City Cast Philly logo
February 22, 2026

‘Your City Could Be Better’: What Philly Needs To Know about Madison's Data Centers Fight

City Cast Philly

‘Your City Could Be Better’: What Philly Needs To Know about Madison's Data Centers Fight

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Philadelphians. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC. 

We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode.

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
August 28

Sheriff Faces a Judge, Kids’ Test Scores are MIA & Philly Shuts Down Ritz Five

We’re talking about how a judge is finally taking on dysfunction in the Sheriff’s Office, students and teachers across the commonwealth a...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 27

Should Bikers Have to Stop at Red Lights? Plus: Jet Crash Mystery & Partying at ACME

We’re talking about the latest on the investigation of the 2025 jet rescue crash in Northeast Philadelphia and a proposed law allowing bi...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 26

Cheap Philly Dates Under $25

Whether you're aiming to keep the romance alive or thin out your roster before cuffing season, dating can be expensive! But workout class...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 25

New School Year with Old School Problems. Guess That Rent! Should The Portal Move to Kensington?

School is officially back in session. Philly students may be returning to the classroom, but the same can’t be said for all teachers. Hos...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 24

To Drink or Not Drink Philly's Water (*Wooder)

Grandma says tap water is good for you, but a filter does make sink water taste better. When you turn on the shower or order tap at a res...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 23

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Philly

How often are you out in nature in Philly? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban set...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 21

Parker’s City Hall Shake-Up & Shapiro’s Data Center Pivot. Plus: Who Cleans the Indigo Bikes After the Naked Bike Ride?

The Parker administration has seen more than half of its highest-level appointees leave their posts, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 20

Hidden Cash in Philly, AI Answering 911 Calls & Preserving Murals

When’s the last time a Philadelphian showed you a random act of kindness? We’re asking because the Philly Money Hunt Instagram account de...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 19

What's Actually in Smoke Shop Psychedelics?

Earlier this month Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he wants Congress to put into effect a ban on hemp-derived products. Th...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
August 18

Blocking Broad Street With Trees. Plus: Questionable QR Codes & Real Estate Roulette

The view down South Broad Street from Washington Avenue to City Hall is iconic. But an op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer criticizing the...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art