City Cast Portland logo
April 19, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Portland

City Cast Portland

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Portland

00:00:00
View all City Cast Portland episodes

Could public financing get more Portlanders involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing?

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
April 17

Affordable Housing Leader Under Fire, Lowering Bar for Forced Treatment, and Best New Thai Food

We're talking about how the CEO of Portland's housing authority, Home Forward, spent more than $100,000 in taxpayer dollars on travel, a...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 16

Music Millenium’s AI Backlash, State Abortion Law Ruled Unconstitutional, Plus Mailbag!

We’re talking about how AI landed a beloved local record store in hot water and why our state’s abortion coverage law is being ruled unco...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 15

Vancouver’s Light Rail Problem, Worker Death in Amazon Facility, and Essential Group Bike Rides

We're talking about the puzzling plans for a Vancouver light rail and the horrific response to a worker’s death at a Troutdale Amazon war...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 14

Gov. Kotek’s Only Possible Veto, Alleged Child Abuser Escaped, and Local Cosmetic Tattoo Industry Shakeup

We're talking about the one bill Governor Kotek might veto and how it might affect our city council, local law enforcement asking for hel...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 13

Portland Monthly’s Shaky Future, Our 911 Dispatchers Among Best in World, and Free Stuff To Do

We're talking about what the sale of Portland Monthly means for local news coverage and the people working there, how our city's 911 disp...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 12

'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...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 10

Mayor Wilson vs Reality, a Vision for the Waterfront, and a Controversial City Leadership Pick

Today we’re looking into how the city and county are fighting (once again) over the state of our ongoing homelessness crisis and talking...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 9

Why Sports Teams Oppose Raises for Uber Drivers, New E-Bike Discounts, and our Mailbag

Today we're talking about a new city e-bike rebate you might qualify for, why almost all of our sports teams are against a city ordinance...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 8

East Portland Needs More Grocery Stores, Rene Gonzalez Sues the City, and Fun Wildflower Hikes

We're talking about how East Portland might be slowly becoming a food desert, the return of City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez — and this ti...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 7

New State Law Banning Masked Officers, Amazon vs Morrow County, and the County’s Gift Card Problem

We're talking about how a new law banning law enforcement from covering up their face in Oregon will actually work, why Amazon is paying...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art