City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.
March 1, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': What Chicago Needs To Know About Pittsburgh's Plan To Fix Downtown

City Cast Chicago

'Your City Could Be Better': What Chicago Needs To Know About Pittsburgh's Plan To Fix Downtown

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

A lot of cities, including Chicago, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. 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 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.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

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

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

Latest Episodes

See all
April 10

South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’

Just in time for Black Doula Day, the kick off to Black Maternal Health Week, the Chicago South Side Birthing Center broke ground this we...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 9

Broadview Protesters Face Trial, Farmers Market Prices Rise, and Where to Karaoke in Chicago

The trial against the Broadview Four, a group of high-profile protesters arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, is set t...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 8

Why Can’t the Sky Keep Stars? Plus, The Hideout’s New Ownership

Earlier this week, the ⁠Chicago Sky traded All-Star forward Angel Reese⁠ to the Atlanta Dream for two future first-round picks. Following...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 7

What to Do on Route 66 in Chicago

In April 1926, Route 66 received its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chica...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 6

Mayor Johnson vs CHA Board, Buses to O’Hare, and Hawks Miss Playoffs… Again

At the end of March, Chicago’s Housing Authority board voted 7-2 to appoint a new CEO. CHA has been without a permanent CEO since former...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 5

'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago

While both Chicago and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Stars!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 3

What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?

Chicagoans are still asking if the feds will return to the city after Operation Midway blitz. WBEZ’s Curious City recently tackled whethe...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 2

Accessing Immigration Courts, Regulating Prediction Markets, and Ranking Chicago Burgers

Why are immigration court watchers in Chicago struggling to observe virtual hearings? Will Illinois regulate rapidly growing prediction m...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 1

Your Guide to April 2026 in Chicago

April showers are here, but luckily we’ve got your guide to what’s happening in Chicago this month — rain or shine. Host Jacoby Cochran i...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
March 31

Rental Inspections, Illini Final Four, and You’re Tired of Robots

Chicago has a new working group looking into ⁠proactive rental inspections⁠ and creating a registry of apartment owners. Host Jacoby Coch...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art