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.
9h ago
This week in Portland, we’re looking into why five city council members are lawyering up, the controversial multibillion-dollar idea to revitalize a coastal town, and a check-in on three local labor disputes. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Law Firm That Regularly Sues the City Over Police Misconduct Is Representing Peacock Councilors [Willamette Week] Oregon’s Leading Politicians Want To Bet Billions of Dollars on a New Shipping Terminal. Critics Say It’s a Costly Mistake. [Willamette Week] Strike Averted: New Seasons Grocery Workers Secure First Labor Contract [Portland Mercury] Legacy Health Strike Grows as 80 Urgent Care, Pediatric Care Providers Plan Walkouts [Oregonian] Starbucks Workers Rally One Month Into Strike [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 December 19th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare PGE
1d ago
Today, we're talking about one unexpected activity that might stir your spirit for the outdoors this winter — snow camping. How do you even do it, and is it really worth it? Joining us is outdoor expert and Portland ambassador for Women Who Explore, Karrie Carnes. She has tips for how to pull off a safe winter camping trip this season that doesn’t involve getting frostbite. 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 December 18th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off PG&E
2d ago
This week, we’re discussing our official new city administrator, the reason the state's new gas tax is now on hold, the latest local government declaring an emergency over Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, and much more in our news lightning round. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this midweek round-up is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: City Council Hires Raymond Lee As Next City Administrator [Willamette Week] Local Homelessness Prevention Could See $21 Million Funding Bump [Portland Mercury] Oregon Tax Opponents Turn in ’Nearly 200,000′ Signatures [OPB] Ethics Commission Investigates Progressive Portland City Councilors Over August Retreat [Oregonian] Multnomah County Declares Emergency in Response to ICE Enforcement [Fox12] Bring Erik Téllez Home to His Family [GoFundMe] 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 . If you enjoyed this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off PGE
3d ago
One in six Oregon children lives in a food-insecure home, and now as we enter the holidays and brace for new cuts to federal food assistance, many families are wondering how they’ll get through the months ahead. Today we’re joined by Rachael Lucille Jackson-Davis of the Oregon Food Bank to talk about what hunger really looks like right now, how the safety net is shifting, and what kind of support makes the most difference. Find free groceries, meals, or places to double your SNAP EBT benefits near you at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/ 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 December 16th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off PGE
4d ago
This is the time of year when a quick, comforting breakfast feels especially appealing, so it's fortunate that Portland has plenty of options. Today we're revisiting a conversation about Portland's best breakfast sandwiches — from the tastiest sauce to the ultimate hangover cure. This episode first aired July 17, 2025 Some Places Discussed in Today's Episode: Pie Spot Great North Coffee Fried Egg I’m In Love Kind Coffee Podnah’s Pit Dawnbringer Sincerely, Bagel ROAM Better Half PDX Two of Us Rad Magic Subs Picone’s 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 December 15th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off PGE
Dec 12
This week in Portland, Mayor Wilson's next set of ambitious goals, an influencer suing the Portland Police Department for being biased against conservatives, and the uncertain future of a historically Black high school in North Portland. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Editor’s note: This podcast episode was updated to fix an audio cut that incorrectly credited a quote to D. Angus Lee. Discussed in Today's Episode: Here Are 3 Things Portland’s Mayor Wants To See in the Central City by 2030 [Oregonian] Right-Wing Reporter Preps $10M Federal Suit Alleging ‘Culture of Political Discrimination’ by Portland Police [Oregonian] The Future of Portland’s Historically Black High School Could Hinge on White Parents [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, 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 December 12th episode: Breakside Brewery The Watermark Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off MUBI
Dec 11
Portland’s graphic novel and comic book arts scene is one of our most deep-seated and vibrant creative communities. Today on City Cast Portland, with the help of Katie Pryde (owner of Southeast Portland’s award-winning comic book shop, Books with Pictures ) we’re putting together a must-read list of some of the best graphic novels and comic books, including from a few local artists and writers. Discussed in today's episode: Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts "Spent" by Alison Bechdel Cannon" by Lee Lai "And to Think We Started as a Book Club…" by Tom Toro "Absolute Wonder Woman" by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman "Agent Cupcake" by Mel Hilario and Lauren Davis "Flip" by Ngozi Ukazu PDX Pop Up Shops Get more from City Cast Portland when you become a City Cast Portland Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm 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 December 11th episode: Breakside Brewery The Watermark Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
Dec 10
Today, we’re looking into how the Portland Housing Bureau director, a leading expert on affordable housing, was fired by our mayor and what the move says about the continuing power struggle in city government. Plus, we dive into our mailbag and hear from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek round-up is Portland Mercury's housing and homelessness reporter, Jeremiah Hayden. Discussed in Today's Episode: Former Housing Director Says She Was Told Not to Disclose Millions in Unspent Funds [Portland Mercury] Is Seattle Better Than Portland? [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, 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 December 10th episode: Breakside Brewery The Watermark Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off