City Cast Portland logo
March 9, 2026

Police Surveillance Files, Racist Maps, and Other Secrets Hidden in the City Archives

City Cast Portland

Police Surveillance Files, Racist Maps, and Other Secrets Hidden in the City Archives

00:00:00
View all City Cast Portland episodes

The Portland City Archives are home to a paper trail capturing every major and minor moment of our city’s history, from mayoral memos to hand-drawn maps. The archivists like to say they have the receipts for everything the city has ever done, in public or private. Today we're revisiting a conversation with City Archivist Madeline Moya about what’s inside this archive — and how it helps hold local government accountable.

This episode originally aired on Oct. 30, 2025

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, 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 March 9th episode:


Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Portland

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 8

Why TriMet Is Slashing $64.5 Million, Free Summer Bus to Forest Park, Plus Albina’s 94-Acre Resurrection

We're talking about the free shuttle bus service to the Zoo and Forest Park coming this summer, and the major cuts coming to TriMet servi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 7

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Portland

Portland recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 5

The Portland Fire Is on Fire, Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against a Local Spiritual Leader, and Do You Doughnut?

In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 4

Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up

Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills risi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 3

Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season

We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 2

How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients

We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
June 1

Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland

Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is of...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 31

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland

Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just t...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 29

Controversial Arts Tax Goes up, Progressive City Councilor Accused of Discrimination, and Budget Drama Continues

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about our city's arts tax increasing for the first time in over a decade, a discrimination com...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 28

Possible State Ban on Fishing and Hunting? Plus, Renaming Cesar Chavez Blvd and Mailbag!

We’re talking about the new name being considered to replace Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard as well as the ballot initiative aiming to ban hun...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art