'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor
Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are often closed when those businesses need help. That’s why Portland is considering hiring a Night Mayor. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza about what this new position would do, and if it is the answer to the pandemic’s enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and nightlife in cities everywhere. Plus, should your city be weirder?
Mentioned on the show:
- "Can a Night Mayor Revive Downtown Portland?" (City Cast Portland)
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
A Guide For Portland Transplants, From Portland Transplants
Earlier this year, data showed fewer than half of Multnomah County residents were born in Oregon — meaning most Portlanders aren't actual...

Why Oregon's Gun Laws Can’t Prevent School Shootings, Mount Hood's Gray Rock Winter, and the Sports Bra Goes National
We're talking about the lack of snow on Mount Hood and what it could mean for winter. We’re also reviewing Oregon’s gun control laws afte...

Why State Sen. Christine Drazan Wants to Be Your Governor
We're continuing our fall election coverage by interviewing state Sen. Christine Drazan, who is running against Gov. Tina Kotek in a rema...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers Are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Portland
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Portland? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm d...

School Closure Fury Builds, City Hall Wants To Hit Pause on Drone Delivery, and Prosper Portland's No Bid Contract Scandal Deepens
We're talking about City Hall squaring off against Amazon’s drone delivery. We're also breaking down recent updates on proposed local sch...

ICE Patrols Surge, Gov. Kotek Finally Acts on Data Centers, and Portland’s Pettiest Gripes
We're talking about a recent surge in ICE patrols in Salem and the Portland metro area. Plus, how Gov. Tina Kotek is actually doing somet...

Portland’s Costly Failure to Enforce Parking Laws, a City Councilor Faces a Public Records Fight, and and a GOP Ad’s Portland Mix-Up
We're talking about how an ad for a U.S. Senate race in Maine ended up in Oregon, and how a lawsuit could affect our city's curb and park...

Salt & Straw Sues Over Taco Ice Cream, a White Nationalist Brunch Hits Clarklewis, and Hood River's Hidden Wine Scene
We're talking about how two local ice cream makers might be heading to court over Portland's version of the ChocoTaco. We're also b...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Portland
Another Portland school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict...

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...

