City Cast YCCBB logo
February 27, 2026

Pittsburgh’s Big Idea To Fix Downtown. Plus, Do Local Sports Really Matter?

City Cast YCCBB

Pittsburgh’s Big Idea To Fix Downtown. Plus, Do Local Sports Really Matter?

00:00:00
View all City Cast YCCBB episodes

A lot of cities are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown, and Pittsburgh is no exception. With the NFL Draft coming up in April, the city is getting creative with downtown revitalization efforts. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, Pittsburgh is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.

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.

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay updated about the Your City Could Be Better Podcast

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
July 17

Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? Plus, Perks of Nearby Nature

Sometimes it can feel like city government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanoo...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
July 10

Does Your City Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? Plus, How To Save on Car Rentals

Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the c...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
July 3

The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know?

In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Ale...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
June 26

How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks. Plus, Do Scooters and Bikes Belong on Sidewalks?

The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Den...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
June 19

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...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
June 12

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...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
June 5

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 popu...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
May 29

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 the...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
May 22

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 b...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art
May 15

Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? Plus, Why You Should Go to a Rave

Would cities be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more tha...

City Cast YCCBB podcast episode art