Why East Portland Is Built Different — Literally
If you spend any time in East Portland, you might notice how the region lacks the parks and sidewalks common in the rest of our city. The lack of city infrastructure is mirrored by the fact that East Portland residents also feel perennially underrepresented by city government — but that’s about to change. Today we’re talking with one of the city’s East Portland experts: Randy Leonard. He’s a former state legislator and Portland commissioner who first moved to East Portland in the ’80’s. Leonard is here to talk about the history of that area, the politics that led to its lack of infrastructure, and how those issues might factor into the coming election.
Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Portland and Hey Portland running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Portland today.
Every member makes a difference!
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 sponsor of this October 3rd 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
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...

The New Downtown Entertainment District, Are Vacancy Taxes a Business Killer? And Is In-N-Out Better Than Burgerville?
We’re talking about the push to develop a new entertainment district in downtown Portland, the uproar from the business community as the...

Why Some Oregon Students Lose 3 Years of Schooling, Deadline Tonight to Vote In May, and Portland’s Best Music Fests
We’re talking about how Oregon schools rank very low when it comes to hours of instruction time, what you need to know about the primary...

The Moda Center Funding Fight, TriMet To Cut Routes, and Where To Eat Next in Beaverton
Today we’re talking about why our city council is fighting over whether Portlanders should pay for a Moda Center renovation, and some maj...

'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Portland
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Portland? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has...

