City Cast Portland
🍝 A bike ride for pasta fans
May 20, 2025 · — Adrian González
Happy Tuesday! It’s City Cast editor Adrian González filling in for Rachel today. We’re all about connection here at City Cast Portland. We connect you to the news, conversation, and stories that connect you to your neighbors. And now, we want to connect with you, IRL! When you become a City Cast Portland Neighbor, you’ll be invited to regular members-only events where you’ll connect with me and the team and share ideas with other passionate Neighbors like you.
In fact, we’re still basking in the excitement of meeting all the folks who recently joined us at 503 Day — and those of you who came to the members-only afterparty. Join City Cast Neighbors today to make sure you’re on the list for the next event!
What's CITY Talking About?
Portland’s Best New Restaurants
Portland’s always buzzing with new food and drink spots, especially in the spring and summer. We caught up with Meg Cotner of Bridgetown Bites to get the scoop on the best new restaurants in Portland. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Thousands Wait for Affordable Housing
Portland launched an affordable housing policy in 2015 meant to stave off gentrification in historically Black neighborhoods, but officials have struggled to manage the growing waitlist, leaving some of the eligible units empty for months. The city says it wants to streamline the program by August. [Oregonian 🔒]
TriMet Sets Eyes on Fare Evasion
The transit agency is facing a $74.4 million budget shortfall this year and has struggled to regain ridership since the pandemic. As part of its recovery efforts, TriMet is now considering adding gates to keep riders from boarding without paying — a 2024 internal survey found that 27% of riders interviewed had paid zero or an incorrect fare. [KATU]
A Dam Staffing Problem
Federal job cuts at the behest of President Trump are straining operations across the Columbia River Power System — a network of 31 dams that supplies the majority of hydropower to the northwest. Some officials warn that the loss of skilled workers poses long-term risks for dam reliability and maintenance. [Oregonian]
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
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)
Wednesday, May 21
- 🦅 Wednesday Morning Bird Walks at Tryon Creek State Natural Area
- 🍨 Ice Cream Cocktail Mixology (21+) at Tipsy Scoop (Boise)
- 🧠 Trivia Night at The Hostel Cafe (Northwest District)
- 📚 Silent Book Club: Fiction at Argyle Winery (Dundee, Ore.)
- 📖 Incite: Queer Writers Read at Literary Arts (Buckman)
- 🎸 Rolling Quartz at Star Theater (Old Town)
🎉 Big thanks to Amy M., Melissa M., Ella B., Emily H., Amy F., Michael S., Mark K., Laddie R., Melissa C., and Ryan L., for joining City Cast Portland Neighbors. Join our new friends and let us send you a super cute City Cast Portland Neighbors mug. This mug tells the world (or, ya know, your partner, or roommate, or dog) that you support local journalism that connects you with this city.
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