‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Philly
Sometimes it can feel like the Philly government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don’t have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You’ve heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers.
Mentioned on the show:
- Atlas Obscura feature on the community-built benches in Chattanooga
- Efforts by Strong Chattanooga to make a path through the woods in a sidewalk-less neighborhood
- Review of Hoboken's streak of zero traffic fatalities
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
Why is PGW’s Boss Flying to Florida? Who is Eating Sushi from Wawa? What Happened at the Gubernatorial Debate?
We talk about WHYY’s investigation into Philadelphia Gas Works CEO’s years of free secret trips to Phillies spring training and how that...
What’s Happening for Halloween, Beef Bandits & Preserving Philly Arts
Philly does it big with fall festivals, haunted attractions, and costume contests this time of year. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by contri...
We Are Epicenter of Sports Betting, Tackling Copper Wire Theft & City Council Races
We’re taking a look at how the city is tackling copper wire theft, which darkens recreation centers and parks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined...
Evaluating Mayor Parker on Kensington, Black Bottom on the (Official) Map & HitchBOT Lives
We’re zooming into Kensington and talking about how the Parker administration has been addressing issues in this neighborhood. Plus, Blac...
A Future Philly: Car-Free Streets, a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway & Biking Through Stop Signs
What might be the future of our streets? We’re listening back to conversations we’ve recently had about a bill that would allow cyclists...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Philly
When Philly looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City d...
Why You’re Paying More for Water, Philly Chocolates Inspired by Ghosts & Parallel Parking Showdown
Your water bill is increasing, and here’s why. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz dive into how to read your bill and why...
Your Guide to October 2026 in Philly
Get ready for some seasonal fun because this month is packed with fall festivals, art exhibits — and, of course, haunted adventures. In t...
Eagles Highlights in Trump Deportation Video. Plus: Tailgating Under Threat & Free Dating Advice
We’re talking about why this is an exciting time to be a Philadelphia sports fan (other than the Trump administration’s questionable use...
Best & Worst Places to Pee, Our Philly Bucket List & Can the Academy of Natural Sciences Be Saved?
When you gotta go, you gotta go! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior creative producer Abby Fritz and Santiago Ortiz, founder of No Shor...