'Your City Could Be Better': What Philly Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan
Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Philadelphia are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.
Mentioned on the show:
- Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (City Cast Salt Lake)
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
Epstein's Penn Connection, Mosque Damaged in Attack & Freedom Fuel Opens
Philly takes center stage as Freedom Fuel, the cheap gas stations promoted by President Trump, opened in the city this week. Executive pr...

Could SEPTA Be Your Next Landlord?
It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating m...

Can the DSA & Democratic Establishment Co-Exist in Philly?
Lauren Rinaldi’s ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressive...

July Fourth Flop? PECO Strike! And LOVE Park Saucer Gets Revamp
Did the Fourth of July semiquincentennial celebrations fall flat, given the too-hot and then too-wet weather, a cancelled parade, and pri...

Do The Sounds of Your Philly Neighborhood Annoy You?
While all fireworks shows have ended, Philly is still a noisy place. Just listen to the El train rolling by, neighbors yelling at each ot...

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Philly
See if your Philly knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes...

Philly-Made Cocktails Worth Celebrating With
Every celebration needs a beverage to pair with it. This weekend, as the city marks the semiquincentennial with fireworks, block parties,...

Your Guide to July 2026 in Philly
As America rings in its 250th anniversary on July 4, Philadelphia celebrates with free museum admission, concerts, and special events for...

Can a Free July 4 Concert Keep You in Philly? Plus, Pension Loophole & SEPTA Housing
Are you sticking around for the semiquincentennial celebrations this weekend? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and Fae Ehsan...

Is 2026 the Safest Year in Philly’s History?
Is 2026 the safest year in Philly’s history? If you look at homicide rates, it just might be. In 2025, we saw the fewest number of homici...

