City Cast Portland
⏭️ Mayor Wilson sets housing, downtown goals
December 10, 2025 · — Natalia Aldana
Hey there! We’re declaring 2026 the “Year of Local.” Since you read this newsletter, you already know we’re all about fostering a deep connection with life in our city.
We want to help you take your relationship with Portland even further in the new year. When you become a City Cast Portland Neighbor, you’re not just supporting this newsletter — you’re gaining the chance to deepen your local connection.
You’ll be invited to members-only events where we explore and better our city together. Plus, you’ll meet other Neighbors in real life — folks who are deeply committed to Portland and want to see it thrive. If you’re looking for a way to get more involved in 2026, City Cast Portland Neighbors is the perfect place to start.
Join this week and get our limited-run City Cast Portland beanie, the perfect way to show you’re part of a community that cares about this city.
What's CITY Talking About
Mayor Wilson Announces Housing, Foot Traffic Goals
At the Oregon Leadership Summit on Monday, Mayor Keith Wilson announced new goals to restore downtown foot traffic to pre-pandemic levels, fill 2 million square feet of office space, create 2,500 housing units, and fund more mental health programs. He also discussed hiring 24 new detectives to decrease business burglaries. The mayor hopes to reach these goals by 2030. [KATU]
The Portland Housing Shakeup Over Millions in Unspent Funds
On today’s City Cast Portland, 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. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
The question that sort of arises is, when did the mayor first learn about this?
Expect Hazardous Traveling Conditions, Flooding
Portland is still facing heavy rains and is under a flood warning today, with a total of four to seven inches expected over the duration of this weather pattern. Portland Bureau of Transportation crews are clearing drains, but flooding and road hazards are likely. The city advises travelers to proceed with caution and avoid flooded areas. [KGW; City of Portland]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Dec. 10
- 🎨 Conversations in Clay | Portland Art Museum
- 🎺 Merry-achi Christmas | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (Downtown)
- 😆 Lady Killers | Show Bar (Buckman)
- 🎶 Holiday Hits Vol. 4 | Mississippi Studios (Boise)
- 🍿 Reel Eats: Wicked: For Good | OMSI
- 🚢 Christmas Ships Cruise | Island Style Charters (South Waterfront)
- 🚢 Christmas Ship Dinner Cruise | Salmon Springs Dock (South Waterfront)
Thursday, Dec. 11
- 🎶 Zepparella | Aladdin Theater
- 🍿 Reel Eats: Wicked: For Good | OMSI
- 🎤 Look Back Lecture: Oregon City’s Chinese Expulsion | Museum of the Oregon Territory (Oregon City)
- 📸 Outside the Frame Open House | Union Station (Old Town)
🤩 Here’s to you, City Cast Portland Neighbors! A big welcome to our newest members: Dean W., Teresa W., Carrie Z., and Stephanie C.
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