City Cast Portland
🏘️ The most 'Portland' of neighborhoods
May 19, 2025 · — Rachel Monahan
Good morning! Whether you’re a longtime reader of this newsletter or recently subscribed, we know you’re here because you love Portland and want to see it thrive. 🫶 That’s at the core of why we launched City Cast Portland Neighbors — our newly-expanded membership program. We invite you to connect with Portland and City Cast Portland by joining us ✨
As a thank you for your support, we’ll also send you a coveted City Cast Portland Neighbors mug if you join during this membership drive. ☕️
What's CITY Talking About?
TB Case in Portland
Multnomah County has confirmed there was a case of tuberculosis at Southeast Portland’s Lane Middle School during an eight-month period. TB is a leading cause of death worldwide, and cases are rising, although it can be treated with a combination of medications. The county is currently offering free testing to anyone in close contact with the known case — and will later offer testing to the wider school community. [OPB]
2 Skyscrapers Looking for New Ownership
In another sign of downtown Portland’s ongoing economic problems, the city’s largest office building (familiarly known as Big Pink) is up for sale after losing its marquee tenant, U.S. Bancorp. The PacWest skyscraper, another of Portland’s largest office buildings, is also up for sale. [Oregonian]
Water Bills Are Rising
Starting in July, Portland water and sewer bills will rise just over 6% — the largest rate hike in a decade. Infrastructure projects and ongoing maintenance of the aging system are expected to drive up the costs to consumers by upwards of 25% over the next five years. [Oregonian]
Your Guide to Bike Summer
Portland’s premier summer bike festival, Pedalpalooza (now called Bike Summer), has organized bike-related activities all summer long for over 20 years. Lillian Karabaic, host of OPB's "Weekend Edition" and long-time Pedalpalooza ride organizer, previews how you can join in the fun during the upcoming season. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Sponsored Content
Happy Hour on the Water!
Set sail for Portland’s newest happy hour — on a boat! Starting June 1st, enjoy a Happy Hour Sightseeing cruise aboard the Portland Spirit, featuring a special bistro menu and drinks available for purchase. It’s the perfect after-work outing or a fun adventure for the whole family. Tickets are just $33.
What To Do
Monday, May 19
- 🎶 Magic Luscious Spirit Sounds at Turn! Turn! Turn! (Humboldt)
- 🧘♀️ Community Yoga at Community Cycling Center (Vernon)
- 🎨 Mt. Hood Paint Night at The Old Spaghetti Factory (South Portland)
- 🎶 Stronger in Song: Music that Builds Community at Alberta Abbey (King)
- 🎙️ Diana Krall at Keller Auditorium (Downtown)
Tuesday, May 20
- 🍺 Science Pub: Beer, Bread, and Befriending Weird Microbes at OMSI
- 🚌 Bus Tour of Hidden History of Discrimination, Segregation, and Displacement starts at Historic Alberta House (Concordia)
- ☕️ Beadlock Coffee Community Tour in Dundee, Ore.
- 🧶 Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop at Origin Story (Boise)
- 🎙️ Sasami at Wonder Ballroom (Eliot)
Your support fuels this newsletter. Won’t you please become a City Cast Portland Neighbor?
Thanks to the new City Cast Portland Neighbors, who have recently joined us: Daniel M., Heidi F., Dennis K., Margaret H., Rachel C., Korby R., Gillian K., Christopher C., Charlotte R., and Laura D.!
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