City Cast Twin Cities logo
March 8, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': What the Twin Cities Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

City Cast Twin Cities

'Your City Could Be Better': What the Twin Cities Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

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

Homelessness is one of the major issues that places like the Twin Cities are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.

Mentioned on the show:


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
May 20

School for Teen Moms Faces Cuts. Plus, ICE Agent Charged and the Art of Clowning

A second immigration agent has been charged by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. One week after Renee Good was killed, agent Christi...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 19

Transplant's Guide to the Twin Cities and How Data Centers Could Affect Us

We love our transplants here in Minnesota (even if we won't invite you to our cabin). Here’s everything we forgot to tell you about Minne...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 18

Deeply Affordable Housing in Midway. Plus, 28 Years of Free Jazz

Sean and Denzel run down a list of upcoming events as summer approaches, from Studio Ghibli jazz at the Dakota to the State Fair's kickof...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 15

Off-Camera with St. Paul's Unbanned Influencer Josh Liljenquist

In April, the city of St. Paul banned influencer Josh Liljenquist from visiting St. Paul public parks for allegedly "harassing, recording...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 14

Final Push for Gun Violence Bill. Plus, Patio Season is Here

Today, we explore the art of Twin Cities patio season with restaurant critic Kirstie Kimball, from temperature tolerance to tipping etiqu...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 13

Twin Cities Bang-Bangs and TC Gemini's New Season

Hear about the Twin Cities' best activity pairings from Minnehaha Falls and Sea Salt to the Trylon and Arbeiter Brewing. Also, rugby play...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 12

Legislature Might Pass Zero Bills. Plus, the Best Sports Ticket in Town

The Minnesota Legislature has six days left to get anything done before the May 17th deadline, but with no budget requirement this sessio...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 11

Art-A-Whirl Tips, Mosquito Outlook, and Big Trouble in Little Canada

Art-A-Whirl is coming to Northeast Minneapolis, and we get insider tips from producer Tiffany Bui on the best art events, from disco cowb...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 8

Planning the Perfect Mother's Day. Plus, the State of Mpls and a Horny Turkey

Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his state of the city address this week, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and business support –...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art
May 7

MPS’s $21M Accounting Mistake. Plus, the Future of MN Weed

Minneapolis Public Schools mysteriously "found" $21 million during a $50 million budget crisis, but deeper financial chaos reveals years...

City Cast Twin Cities podcast episode art