Episodes

  • Pearl District Bar Asks for More Police, Housing Leadership Shakeup, and Is Powell’s Selling ‘AI Slop’?

    Pearl District Bar Asks for More Police, Housing Leadership Shakeup, and Is Powell’s Selling ‘AI Slop’?
    May 20 2026
    Today we're talking about what a shooting at a Pearl District bar reveals about security in the central part of our city, the ever-changing leadership at our regional housing agencies, and the accusations that Powell’s Books is selling AI slop. Joining host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in today's episode: River Pig Saloon owner speaks out after violent crimes outside business: 'Frustrates me, my staff, the neighborhood, everyone' [KGW8] Troubled Portland Housing Bureau names 3rd leader in 6 months [Oregonian] No Hawaii trip this year for Portland housing authority staff, new boss says [Oregonian] Powell's is selling AI slop books (in case you didn't already know) [Reddit] 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 May 20th episode: Gard Communications Community Energy Project OMSI
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    32 mins
  • Controversial Homeless Provider on the Chopping Block, Primary Procrastinators’ Guide, and Mailbag

    Controversial Homeless Provider on the Chopping Block, Primary Procrastinators’ Guide, and Mailbag
    May 19 2026
    It's primary election day! We're talking about the Metro Council races, as well as a proposed city budget amendment that would stop funding Portland’s largest homeless services provider. Plus, we'll dig into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. 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: Proposed budget amendment would require search for contractor to replace Urban Alchemy [KATU2] What to know about the Metro Council races [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 May 19th episode: Gard Communications Community Energy Project OMSI
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    40 mins
  • Primary Election Predictions, Multnomah Judge Ballot Battle, and an Alberta St. Food Crawl

    Primary Election Predictions, Multnomah Judge Ballot Battle, and an Alberta St. Food Crawl
    May 18 2026
    Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the primary election: the governor’s race, the gas tax repeal vote, and possibly the most Multnomah County judge races we’ve seen on a single ballot. Plus, we have a food and drink tour of the Alberta Arts District. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Portland political strategist Jake Wiegler and food and drink reporter Alex Frane. Discussed in today's episode: Christine Drazan holds sizable lead in GOP race for Oregon governor, new poll suggests [OPB] Oregon Democrats found a way to improve roads. Now their gas tax goes before voters as prices soar [The Associated Press] Portland’s DA froze an elected judge out of serious cases. Legal experts are divided on his reasoning [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 May 18th episode: Gard Communications Community Energy Project OMSI
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    34 mins
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Portland

    'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Portland
    May 17 2026
    Would Portland be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital? Mentioned on the show: "The deadliest road in America" (Vox) 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.
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    30 mins
  • Councilor Kanal on Why a City Mask Ban Is Needed. Plus, Luxury Mag Says See You at Slim’s

    Councilor Kanal on Why a City Mask Ban Is Needed. Plus, Luxury Mag Says See You at Slim’s
    May 15 2026
    We're checking in on the City Hall law enforcement mask ban — and why some are advising against it. Plus, we're reviewing a luxury travel magazine's recent takes on our city. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are District 2 Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal and Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Seven Months In, Councilor’s Police Masking Ban Remains Stuck⁠ [Willamette Week] ⁠Portland mayor cautions against ICE oversight ordinance⁠ [KATU] ⁠Enduringly Quirky Portland, Oregon Is Better Than Ever⁠ [Condé Nast Traveler] 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 May 15th episode: ⁠PBOT⁠ ⁠TaskRabbit⁠ ⁠D'Amore Law⁠ ⁠Gard Communications⁠
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    35 mins
  • Why 41% of Portlanders Want To Leave and PPS's Definition of ‘Earthquake-Safe.’ Plus, Mailbag!

    Why 41% of Portlanders Want To Leave and PPS's Definition of ‘Earthquake-Safe.’ Plus, Mailbag!
    May 14 2026
    Today we're talking about new polling showing more than 40% of people in Portland are considering moving — as well as some new details on PPS's plans to retrofit its schools to withstand an earthquake. Plus, we'll dig into our mailbag. Joining executive producer John Notarianni are Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in today's episode: We Visited the Foster Road Strip Club That Allegedly Lured Lori Chavez-DeRemer [Willamette Week] 40%-plus of Portland residents are considering moving. Here’s why [Oregonian] Just How Safe Does the District Expect Schools to Be in an Earthquake? Now We Know. {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 May 14th episode: PBOT TaskRabbit D'Amore Law Gard Communications
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    33 mins
  • Moda Center Renovations in Limbo and City Code Changes Target Sex Trafficking. Plus, Foie Gras Ban Debate Intensifies

    Moda Center Renovations in Limbo and City Code Changes Target Sex Trafficking. Plus, Foie Gras Ban Debate Intensifies
    May 13 2026
    We're talking about why Portland City Council is pumping the brakes on funding the Moda Center renovations. Plus we’re looking into the city code changes that are aimed at fighting human trafficking, and the heated debate if foie gras should be sold in our city. Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and local food reporter Brooke Jackson-Glidden. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠‘Nowhere near a done deal’: Portland leaders buck pressure as clock ticks on Moda Center⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠Council Passes Code Change Aimed at Quelling Sex Trafficking⁠ [Willamette Week] ⁠How Illegal Massage Parlors Operate in Portland’s Neighborhoods⁠ [City Cast Portland] ⁠Highlights from Portland City Council’s Foie Gras Ban Hearing⁠ [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 May 13th episode: ⁠PBOT⁠ ⁠TaskRabbit⁠ ⁠D'Amore Law⁠ ⁠Gard Communications⁠
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    36 mins
  • Live Show: Night Districts, Arts Tax, and Doughnuts with City Council President Jamie Dunphy

    Live Show: Night Districts, Arts Tax, and Doughnuts with City Council President Jamie Dunphy
    May 12 2026
    Taped live in front of an audience at the beautiful Paris Theater located in downtown’s brand-new Pink District, City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is joined by author and Willamette Week reporter Brianna Wheeler, our very own executive producer John Notarianni, and Portland’s very own City Council President, Jamie Dunphy. Discussed in today's episode: Portland 503 Day celebrates the city’s original area code, launches ‘Pink Light District’ [Oregonian] Why Portland Needs a Night Mayor [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 May 12th episode: PBOT TaskRabbit D'Amore Law Gard Communications
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    49 mins