What Old Town Needs, Instead of Sweeps
Conversations about crime or homeless encampments often focus on one symbolic neighborhood: Old Town. The district has a long history as Portland's official Chinatown, but because of historic city neglect, rising crime, and rising rents, many businesses have been forced to relocate. Plus, since the pandemic, this struggling district has seen a lot more people living on the streets. Today we’re talking with Scott Kerman, Executive Director of Blanchet House. He has a ground-level view of what’s working and what isn’t in the neighborhood.
Who do you want to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.
Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The Fight Over Closing Portland Schools, Who Should Control $16 Million in City Spending, and Could Oregon Drivers Get Refunds?
We're looking at the uproar over Portland Public Schools' plan to close up to 14 schools, breaking down the participatory budgeting ballo...
Are You a Portland Sinner? Unspoken Portland Rules Worth Breaking
Inspired by a recent Portland subreddit post, we're discussing our city’s unspoken rules — and how we here on the show break them — ...
Oregon's Unbuilt EV Stations, the CenturyLink Price-for-Life Lawsuit, and Mailbag!
We're talking about the two Portlanders who successfully sued CenturyLink over rising internet rates, and why Oregon has yet to install a...
Eugene Police Wants $2.5M for Public Records, Our Waterfront Is Getting a Makeover, and I-5 South Closure Updates
We're talking about why the Eugene Police Department is charging millions for public records, plus ideas from Europe on how to get more o...
Racist Tweets Tank a Blazers Hire, the Arts Tax Gets Challenged in Court, and Oregon's Governor's Race Has Democrats Sweating
We're talking about the hiring and firing of a new Blazers broadcaster over some pretty heinous old tweets, and why the Portland Metro Ch...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Portland
When Portland looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City...
Portland's Most Underrated Restaurateur Is Retiring, a DIY Bar Takeover, and Miami Beats Portland at Food?
We’re talking about an upcoming event hoping to bring attention to Portland’s bar scene. We’re also looking into some recent food news co...
Your Guide to October 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re stuck in a corn maze, catching a local theatrical production, or drinking your weight in pumpkin cider, October is the sta...
Old Town’s First Grocery Store in 50 Years, the Plan To Increase Portland’s CEO Tax, and Scout the Huggy Golden Retriever
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about one nonprofit's mission to open a grocery store in Old Town, and how two city councilors...
Why Gov. Tina Kotek Wants To Keep Her Job
Gov. Tina Kotek is running for reelection in a tight race against the same Republican opponent she faced back in 2022, former state Sen....