Can you walk to the grocery store or commute to work on foot? For many Philadelphians, this isn't possible. But the city keeps receiving high ranks from publications for being pedestrian-friendly, and is often referred to as a walkable city. So host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón discuss what makes a city walkable –  and better yet, what could make our city more accessible by foot. 

For a list of walking groups in Philly, check out today's newsletter. 

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Philadelphians, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are often closed when those businesses need help. That’s why Portland is considering hiring a Night Mayor. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza about what this new position would do, and if it is the answer to the pandemic’s enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and nightlife in cities everywhere. Plus, should your city be weirder?

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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! First, we have the latest on a deadly parking garage collapse in Grays Ferry. We’ll talk about the most recent developments in the fight over recognizing the history of enslaved people at the President’s House. And, how to prepare for new guest parking rules in Philadelphia. Plus, neighbors get a special bonus segment this week!

Listen to our episode with Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler here.

This episode was updated on April 10 after initial publication with more information regarding the Grays Ferry garage collapse and the two missing workers, who are now presumed dead.

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Baltimore Avenue has beloved coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and bookstores, like Little Bean, a new addition to the corridor. But things are changing; some shops lie vacant, and adored, long-time businesses are closing. So we're listening back to a conversation with host Trenae Nuri and freelance writer (and events newsletter writer) Jen Kinney, who points out that storefronts are staying empty longer and vape shops are replacing neighborhood favorites. They discuss the different feeling along the corridor and where else this is happening in Philly. 

This episode originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025. 

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a slew of bills that would reshape some aspects of life in the state. Lawmakers voted to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage – currently stagnating at $7.25 an hour – to $15 an hour over the next few years. They advanced a bill that would require controversial data centers to submit to additional oversight from the state. They approved legislation that would codify marriage equality at a time when federal protections feel shaky. If passed, these laws could have big impacts for Pennsylvanians. But do they stand a chance in the Republican-controlled State Senate? Today, we’re joining forces with City Cast Pittsburgh to bring you the latest from the Capitol. Host Trenae Nuri and Pittsburgh host Megan Harris talk with Ian Karbal, government reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, about the changes that could be in store for our state.

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Philadelphia boasts dozens of clubs, civic organizations, and communities that can help denizens get connected and stay engaged. But finding those groups, especially as a busy adult, can be a real challenge. That’s why Brian Adoff started Join Philly, an organization that helps people join groups that matter to them – everything from volunteering at the Free Library to connecting with fellow succulent lovers at Cactus Club. Host Trenae Nuri sat down with Brian to talk about the second annual activities fair, a free event where Philadelphians can meet representatives from more than 40 clubs and sign up for something new. Think of it like club day at school – but for grown-ups!

City Cast Philly is proud to be the official host and media partner of the Philadelphia Activities Fair. Join us this Sunday, April 12, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Ethical Society.

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

As the weather warms up, it’s time to ditch winter clothes for shorts and skirts. But how can you build the perfect summer wardrobe without breaking the bank, and find places to donate things you no longer need? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón have you covered. We’ll let you in on all our favorite thrift stores in Philly, from warehouse-sized outlets to hidden gems; pay-by-the-pound bargains to discerning vintage finds.

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

While Philly will be getting a WNBA team in 2030 and Denver will not, Denver is the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office?

Mentioned on the show:

The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [⁠The Denver Pos⁠t]

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.

While Philly will be getting a WNBA team in 2030 and Denver will not, Denver is the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office?

Mentioned on the show:

The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [The Denver Post]

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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! PECO says it wants to raise prices again – here’s how it could affect your bill, and where the money would go. Northeast Philly just saw its second small plane crash in as many years – here’s what happened. What’s behind the semiquincentennial-branded benches and planters popping up around the city. And, pour one out for Philly’s lacrosse team, the Wings, who announced that this season will be their last.

See host Trenae Nuri speak at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 during the 2026 WHYY News Civic News Summit.  

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise