Empty Affordable Units, Using the Kicker for Wildfire Costs, and a Bigger Police Force?
Today's lightning round of news includes Governor Tina Kotek eyeing the kicker for wildfire costs, TriMet's new idea to curb fare evasion, an Oregon coast train ride for stargazing, and more. Host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni give their microdose of news and dive into our mailbag to hear from listeners on today's midweek roundup.
Discussed in Today's Episode:
- Chaotic Administration of Portland Anti-Displacement Policy Leaves Affordable Apartments Vacant [Oregonian]
- TriMet Considers Adding Gates To Stop Fare Evasion As It Faces $74 Million Deficit [KATU]
- Gov. Tina Kotek Now Supports Withholding $1B of Oregon’s ‘Kicker’ for Wildfire Costs [OPB]
- Oregon Route Named One of the Best Train Rides in the U.S. for Stargazing [Oregonian]
- Oregon Bill Would Allow Youth To Vote in School Board Elections [Oregon Capital Chronicle]
- Portland Voters Support Nearly Doubling Size of Police Force, Polling Shows [Willamette Week]
- A Shrinking State Budget Forecast, the County Cuts Tent Access, and a Lightning Round of News [City Cast Portland]
- The Gigantic PPS School Bond on Your May 20 Ballot. Plus, Our Listener Mailbag [City Cast Portland]
- Portland's Full of Empty Buildings. Could a Vacancy Tax Help? [City Cast Portland]
Get more from City Cast Portland when you become a City Cast Portland Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.
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, Hey Portland, 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 May 21st episode:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Pearl District Bar Asks for More Police, Housing Leadership Shakeup, and Is Powell’s Selling ‘AI Slop’?
Today we're talking about what a shooting at a Pearl District bar reveals about security in the central part of our city, the ever-changi...
Controversial Homeless Provider on the Chopping Block, Primary Procrastinators’ Guide, and Mailbag
It's primary election day! We're talking about the Metro Council races, as well as a proposed city budget amendment that would stop fundi...
Primary Election Predictions, Multnomah Judge Ballot Battle, and an Alberta St. Food Crawl
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the primary election: the governor’s race, the gas tax repeal vote, and possibly the mos...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Portland
Would Portland be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more t...
Councilor Kanal on Why a City Mask Ban Is Needed. Plus, Luxury Mag Says See You at Slim’s
We're checking in on the City Hall law enforcement mask ban — and why some are advising against it. Plus, we're reviewing a luxury travel...
Why 41% of Portlanders Want To Leave and PPS's Definition of ‘Earthquake-Safe.’ Plus, Mailbag!
Today we're talking about new polling showing more than 40% of people in Portland are considering moving — as well as some new details on...
Moda Center Renovations in Limbo and City Code Changes Target Sex Trafficking. Plus, Foie Gras Ban Debate Intensifies
We're talking about why Portland City Council is pumping the brakes on funding the Moda Center renovations. Plus we’re looking into the c...
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...