Why Pittsburgh is Giving Rent Discounts Downtown. Plus, Why Local Sports Matter

Why Pittsburgh is Giving Rent Discounts Downtown. Plus, Why Local Sports Matter

In the spring, Pittsburgh hosted the NFL Draft, and the eyes of the nation were on the city — and its downtown. Facing vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city decided to try out a new rent abatement program to bring business back, and such initiatives are top of mind for many cities and towns around the country. This week, we’re revisiting this conversation with City Cast Pittsburgh [https://pittsburgh.citycast.fm/] podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out in the first place, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans of interest to many types of people. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  [yourcitycouldbebetter@citycast.fm] We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter [https://www.instagram.com/yourcitycouldbebetter] Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options [https://citycast.fm/advertise].

Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s. Plus, Dry Heat vs. Humidity

Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map has already become a valuable tool for locals, who now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: they can also find outdoor spaces that meet their needs. Mentioned on the show: * Every Park SLC [https://saltlake.citycast.fm/parks] - The First-Ever Guide to Every Park in Salt Lake County (City Cast Salt Lake) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  [yourcitycouldbebetter@citycast.fm] We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter [https://www.instagram.com/yourcitycouldbebetter] Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options [https://citycast.fm/advertise].

How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City. Plus, Are the Casinos Just for Tourists?

The water in Vegas stays in Vegas. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas [https://lasvegas.citycast.fm/] podcast host Jesse Merrick to learn how the city makes do with what it has and how its practices could save other cities’ water supplies. Plus, are any Las Vegans actually going to the casinos? Mentioned on the show: * "Reality Check - There are Big Fines If You Don’t Change Your Watering Clock" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOllZBHM3dM] (Southern Nevada Water Authority) * "Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?" [https://lasvegas.citycast.fm/podcasts/federal-regulators-cut-lake-mead-water-can-vegas-handle-it] (City Cast Las Vegas) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  [yourcitycouldbebetter@citycast.fm] We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter [https://www.instagram.com/yourcitycouldbebetter] Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options [https://citycast.fm/advertise].

How Chicago’s Libraries Meet Community Needs. And, Should the Bears Keep the City Name if They Move?

Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago [https://chicago.citycast.fm/] podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  [yourcitycouldbebetter@citycast.fm] We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter [https://www.instagram.com/yourcitycouldbebetter] Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options [https://citycast.fm/advertise].

Who Wins Summer in the USA?

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. We hope their competitive spirit and passionate arguments inspire you to take a trip this summer, or better yet, start something new in your own city. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  [yourcitycouldbebetter@citycast.fm] We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter [https://www.instagram.com/yourcitycouldbebetter] Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options [https://citycast.fm/advertise].