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October 9, 2026

The Fight Over Closing Portland Schools, Who Should Control $16 Million in City Spending, and Could Oregon Drivers Get Refunds?

City Cast Portland

The Fight Over Closing Portland Schools, Who Should Control $16 Million in City Spending, and Could Oregon Drivers Get Refunds?

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We're looking at the uproar over Portland Public Schools' plan to close up to 14 schools, breaking down the participatory budgeting ballot measure on your fall ballot, and asking: Are Oregon's yellow lights too short? Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and KBOO news director Althea Billings.  

It's the final day of our fall membership drive — Join the hundreds of City Cast Portland Neighbors with ad-free listening and cool perks! Get all the details and sign up here. 

Discussed in today's episode:

Portland school board shows early split over plan to close up to 14 schools [Oregonian]

Key Questions About the Only Measure on Portlanders’ Ballots Won’t Be Answered Until After the Election [Willamette Week]

Oregon’s red-light traffic tickets may have a yellow-light problem [Oregonian]

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.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode:

Grand Central Bakery

Portland Bureau of Transportation

D'Amore Law

Portland Open Studios

The Reser

ADX

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