City Cast Philly logo
August 2, 2026

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Philly

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

Do you know how zoning laws affect Philly’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals.

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
November 10

Argue With a Stranger! Also: Restricting AI Ads & Ways to Get Cozy This Winter

The temperatures are dropping, which means it's time to get cozy. Host Trenae Nuri, senior creative producer Abby Fritz, and contributor...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 9

How Philly Needs Dems to Deliver. Plus: Safety in Foster Care & the City’s Hidden Gems

We talk about the criteria for places that can be called true “hidden gems.” Contributors Jacen Bowman and Conrad Benner join host Trenae...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 8

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Philly

It’s fall in Philly, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government i...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 6

Will State Democrats Now Deliver? Plus, LOVE Park Hosts 1,000th Wedding & BalletX Portrays 1920s Philly

We review Pennsylvania Democrats’ long wish list for policy changes now that the party controls the legislature and governor’s office. Ho...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 5

Voting? Done. Next? How You Can Help Get Potholes Fixed & Streets Cleaned Up

Election Day is over, but the work you do in your community doesn’t stop. There are so many ways you can get involved, speak up on issues...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 4

Shapiro Crushes GOP Challenger. Is the White House Next? Plus: Rabb Goes to D.C.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro won a landslide victory against Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. We talk about how that happened, w...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 3

Can PA Dems Win Trifecta? Plus, Taxing Waymo & Very Early Holiday Decor

It’s Election Day. So what’s at stake? While Pennsylvania has a Democratic governor and control of the state House, Republicans maintain...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 2

SEPTA Funds, Minimum Wage Hike & Legal Weed: Philly's Only GOP State Senator Has Some Thoughts

We’re sitting down with State Sen. Joe Picozzi, who represents the Northeast. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk to P...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 1

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? — Presented By City Cast Philly

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Philly. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing a...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 30

Your Guide to November 2026 in Philly

This is the time of the year when we crave cozy dinners, cherish time with family and friends, and choose to spend extra time volunteerin...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art