City Cast Philly logo
March 8, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': What Philly Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

City Cast Philly

'Your City Could Be Better': What Philly Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

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:


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
July 10

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 9

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 8

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 7

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 6

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 3

'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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 2

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,...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 1

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 30

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 29

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...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art