'Your City Could Be Better': What Philly Needs To Know About Pittsburgh's Plan To Fix Downtown
A lot of cities, including Philly, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.
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
Teen Meet-Ups, Thousands of Homes Under Construction & a New Museum That’s All About Us
We’re talking about teen meet-ups stirring public safety concerns — where are the spaces for youth to hang out across the city? Plus, the...

Voting Republican in Philly, Finding Use for the Roundhouse & Staycationing on the Delaware River
The Republican party faces an uphill battle as they try to win support in a hugely Democratic city. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by creativ...

Drag Shows, Science Museum Closure & Mayoral Candidates. Plus: Our Favorite Bar Food
City Council held its first session last week introducing nearly 50 bills and resolutions ranging from keeping life affordable in the cit...

Why is PA Fighting the CDC? Plus: City Trash Contracts & Will Roosevelt Blvd Get a Subway
Pennsylvania has reported four measles deaths in the past month, marking the first deaths in the Commonwealth related to once-eradicated...

Rocky’s Final Run Up the Art Museum Steps
The Rocky statue has been playing musical chairs between the top, bottom, and inside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s now taking i...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks
Did you know that Philly neighborhoods have seen drops in depression and crime, all because vacant lots were revitalized? Thanks to the P...

House of Horrors in Olney, Judge Wants Krasner Investigated & an Evacuation at City Hall
City Hall was evacuated Thursday morning during City Council’s first meeting of the season after a suspicious package was found. Host Tre...

Should PPA Rent Parking Spots to ICE? Plus: Job Search Tips & Pay-What-You-Can Dining
A couple of Philadelphia restaurants are bringing back the pay-what-you-can model of customers ordering what they want and then just payi...

Stopping Data Centers, Preserving Murals & Welcoming … Polo?
Data centers are everywhere, but it’s a booming industry that’s created contentious conversations in communities – Philly included. This...

Ranking Philly Sports Experiences, Housing vs. Third Spaces & Where to Scream
Our city's professional sports teams are on a roll — the Eagles won their home opener, the Phillies look like they’re headed to the playo...

