fixing of rents and the proposal from Councilors Avalos and Green for creating social housing. Also we attempt to keep our focus on how national politics impact us locally but end up going off on tangents and rants (unavoidable these days). 

There's a movement afoot to bring universal health care to all Oregonians, and it is looking more likely every day. Our guest is Valdez Bravo, President of Health Care For All Oregon. Valdez tells us the ins and outs of the plan, and explains that it is far more expensive to maintain the system we have and exclude people than to actually provide for everyone.