City Cast Salt Lake

Salt Lake City’s new housing proposal has people up in arms, but why? Executive producer Emily Means and newsletter editor Terina Ria are joined by former City Council Member Darin Mano to explain. Plus, unpaving paradise to get rid of a parking lot, and why the ‘burbs are so great.   Resources and references: Salt Lake City's contentious housing options proposal receives key endorsement [KSL] A mini-city, green space or something else? Here’s what you said that huge SLC parking lot should be. [Salt Lake Tribune] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Avenues Street Fair University of Utah-College of Fine Arts Stewardship Utah Salt Lake Sewciety

What’s a seemingly small project in Salt Lake City that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today. 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.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development gave away millions of dollars without tracking how it was being used. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg give their takeaways. Plus, it's Fat Bird Week at the Great Salt Lake, and picks of the week. Resources and references: Can a Little Bird Save Great Salt Lake? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]  Tickets for Sandhill Crane Viewing Day, OWL-o-ween, Goshute Mountains HawkWatch Follow Great Salt Lake Audubon for more bird events Audit blasts past leadership of Governor’s Office of Economic Development for lack of oversight [ABC 4] Free Book Giveaway at Marissa’s Bookstore Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. If you enjoyed this interview with Bianca Velasquez from Rocky Mountain Power, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop Canyon View Credit Union

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is weighing in against abortion measures in Idaho and Nevada. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Cassie Bingham and Scott Wessman discuss what the church’s involvement could foreshadow for Utah. Plus, Salt Lake County voters will decide whether to fund $128 million in parks and recreation projects, and a few things we think are cool. Resources and references: LDS Church weighs in on abortion ballot measure in a second state [Salt Lake Tribune] We visited 500+ Salt Lake parks. Here's what we found. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop

Utah’s fertility rate is declining. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen ask Emily Harris, a senior demographic analyst for the Gardner Policy Institute, about why it’s got lawmakers in a panic. Plus, we plan your next game day party, with local ideas for food and more. Resources and references: Utah’s Declining Fertility Rate [Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute]  Anxious About Aging? Retire on a College Campus. [City Cast Salt Lake] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop Gabe Kelii

There are 23 cities in Salt Lake County — and we believe one of them is about to pop off: Midvale. Host Ali Vallarta, audience development manager Angie Treasure, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia make the case for visiting or living there. Plus, MomTok is falling apart and weekly shoutouts.   Resources and references: Mikayla Matthews quits ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ because of news that goes against her ‘morals’. [Los Angeles Times] Taylor Frankie dealt new custody battle blow as she fails multiple drug tests: report. [Page Six] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop The Escape Game Canyon View Credit Union Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ real estate empire is growing. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger discuss how the church is changing whole regions of the U.S. Plus, culture writer Meg Walter tells us about the rise of old lady hobbies, and we make our Utah wishlist. Resources and references: The Mormon Church Is Quietly Expanding Its Real Estate Empire Across the US [Bloomberg] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. If you enjoyed this interview with Mary Ball, senior integrated marketing manager of Webroot, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop University of Utah The Escape Game

Would Salt Lake City be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343  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.

Salt Lake City is struggling to pay for big public utilities projects, and the city’s clean water is at stake. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Strauss dig into the city’s debt woes. Plus, the TikTok controversy over Utah’s Lola Blankets, and weekend picks. Resources and references: SLC can’t cover debt on an $850M-plus project almost no one sees, audit says. Property owners may need to pay up. [Salt Lake Tribune] A Customer Criticized Lola Blankets on TikTok. 3 Days Later, She Says Her Replacement Order Was Canceled [Inc.] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah

Emigration Canyon might finally get a bike lane. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Molly Miloscia and Chandler Rosenberg discuss why some homeowners are concerned. Plus, an update on when Salt Lake’s beloved Tower Theatre will finally reopen, and a few cozy food recs for early fall. Resources and references: Right-of-way fight brews over Emigration Canyon road project [FOX 13] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah

How is Utah responding to the news that AI might kill us in a few years? Executive producer Emily Means, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham break down Gov. Spencer Cox's new proclamation on AI. Plus, on a much lighter note, we talk about planning a gorgeous Salt Lake wedding. And in our members-only segment: the best places to see some fall foliage this season. Resources and references: Sweet and Awkward Salt Lake Proposals [City Cast Salt Lake]  Gov. Cox calls for federal action on AI safety and accountability [Deseret News] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah Central 9th

Major League Baseball is looking more and more likely for Salt Lake City. Host Ali Vallarta, City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen, and audience development manager Angie Treasure dig into the Millers’ MLB ambitions. Plus, what should happen to three shuttered Salt Lake elementary schools? And local shoutouts. Resources and references: Breaking down the candidates for MLB’s next expansion teams [ESPN] What should Salt Lake City School District do with its shuttered campuses? Here’s how you can share your opinion. [Salt Lake Tribune] Take the Salt Lake City School District's survey for shuttered campuses. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 If you enjoyed this interview with Dr. Canada from Canada Chiropractic, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah Utah State Fair Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Have you driven past a restaurant, mural, or community space a hundred times and never stopped in? In this bonus sponsored episode by Magnify Utah, host Ali Vallarta asks Dustin Khong, Magnify Utah coordinator, and Igor Limansky, director of Utah's Division of Multicultural Affairs, to dig into the Community Quest, a free, ongoing passport connecting Utahns to local food, art, and stories across the state. Head to multicultural.utah.gov/magnify to grab a passport or find the closest pickup location and tag your adventures with #MagnifyUtah.

Utah’s lieutenant governor is taking on the Trump administration over access to voter data. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg break down the fight. Plus, Utah’s flag ban is keeping state officials busy, and where to dance like nobody’s watching — and still make it to bed on time.  Resources and references: Trump’s DOJ is investigating Utah’s election chief for refusing to hand over voter data, it says in letter [Salt Lake Tribune] Since Utah banned pride flags, here are the investigations of complaints [Salt Lake Tribune] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Canyon View Credit Union Red Butte Garden Salt Lake Sewciety Stewardship Utah

It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has continued to experience record-breaking heat in recent years, essentially forcing it to lead the charge in protecting residents from increasingly rising temperatures. City Cast Las Vegas host Jesse Merrick talks with David about the bold moves of Nevada’s lawmakers, like mandating heat mitigation and giving away trees, and how some time-tested strategies still need to be tweaked as rising global temperatures present new problems every day. Mentioned on the show: Europe’s 10,000 recorded deaths during June 2026 heatwave 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.

Equality Utah, an LGBTQ advocacy organization, is getting heat for their 2026 candidate endorsements. Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Molly Miloscia break down why some people are outraged. Plus, local alternatives to chain restaurants and picks of the week.  Resources and references: ⁠Equality Utah’s endorsement of Republican candidates draws pushback from Democratic officials⁠ [ABC 4] ⁠Where to see red kokanee salmon in Utah this fall⁠ [Utah Division of Wildlife Resources]  ⁠Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake⁠ today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our ⁠daily morning newsletter⁠. You can also find us on Instagram ⁠@CityCastSLC⁠.  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: ⁠(801) 203-0137⁠ Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for ⁠podcast and newsletter ads⁠. If you enjoyed this interview with Bianca Velasquez from Rocky Mountain Power, ⁠learn more here⁠.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  ⁠Utah State Fair⁠ ⁠Magnify Utah⁠ ⁠Questionable Productions⁠ ⁠The Escape Game⁠

Utah reality TV is back this fall. Host Ali Vallarta, City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham, and audience development manager Angie Treasure unpack what the Mormon multiverse reveals about our culture. Plus, are layoffs coming to the University of Utah? And we dream up weird foods that deserve a spot at the State Fair.  Resources and references: A new season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is out Thursday. Here’s a recap of all the drama on and off screen [Salt Lake Tribune] University of Utah continues modernization effort [University of Utah] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Utah State Fair Magnify Utah WebRoot The Escape Game

What's it like to buy or rent in Utah right now? Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg grill Dejan Eskic, senior research fellow at the Gardner Policy Institute and author of a new housing report, about what's changed. Plus, we ring in the official start of arts and culture season downtown with our picks for the hottest tickets. And in our members-only segment: Delta's new AI pricing system. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Utah State Fair Magnify Utah WebRoot Rocky Mountain Power The Escape Game

Are Utahns changing their stance on deportations? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Alpine resident Scott Wessman talk about the “normie view” on immigration. Plus, the Salt Lake Temple tour might be the hottest ticket in town — even if you aren’t LDS. And some local shoutouts. Resources and references: 1 million reservations: America’s hottest ticket is the Salt Lake Temple Celebration [Deseret]  Will LDS Voters Keep Showing Up For Trump? [City Cast Salt Lake]  What Utah taxpayers could pay for Trump's deportation push [Axios Salt Lake City] Attend Dr. Sylvia Torti’s presidential inauguration.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. If you enjoyed this interview with Mary Ball, the senior integrated marketing manager of Webroot, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Utah State Fair Magnify Utah WebRoot Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off The Escape Game Liberty Heights

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Salt Lake City? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance. 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.