City Cast Portland
🏡 The East Portland neighborhood you’ve probably never heard of
December 8, 2025 · — Rachel Monahan
Good morning! We’re kicking off our year-end membership campaign. Would you consider becoming a City Cast Portland Neighbor?
We believe that being deeply engaged where you live is the best way to build connection and understanding in an increasingly disconnected world. We’re declaring 2026 the year of local, because we know there are thousands of people in Portland who want to laugh together, gripe together, and root for this place — and for each other.
If you believe in a more connected and curious city, become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today and help us build it.
The City Cast Portland Neighbors membership is designed to help you get — and give — more to your city, with perks like members-only events, the chance to shout out the people and places you love, and more. Join us for $10/month or $100/year.
What's CITY Talking About
Rent Hikes Rescinded for 2 Home Forward Buildings
The Portland-area housing authority, Home Forward, has reversed a plan to hike the rent at two apartment buildings in Northwest. Both The Yards and Pearl Court apartments had extensive damage during last year’s winter storms. The tenants union successfully lobbied for against the rents going up at The Yards, noting that repairs had stalled for "extended periods. [Oregonian]
- Related: 57% of The Yards’ 158 units are vacant. As previously reported, there are 1,900 vacant publicly subsidized rental units across Portland. [Oregonian]
Somali American Leader in Oregon Blasts Trump
A Somali American leader and former refugee has spoken out against Trump’s recent remarks on Somali immigrants. “President Trump’s cruelty has been the central feature of his immigration policies,” State Sen. Kayse Jama, D-Portland, said in a statement. “Somali Americans are friends and neighbors, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and dedicated members of the community.” You can add Oregon Senate majority leader to the list — that's Jama’s current role. [Oregonian]
EV Fast Charging Stations
Oregon is aiming to add 200 public fast-charging stations for electric vehicles next year along the state highways and interstates. These stations can take a car from no charge to 80% in 20 minutes. The state will use $52 million in federal funding over the next five years to add the charging stations. [OPB]
Sponsored Content
Ready for Purposeful Senior Living?
The Watermark at the Pearl — urban living for older adults, just steps from galleries and cafés. Member-led clubs, author talks, and wellness on your schedule. Your story continues at PortlandWatermark.com.
What To Do
Monday, Dec. 8
- 🌲 Forest Pub: The Oregon Christmas Tree Story | McMenamins Mission Theater
- 🧱 Brick Building Contest (watch and vote) | Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
- 🚢 Christmas Ships Parade | Willamette and Columbia Rivers
Tuesday, Dec. 9
- 🎤 The Moth Mainstage | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (Downtown)
- 🇩🇪 Zeitgeist Northwest: Stammtisch on the Westside | Golden Valley Brewery (Beaverton)
- 🎶 The Mountain Goats | Revolution Hall
📣 A special thank you to our newest City Cast Portland Neighbors: Ramona D., John S., Ed L., Jason P., and Stephanie M. We appreciate you for getting us rolling on this membership drive.
Free · Daily