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
June 18

Stuck in Traffic? These Philly Bike Routes Keep You Moving

From scenic riverfronts to car-free paths to wooded gravel roads, the Philly area has some amazing bike trails, whatever your experience...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 17

Can Philly Stop Its Festivals From Leaving for Jersey?

Yet another thing that makes Philadelphia so great is that there are races, rowing competitions, and a random assortment of other special...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 16

Can We Keep the Bathrooms After 250th? Plus, Slavery Exhibit Deadline & Dems' Infighting

Why are this summer’s tourists the primary beneficiary of new stuff from the city, like bathrooms and bike racks and new open spaces? Wha...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 15

How Much Are We Supposed to Tip?

The FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and soccer fans from around the world are here in Philly. But some countries have a different tippin...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 14

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Philly

Do you know how many parks Philly has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 12

‘Brutality’ at Pride, School Cuts Averted & D.A.’s Unusual Letter Delivery to the Mayor

For today’s Friday News Roundup, we’re looking at how City Hall found $50 million to avoid teacher layoffs, we’re discussing the aftermat...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 11

Why You Need To Go to the Odunde Street Festival This Year

Odunde, the largest African American street festival in the nation, returns to Philly on Sunday, June 14, with hundreds of thousands expe...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 10

Shapiro Wants Data Centers. Do Pennsylvanians Agree?

Gov. Josh Shapiro wants data centers in Pennsylvania, and he’s got a plan to incentivize developers to build. But does the governor’s pro...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 9

World Cup Merch Hustle, $200M Police Headquarters & Philly Dem Chairman Clings to Power

What’s one thing we would ban from Center City? Why is the police headquarters costing the city so much money to buy? And will Bob Brady...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 8

The World’s Game Comes to Philly

The FIFA World Cup is here! This weekend marks the first of the six matches that Philly is hosting for the most-watched sporting event in...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art