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
Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? Plus, Do You Have To Answer the Door on Halloween?
When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of your city. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governin...

Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? Plus, Halloween Etiquette
How prepared is your city to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilien...

Why Salt Lakers Are Adopting Storm Drains. Plus, Do the Utah Jazz Need a New Name?
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of your city? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm...

A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like. Plus, Kids’ Weird Google Docs Hack
Another school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled in your city? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a str...

This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods. Plus, New Yorkers’ Hot Takes
When your city looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York Cit...

How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs. Plus, How Do You Say ‘Oregon’?
What’s a seemingly small project in your city that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has j...

How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks. Plus, How To Be a True Philadelphian
Would your city be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime...

How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat. Plus, Dressing for AC vs. the Outdoors
It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for your city, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already si...

How Nashville Is Beating Flock. Plus, Local Love for Dolly Parton
Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in your city? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measu...

Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? Plus, the Ethical Dilemma of School Zoning
Your city’s airport definitely has a lot going for it, but unless you’re in Pittsburgh, what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid....

