City Cast Portland

Here's what Portland's talking about today.

Released: Daily

Episode Why Gov. Tina Kotek Wants To Keep Her Job

Why Gov. Tina Kotek Wants To Keep Her Job

33 minSep 29, 2026

Gov. Tina Kotek is running for reelection in a tight race against the same Republican opponent she faced back in 2022, former state Sen. Christine Drazan. She talks with host Claudia Meza about why she wants to keep her job and her agenda for her second term — including expanding universal preschool statewide, increasing affordable housing options, and fighting against Trump’s funding cuts and policies.  Editor’s Note: Sen. Christine Drazan declined our invitation to appear on City Cast Portland. Discussed in today's episode: Gov. Tina Kotek Sen. Christine Drazan Oregon Governor Election 2026: Latest Polls [New York Times] 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 [email protected] , 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 September 29th episode: Oregon Ballet Theatre The Reser

Meet the 3 Candidates for Multnomah County Chair

38 minSep 28, 2026

Today, we're continuing our coverage of the upcoming fall election with the three candidates running for Multnomah County chair. Joining host Claudia are current Multnomah County District 3 Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, current District 2 Commissioner Shannon Singleton, and former District 1 Commissioner Dr. Sharon Meieran.  Discussed in today's episode: Julia Brim-Edwards Shannon Singleton Sharon Meieran Fixing Multnomah County [Sharon Meieran] 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ , 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 September 28th episode: Oregon Ballet Theatre The Reser

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Portland

17 minSep 27, 2026

What’s a seemingly small project in Portland that’s made a big difference? About 12 miles away in the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

Round 2: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 3

34 minSep 25, 2026

Today we’re finishing up our Portland City Council interviews for our fall election coverage with the second panel of candidates for District 3. Joining host Claudia Meza are current City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane, as well as Kellie Torres, who works as an external affairs and partnerships manager for Portland Parks & Recreation, and Tom Sollitt, who has a background in communications, programming, and events. Discussed in today's episode: Tiffany Koyama Lane  Tom Sollitt Kellie Torres 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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ , 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 September 22nd episode: ⁠⁠PaintCare⁠⁠ ⁠⁠OMSI

The City’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Is Also a Lobbyist? Plus, What To Do With 20 Empty School Buildings, and Mailbag!

25 minSep 24, 2026

We're looking into why a city campaign finance officer was lobbying city leaders in her free time — and just what might happen to roughly 20 school buildings if Portland Public Schools closes them. Plus, we're ripping open our mailbag and hearing from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler, and Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Portland’s airport watering hole has been nominated for best airport bar in America [Oregonian] A City Campaign Finance Officer Lobbied Councilors in Her Free Time Last Year [Willamette Week] What Will Happen to the School Buildings the District Closes? [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 ⁠[email protected]⁠ , 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 September 22nd episode: ⁠PaintCare⁠ ⁠OMSI

Round 1: Why These 3 Portlanders Want To Represent District 3

31 minSep 23, 2026

Today we’re continuing our coverage of the city's fall election with the first panel of candidates for Portland City Council District 3. Joining host Claudia Meza are current Portland City Councilors Angelita Morillo and Steve Novick as well as Esther León, a teacher and a physical therapist who works with incarcerated individuals. Discussed in today's episode: Angelita Morillo Steve Novick Esther León 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 [email protected] , 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 September 22nd episode: PaintCare OMSI

The Massive Energy Suck of Oregon Data Centers, a Tense Standoff Outside the Sports Bra, and a Fantastically Popular New Bookshop

27 minSep 22, 2026

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about a new book shop that’s drawing hundreds of people to Hillsboro, and the mounting tension between protest groups outside of The Sports Bra. Plus, we’re looking into a new report showing exactly how much energy Oregon’s data centers are using, and unsurprisingly, it’s a lot. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director Althea Billings and Bryan M. Vance, the founder of Stumptown Savings, your friendly neighborhood grocery economy newsletter. Discussed in today's episode: Opposing protest groups clash outside The Sports Bra, mace used Oregon data centers by the numbers: 111 facilities consume nearly one-quarter of state’s power, according to new report ‘Be a part of the story’: Hillsboro’s new fantasy bookstore brings ‘Hidden Worlds’ to life 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 [email protected] , 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 September 22nd episode: PaintCare OMSI

The Fruit Loop’s Doom Loop, Portland's Indie Theaters Go Full Horror Mode, and Dolly Gets Her Own Day

33 minSep 21, 2026

Portland City Hall is giving Dolly Parton her own day — and that's only the beginning of this chaos rodeo. Host Claudia Meza is joined by local food and culture reporters Alex Frane and Brooke Jackson-Glidden to unpack the Dolly proclamation, the alarming collapse of Oregon's pear industry, and where to catch the best horror films at Portland's most beloved independent theaters this October. Discussed in today's episode: Portland officials to proclaim ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in honor of late country singer [Oregonian] As neglected orchards spread, Oregon’s pear industry nears a breaking point [Oregonian] Clinton Street Theater Cinemagic Academy Theater Hollywood Theatre 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 [email protected] , 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 September 21st episode: PaintCare OMSI

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Portland

26 minSep 20, 2026

Would Portland be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343   Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

A Fentanyl Vaccine, City Council Implodes Over Zenith, and the Portland Book Festival Is Almost Here

27 minSep 18, 2026

We're talking about how Northwest researchers are developing vaccines that could prevent opioid overdose deaths, and how things are shaking out at City Hall concerning the sale of the largest oil terminal in the state — located right on the Willamette River. Plus, we’re previewing some of the best books to read this fall season and sharing a little preview of the upcoming Portland Book Festival. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and senior artistic director of Literary Arts, Amanda Bullock.  Discussed in today's episode: Northwest researchers develop vaccines to prevent opioid overdose and support addiction recovery [OPB] City Council Explores How It Might Impose New Conditions on a Firm Seeking to Buy Zenith Terminal [Willamette Week] Portland Book Festival 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 [email protected] , 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 September 18th episode: Veganizer - Use code CITYCAST for $10 off festival tickets Oregon Ballet Theater D'Amore Law Grand Central Bakery

Washington County’s Viral Middle Finger, Portland Schools' Messy Laid-Off Teacher Recalls, and Councilor Green's Spicy Police Rants Resurface

26 minSep 17, 2026

A Washington County board meeting turned into a viral moment when County Chair Kathryn Harrington silently flipped off Commissioner Nafisa Fai — the board's sole Black and Muslim member. Host Claudia Meza, KBOO news director Althea Billings, and Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler also dig into the Portland Public Schools recall chaos, where 43 laid-off educators are being asked back on a five-day deadline mid-school year. Plus. they unpack the resurfacing of District 4 Councilor Mitch Green's fiery 2020 tweets just as election season heats up. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠ Trail Vigilantes Clear Paths When the Government Won’t ⁠ [Willamette Week] ⁠ Washington County chair flips off fellow board member in public meeting ⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠ Portland Public Schools recalls half of laid off teachers. A handful of classrooms remain in limbo ⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠ Resurfaced tweets show Portland councilor’s ‘pure hatred for the Portland police’ ⁠ [Oregonian] 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 ⁠ [email protected] ⁠ , 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 September 17th episode: ⁠ Veganizer ⁠ - Use code CITYCAST for $10 off festival tickets ⁠ Oregon Ballet Theater ⁠ ⁠ D'Amore Law ⁠ ⁠ Grand Central Bakery ⁠

What City Councilors Spent Their Office Budgets On, More River Pig Saloon Drama, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes

30 minSep 16, 2026

We're talking about the $2.2 million city councilors spent on pet projects — as well as how a Pearl District bar owner who once complained about crime is now being looked into for committing fraud. Plus, we have a new installment of Portland’s pettiest gripes. Joining host Claudia Meza is Bryan M. Vance — founder of Stumptown Savings, your local food economy newsletter — and our very own senior producer Giulia Fiaoni.  Discussed in today's episode: Portland councilors directed funds to favored groups and projects, even as budget woes deepened [Oregonian] River Pig Saloon owner fraudulently obtained COVID-era business relief funds, federal lawsuit alleges [KGW8] A Secretive Push To Privatize Oregon Liquor, City Council Candidate’s Embarrassing Website Mix-up, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes [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 [email protected] , 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 September 16th episode: Veganizer - Use code CITYCAST for $10 off festival tickets Oregon Ballet Theater D'Amore Law Grand Central Bakery