City Cast Portland logo
April 12, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor

City Cast Portland

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor

00:00:00
View all City Cast Portland episodes

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:


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

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
May 22

City Budget Amendment Drama, Trump’s Impact on the Governor’s Race, and Opera Meets Women's Soccer

We're talking about Portland City Council battling it out over the budget, and what's to come in November now that the primary election i...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 21

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Portland Makes Its Case

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza, co...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 20

Pearl District Bar Asks for More Police, Housing Leadership Shakeup, and Is Powell’s Selling ‘AI Slop’?

Today we're talking about what a shooting at a Pearl District bar reveals about security in the central part of our city, the ever-changi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 19

Controversial Homeless Provider on the Chopping Block, Primary Procrastinators’ Guide, and Mailbag

It's primary election day! We're talking about the Metro Council races, as well as a proposed city budget amendment that would stop fundi...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 18

Primary Election Predictions, Multnomah Judge Ballot Battle, and an Alberta St. Food Crawl

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the primary election: the governor’s race, the gas tax repeal vote, and possibly the mos...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 17

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Portland

Would Portland be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more t...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 15

Councilor Kanal on Why a City Mask Ban Is Needed. Plus, Luxury Mag Says See You at Slim’s

We're checking in on the City Hall law enforcement mask ban — and why some are advising against it. Plus, we're reviewing a luxury travel...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 14

Why 41% of Portlanders Want To Leave and PPS's Definition of ‘Earthquake-Safe.’ Plus, Mailbag!

Today we're talking about new polling showing more than 40% of people in Portland are considering moving — as well as some new details on...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 13

Moda Center Renovations in Limbo and City Code Changes Target Sex Trafficking. Plus, Foie Gras Ban Debate Intensifies

We're talking about why Portland City Council is pumping the brakes on funding the Moda Center renovations. Plus we’re looking into the c...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 12

Live Show: Night Districts, Arts Tax, and Doughnuts with City Council President Jamie Dunphy

Taped live in front of an audience at the beautiful Paris Theater located in downtown’s brand-new Pink District, City Cast Portland host...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art