City Cast Pittsburgh logo
March 1, 2026

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Pittsburgh’s Big Idea To Fix Downtown

City Cast Pittsburgh

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Pittsburgh’s Big Idea To Fix Downtown

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

With the NFL Draft coming up in April, Pittsburgh is getting creative with downtown revitalization efforts. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh 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.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

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

Latest Episodes

See all
July 10

Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’

Part of the Parkway East is closing tonight so PennDot can explode the old Commercial Street Bridge and slide a new one in its place. Tra...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 9

Mechanical Pickles, Giant Eagle's New Owner & Free Outdoor Adventures

Kroger may have just bought Giant Eagle, but this isn't the first time these two brands have been intertwined. Host Megan Harris and prod...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 8

Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh

There's never a bad time for a spa day, and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, we want you to treat yourself! The City Cast Pittsburgh te...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 7

The Best Bagels in Pittsburgh

Can you actually get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is on the case. We taste tested offerings from some of the...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 6

Why Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes AND a Housing Shortage

Pittsburgh lost more than half its population since peaking in the 1950s, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 3

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

See if your Pittsburgh knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz g...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 2

Can You Swim in Pittsburgh's Rivers? Plus, Teens in Public & Train Tours

If the hot weather has you considering a dip in the Allegheny, Mon, or Ohio, take heed! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins host Me...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 1

Your Guide to July 2026 in Pittsburgh

There's a heatwave, but there's also no shortage of things to do in Pittsburgh! City Cast's Megan Harris, Sophia Lo, and Francesca Dabecc...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 30

Is AI Pittsburgh's Next Labor Fight?

Ever wonder how exactly our city employees are using AI…and whether there are safeguards in place to make sure these tools are being used...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 29

Can Pittsburgh Hold Onto Tech Startups? Plus, Household Robots and Data Centers

Pittsburgh is getting ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and we’re partnering with Public Source and Technical.ly to explore...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art