'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Philly
More affordable housing is needed in places like Philadelphia. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?
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 Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Mayor Parker Signs Anti-ICE Bills, Congressional Candidate Under Fire & Knicks Fans Attempt Takeover
It's the Friday news roundup. Catch up on the controversial 'no' vote that State Representative Chris Rabb, a 3rd Congressional District...

Why These Philly Parks Got 1-Star Reviews
Philly is giving its neighborhood parks some TLC this weekend with the start of Love Your Park Week. Running from May 9 through 17, this...

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan
A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools a...

Why Philly's Sidewalks Suck
It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it is...

School Board Prez Defends School Closures, Despite ‘Problematic’ Rollout
Despite an extraordinary and emotional confrontation with City Council last week, the Philadelphia School Board voted 6-3 to approve a $3...

Congressional Candidate No-Show, Car-Free Idea for Passyunk Avenue & Eating off the Please Touch Museum’s Floor
It’s the Friday news roundup. We’re talking about this week’s congressional debate – and which candidate was a no-show. Plus, the strange...

Your Guide to May 2026 in Philly
May kicks off festival season in the city. From music to food, we couldn’t be more excited to check out the festivals Philly is offering...

School District Needs Money, Cyclists Want Protection & Philly Says No to ICE
The school district is broke, and the mayor has a controversial plan to solve the problem. Meanwhile the Center City bike lane saga conti...

Move Over Happy Hour: Why Philly’s Doing Aperitivo Hour
Nightlife seems to be getting earlier in Philly, and that’s given rise to a new trend – aperitivo hour. Think small plates, small bites,...

How Gaza Became the Biggest Issue in Philly’s Congressional Race
A congressman representing about half of our city is retiring, so Philly is getting the rare chance to fill an open seat with a new congr...

