City Cast Twin Cities logo
March 1, 2026

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

City Cast Twin Cities

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

00:00:00
View all City Cast Twin Cities episodes

A lot of cities, including the Twin Cities, 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 Twin Cities

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

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

Latest Episodes

See all
July 3

'Your City Could Be Better': Sean Hosts The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know?

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

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
July 2

Predatory Housing Scheme, Sean Sherman Decolonizes Food, and Civic Improv

A new chapter in Indigenous cuisine has arrived in Minneapolis. Today, we talk with James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Sherman about Ind...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
July 1

Keep It Sexy On the River. Plus, Picnic Pro Tips and TC Rookie Mistakes

July will happily remind you that summer is a marathon and a sprint. There’s a lot to do and you can’t do it all. Let us plan your month...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 30

Heat Dome Survival Tips, Insider’s Guide to NE, and a Backyard Concert Series

A heat dome has settled over the Twin Cities, and we’re sharing recommendations to beat the beat. Also tune in for a full roundup of the...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 29

Can Small Businesses Save Uptown? Plus, Why All-Ages Venues Matter

It’s our first ever live show! We take the stage at Pilllar Forum to talk about the state of indie venues with owner Corey Bracken. FYI,...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 26

Northeast's Brewery Boom Is Fading. Plus, the Future of the Northeast Neighborhoods

Today we head to Northeast Minneapolis – recording live at Pillar Forum – to dig into what's really happening with the neighborhood's bel...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 25

Addiction Treatments in Peril. Plus, Remembering the Summer of ‘76

Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill implements new work requirements for Medicaid recipients. That could disrupt or disappear addiction treatm...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 24

Downtown Developers Want Data Centers. Plus, Glassblowing Classes and Riverfront Upgrades

Minneapolis and St. Paul are both set to see some major developments along the Mississippi River in the coming years, and there's already...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 23

Where to Get Falafel at 3 a.m. Plus, Off-Leash Dog Parks and Berry Picking

The Minneapolis Park Board is decommissioning the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park, but there are plenty of other places to let your doggy ro...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
June 22

ICE Is Still Here. Plus, Why Do So Many People Hate the State Flag?

As the national media has largely moved on from ICE's actions in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis council member Jason Chavez has continued t...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art