City Cast Portland
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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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We’re talking about the Chinook Indian Nation continuing their fight for federal recognition and how Amazon paid Morrow County officials more than $100 million when working out their data center expansion. Plus, we have a little check-in on Portland’s music venue scene and nightlife.
Joining me this morning are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni.
Discussed in today's episode:
Chinook Indian Nation denied recognition in Supreme Court case, vows to ‘continue fight’ [Oregonian]
Amazon paid Oregon officials’ company more than $100 million while seeking data center deals [Oregonian]
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back for Portland's Music Venues [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 March 25th episode:
Discover Newport
International School of Portland
We’re talking about a Trump homeless policy adviser being surprised that he and city leaders might be “more in agreement” than expected, why your water bill might climb even higher, plus Damian Lillard’s new hotel bar and other favorite hotel bar picks. 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:
Trump homeless policy advisor tells Portland leaders they are ‘more in agreement’ than expected [Oregonian]
Portland leaders promised a fiscal watchdog for unruly mega project. They didn’t deliver, and costs soared [Oregonian]
At Damian Lillard’s new sports bar, the real MVP is the food [Willamette Week]
Giulia’s list of best hotel bars in Portland [City Cast Portland]
What's Driving Up the Cost of Your Portland Water Bill? [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 March 24th episode:
Discover Newport
International School of Portland
Neo Home Loans
We’re talking about all the red flags the city missed by funding a floundering shoe-manufacturing company in Old Town, the possible renaming of César E. Chávez Boulevard, and if an Oregon couple can save Bagby Hot Springs from itself. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni.
Discussed in today's episode:
Portland leader fires off profanity-laced emails, telling broker ‘shut your racist mouth’ [Oregonian]
Public Officials Ignored Red Flags at a Planned Shoe Manufacturing Campus, Until It Went Belly-Up [Willamette Week]
Portland leaders to explore renaming César E. Chávez Boulevard after explosive sex abuse allegations [Oregonian]
Inside the struggles to save Bagby Hot Springs from ruin [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 March 23rd episode:
Discover Newport
International School of Portland
The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Portland. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?
Mentioned on the show:
Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (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.
Today, we're discussing the ever-growing cost estimate for the Interstate Bridge replacement, what big changes at two high-profile restaurants tell us about our city's dining scene, and several new Portland restaurants you’re going to want to check out as soon as possible. Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Portland Monthly's associate editor of food and drink, Alex Frane, and City Cast Portland newsletter editor Rachel Monahan.
Discussed in today's episode:
Interstate Bridge Cost Soars 140%, Adding Billions to Project Estimate [OPB]
After Shuttering, This Acclaimed Portland Restaurant Will Indefinitely Return With Daytime Service [KOIN]
Open & Shut: The Latest in Portland Restaurant News, March 1-17 [Portland Mercury]
This Classic Portland Italian Restaurant Is Closing Again Just Months After Its Surprise Reopening [Oregonian]
Tapas, Paella, and Sangria Land at the Old Palomar Space [Portland Monthly]
The Team Behind Eem and Yaowarat Open in the OG Pok Pok [Portland Monthly]
Portland’s Impressive Thai Food Roster Can’t Stop Growing [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 March 20th episode:
D'Amore Law
OMSI
Discover Newport
Association of Science Communicators
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into the possible nepotism at Portland Public Schools related to a $61 million contract and what our city auditor has to say about Portland’s beleaguered arts tax program. Plus, we’re also diving into our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners.
Discussed in today's episode:
Portland Superintendent’s Daughter Lands Job With Firm Awarded $61M School District Contract (Oregonian)
Portland Watchdog Skewers City’s Arts Tax Program in Damning New Audit (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 March 19th episode:
D'Amore Law
OMSI
Discover Newport
Association of Science Communicators
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into a bold idea promising to eliminate traffic deaths in our city, the renewed scrutiny the Portland Housing Authority is under, and a few seasonal events to look out for in the coming weeks. Joining host Claudia Meza are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan Vance and our very own senior producer, 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 March 18th episode:
D'Amore Law
OMSI
Discover Newport
Association of Science Communicators
Portland's first long-term city administrator, Raymond Lee, has now been on the job for two and a half months. Today, he’s answering our questions on some hot-button issues: from his support for the U.S. Immigration and Customs facility in South Portland, to the mysterious appearance of an extra $100 million in housing money, and funding a renovation of the Trail Blazers' stadium.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 March 17th episode:
D'Amore Law
OMSI
Discover Newport
Association of Science Communicators
With the recent spring-forward time change and even longer days approaching, it's time to look forward to late summer nights out on the town. Although we've never really been a 24-hour city, there are still great late-night food options if you know where to look. Today we're revisiting a conversation host Claudia Meza had with senior producer Giulia Fiaoni about the best late-night food spots that are becoming cornerstones in our city's growing nightlife and why you should try them right now.
This episode first aired on September 9, 2025
Discussed in today's episode:
Slim's
Sit Tite
Tulip Shop Tavern
Alberta Street Pub
Keys Lounge
Hale Pele
Katie O’Brien's
Thai Champa (temporarily closed)
Moon Pocha
My Father’s Place
Som Tum Thai Kitchen
Side Eye (correction: open until 1 am)
Paymaster Lounge
Short Round
Reel M Inn
Double Dragon
Dots Cafe
Kay’s Bar
Da’ Hui
Ka-Te Portland (correction: open until 2am)
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, Hey Portland, 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 March 16th episode:
D'Amore Law
OMSI
Discover Newport
Association of Science Communicators
Portlanders are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local policy, partially motivated by the fact that local cops have damaged their reputation by patrolling with feds. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host and executive editor Mike Schaffer about the political stakes involved, the effectiveness of body cameras, and how Washingtonians are dealing with the heavy federal law enforcement presence. Plus, Mike and Jacoby weigh in on public transit etiquette in their cities when it comes to people playing music out loud.
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email us now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Today we're talking about a local labor leader's attempts to influence city council, two new rulings limiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to use tear gas in Portland, and a new citywide tax that's being considered to patch up our ailing roads. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this week's Friday news roundup are Portland Mercury reporter Jeremiah Hayden and KBOO news director Althea Billings.
Discussed in today's episode:
Oregon Lawmakers Lower Age for Riding an E-Bike From 16 to 14 [Willamette Week]
In the Shadows: Records Show Labor Leader’s Campaign to Influence City Councilors [Portland Mercury]
Will the Feds Follow Court Orders To Curb Tear Gas, Pepper Balls at Portland ICE Building? [Oregonian]
Portland Could Charge You a Monthly Fee to Help Fix Its ‘Deplorable’ Streets [Oregonian]
Check out our new City Cast podcast "Your City Could Be Better" on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's episode features a conversation about body cameras and collaboration between local police and federal forces in Chicago and Washington DC.
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 March 13th episode:
International School of Portland
Cascadia Getaways
D'Amore Law
Today, as part of our neighborhood guide series, host Claudia Meza joins Tanya Lyn March to talk about their beloved neighborhood of St. Johns. March has a master's degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University and her own guided walking tour company, Slabtown Tours. She’s telling us why St. Johns has one of the most unique histories in all of Portland — and what places you should check out while you're there.
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 March 12th episode
International School of Portland
Cascadia Getaways
D'Amore Law
Today on the midweek news roundup, we're digging into the mixed signals about Portland's economy. On one hand, unemployment isn't especially high. But on the other, new data show the Portland metro area has lost more jobs over the past few years than almost anywhere else in the country. Oregonian technology and economy reporter Mike Rogoway joins us to explain what's actually going on. Plus, we're digging into our mailbag.
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 March 11th episode
International School of Portland
Cascadia Getaways
D'Amore Law
Our city has a lot of pride in our local food scene: It feels more common to meet someone who raises backyard chickens than to hear them admit they enjoy eating at a chain restaurant. But that doesn't mean we don't have local food chains that we love and are worth celebrating. So today, 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.
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 March 10th episode
International School of Portland
Cascadia Getaways
D'Amore Law
The Portland City Archives are home to a paper trail capturing every major and minor moment of our city’s history, from mayoral memos to hand-drawn maps. The archivists like to say they have the receipts for everything the city has ever done, in public or private. Today we're revisiting a conversation with City Archivist Madeline Moya about what’s inside this archive — and how it helps hold local government accountable.
This episode originally aired on Oct. 30, 2025
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, Hey Portland, 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 March 9th episode:
International School of Portland
Cascadia Getaways
D'Amore Law
Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Portland are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.
Mentioned on the show:
Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (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.
Today, we’re looking into the wild drama surrounding the only Oregonian in President Trump's Cabinet, the legal fights and political fallout over the gas tax bill, and a neighborhood clinic that's closing after being bought by a healthcare mega-corporation. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own newsletter editor, Rachel Monahan.
Discussed in today's episode:
Democrats’ Bill Altering Oregon Gas Tax Vote Is Illegal, Lawsuit Claims [OPB]
Labor Secretary’s Top Aides Forced Out [New York Times]
The Death of a Portland Clinic [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 March 6th episode
Discover Newport
Neo Home Loans
Portland Public Schools was already staring down a $50 million budget deficit for the next school year. Then, last week, the district announced it will be $10 million short this year, too. Today on City Cast Portland, Oregonian education reporter Julia Silverman is here to check in on the district's current financial straits, what it will take to cover the costs, and why there are still reasons for optimism inside Portland's largest school district.
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 March 5th episode:
Discover Newport
Neo Home Loans
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the city official vowing to keep Portland's ICE facility open, PacifiCorp's liability in a class action lawsuit over the 2020 wildfires topping $1 billion, the recycling company that dumped 17 tons of plastic in a local landfill, and so much more. Plus, we've got event picks to help you make the most of the first week of March. Joining executive producer John Notarianni for this midweek news roundup is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni.
This episode incorrectly attributes Portland Mercury reporter Jeremiah Hayden's article to the Oregonian. We regret this mistake.
Discussed in today's episode:
Portland City Administrator Tells Staff ICE Facility Will Remain Open [Portland Mercury]
PacifiCorp Wildfire Liabilities in Class Action Suit Surpass $1 Billion, Continue To Soar [Oregonian]
A Recycling Company Improperly Dumped 17 Tons of Plastic in a Landfill. It Has Millions of Dollars in Government Contracts [Oregonian]
Oregon Moves Toward 1-Year Moratorium on Some Data Center Tax Breaks [Oregonian]
Oregon Legislature Passes Bill To Stop Speculative Ticket Sales [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 March 4th episode
Discover Newport
Neo Home Loans
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into the city’s new pilot program hoping to make us all landlords and how Portland might become a haven for polyamorous families. Plus, we’re diving into our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners, on a few more gluten-free food picks. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and City Cast Portland senior producer Giulia Fiaoni.
Discussed in today's episode:
Portland Advances Antidiscrimination Protections for Polyamorous Families [OPB]
Portland Launches Pilot Program To Pay Homeowners To Rent Spare Rooms [KATU]
Why Portland Has the Best Gluten-Free Food Scene on Earth [City Cast Portland]
Fancy Baby Reopens As Il Corso With Salumi, Pasta, and Italian Wines [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 March 3rd episode:
Discover Newport
Neo Home Loans
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wow you are ridiculous.... what a piece of shit podcast
been done
podcast blows