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 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.
Sign up for our newsletter
Stay updated about the Your City Could Be Better Podcast
Latest Episodes
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment. Plus, a Non-Trumpified 4th of July
Would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists c...