City Plan To Save Local Businesses, 290 Shelter Beds in Jeopardy, and Surprising Traffic Death Data
We’re talking about a proposed new city program that keeps long-time businesses from closing and why a controversial homeless services provider is shutting down and what it means. Plus, traffic deaths are falling in Portland, except for one key demographic. Joining host Claudia Meza are KBOO news director, Althea Billings and our very own newsletter editor, Rachel Monahan.
Discussed in today's episode:
- Portland keeps losing legacy businesses. Could a new program be the solution? [KOIN 6]
- City Shelter Beds Will Shutter Due to Impending Closure of Sunstone Way [Willamette Week]
- Portland area homeless services provider to close, leaving 290 homeless shelter beds in limbo [Oregonian]
- Portland traffic deaths fell in 2025. But not for this one key demographic [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 portland@citycast.fm, 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 March 31st episode:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Live Show: Night Districts, Arts Tax, and Doughnuts with City Council President Jamie Dunphy
Taped live in front of an audience at the beautiful Paris Theater located in downtown’s brand-new Pink District, City Cast Portland host...

Federal Wildfire Cuts Leave Oregon Vulnerable, Top Astoria Food Picks, and a Bumper Sticker Showdown
Today on City Cast Portland we're talking about why the federal government’s wildfire response might not be enough this year as well as s...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Portland
Portlanders, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number...

MAC Bomber’s Struggles, a Needle Ban Debate, and a Notable Restaurant Closing
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about what the Multnomah Athletic Club bombing says about the state of Oregon's mental health...

City Council Cleared of Violations, Waymo Begins Mapping Portland, and Brian Malarkey's Bonkers Dining Spectacle
We're talking about the results from an ethics investigation into six city councilors accused of violating public meetings law, the begin...

Mayor Wilson's Food Desert Plan, the MAC Bomber's Mental Health Struggles, and Portland Beats Denver
Today on City Cast Portland, the results are in and we’re officially better than Denver. Also, we're talking about the mayor’s proposal t...

Why Kenton’s Got That ‘Old Portland’ Vibe
Today we’re continuing our series where we talk with Portlanders about the good, bad, and ugly of where they live, with a visit to North...

Homeowner Asks City for Help and Gets Fined $693, Mayor’s Proposed Budget Cuts, and Best Bar Patios
We’re talking about the interesting way the city responded to a Portlander asking for help with a homeless encampment outside his home, s...

Travel Scandal Topples Housing CEO, Mayor Wilson Warns Against Officer Mask Ban, and Mailbag!
We're talking about the CEO of Home Forward, Portland’s housing authority, resigning after being caught traveling extensively on the taxp...

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re partying on a pedestrian-only Burnside Bridge, finding your new favorite glass of wine, or trying your hand at perfume ma...

