City Cast Philly logo
March 29, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly

'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Philly

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

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

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
May 8

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 7

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 6

'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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 5

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 4

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 1

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
April 30

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
April 29

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
April 28

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,...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
April 27

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art