TheBurg Podcast

Ed note: This podcast was recorded on Friday, Dec. 28, but got stuck in production until Monday, Dec. 31 due to a breaking news event. We hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

Lizzy and Larry are back for one final episode of TheBurg Podcast in 2018. They wrap up the last year in Harrisburg news -- from weather events and school board drama to road projects and Act 47 victories.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Hitting the road for holiday travel this weekend? Bring yourself up to speed on Harrisburg political news with the newest episode of TheBurg Podcast.

Lizzy and Larry discuss what's delaying the city's 2019 budget, and explain a recent effort to get more local laborers on the new federal courthouse construction site. They finish by previewing a brewing charter school debate, which is sure to take the Harrisburg School Board by storm in 2019.

Read more about the topics discussed in this week's episode:

Harrisburg City Council tables 2019 budget vote, citing “impasse” with mayor’s office.

City council president blocks vote on Federal Courthouse plans, staging symbolic rebuke of hiring practices.

Harrisburg School Board hears charter application for midtown elementary school.

Following church consolidation, Derry Street UMC leaders fight for right to stay in South Allison Hill.

Burg Blog: On Average

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Note: We accidentally published an un-edited version of this episode earlier. You may have seen it in your feed, but we've replaced it with this new, edited version. 

You may have already picked up a print copy of TheBurg's December issue -- why not chase it with a new podcast?

On this week's episode, Lizzy and Larry recap the mayor's annual budget presentation. Where is your money going in 2019? They also discuss PennDOT plans to widen 1-83 in Harrisburg, as well as the article Lizzy wrote for this month's magazine about the rise, fall and potential resurgence of downtown retail.

You can read our coverage of all the topics we discussed in this week's podcast on our website. Lizzy's retail story is also out in print today, as is Larry's column, which jibes well with our discussion of the Broad Street Market at the end of the episode. Find a copy at one of our distribution locations.

Mayor proposes 2019 budget with no tax hikes, slight spending decrease from current year.

A 12-lane highway in Harrisburg? It’s possible in PennDOT plan for I-83.

Retail Therapy: More people are choosing to live, work and play in Harrisburg. Could a retail revival be next?

Let’s Talk: The nation’s “social infrastructure” may be withering, but Harrisburg’s is growing stronger.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Lizzy and Larry discuss the proposed changes to Harrisburg's Second Street, and recap a public meeting on the subject attended by more than 100 city residents. They also offer some predictions for what's to come in the city's 2019 budget hearings and with the appointments to Harrisburg's new Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. 

Harrisburg entered a brave new world this week when Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Municipal Financial Recovery Act (HB2557) into law, granting the city a one-way ticket out of Act 47 and financial distress. Lizzy and Larry answer all your burning questions about what comes next. They also break down the findings of a recent city-wide housing study, which predicts a shortfall of more than 200 rental units in Harrisburg over the next three years. Larry also offers an update on Harrisburg's first dog park, which is set to open next week.

Read more about the topics discussed in this episode at TheBurgNews.com:

Senate passes Harrisburg Act 47 bill, ending city’s financial distress and preserving taxes for five years

Harrisburg convinced lawmakers to let it leave Act 47. What’s next?

Housing Study: Harrisburg faces shortage of rental housing now, expected to get worse

Please Unleash Me: Harrisburg’s first dog park set to open.

This Friday, there’s a chill in the air and a new episode of TheBurg Podcast ready for your ears.

City government is lying in wait as an Act 47 bill lingers in the statehouse. This week, Lizzy and Larry talk about amendments to that bill, which would let Harrisburg exit Act 47 – but, as always, there’s a catch. They also discuss the recent appointment of a new city council member, as well as a report analyzing the Third Street corridor.

Fruit enthusiasts, stay tuned ‘til the end for an update on Lizzy’s hunt for Pawpaws. 

Read more about the topics discussed in this week’s episode:

House committee passes bill that would let Harrisburg exit Act 47, retain current tax levels for 5 years

Legislative staffer appointed as newest member of Harrisburg City Council

ULI Report: Harrisburg’s 3rd Street corridor good, but could be great

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music. 

TheBurg's editor in chief Larry Binda and city reporter Lizzy Hardison recap the recent house committee hearing on Harrisburg's tax bill. They also discuss the upcoming appointment of a new member of Harrisburg City Council. Stay tuned until the end for a spirited discussion of Pawpaws, America's forgotten fruit!

Be sure to pick up the October issue of TheBurg, which hit newsstands this morning. And learn more about the topics in this week's episode at TheBurgNews.com:

State & The City: Harrisburg mayor makes case to retain tax rates, exit Act 47.

House bill would prohibit commuter tax, extend current taxing authority for Harrisburg

Leaving Act 47: The private sector has revitalized Harrisburg in the past. It can do so again.

Former mayoral candidate among 17 seeking seat on Harrisburg City Council

HBG FAQ: Welcome to Harrisburg. Now read this.

TheBurg Podcast is back following a summer hiatus. We recap the latest developments in Harrisburg’s Act 47 saga, including an effort to lobby the state legislature and the impending deadline to adopt a state-approved Act 47 exit plan. We also discuss HMAC’s recent bankruptcy filing and what the business means to midtown Harrisburg.

Read more about the topics covered in this podcast at TheBurgNews.com.

City Council to consider home rule ordinance as Act 47 deadline nears.

Following online outrage and revenue hit, HMAC files chapter 11 bankruptcy as a prelude to sale

State grant earmarked for HMAC could be jeopardized by bankruptcy filing, CREDC president says. 

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

This week's episode of TheBurg Podcast includes discussions about the city's Act 47 exit plan, historical buildings and affordable housing, and Harrisburg's plan to reduce traffic fatalities, starting on the upper State Street corridor. Read more about these topics on our website, TheBurgNews.com: 

“Dead On Arrival”: Harrisburg mayor, state representative reject, vow to fight proposal to double city property taxes.

State recommends doubling Harrisburg property tax, reducing income and services taxes to ease Act 47 exit.

City-wide affordable housing study could inform long-term development policies, Harrisburg officials say.

“Rapid Response” measures proposed, meant to improve pedestrian safety on State Street

To Zero: “Vision Zero” aims for no auto-related deaths in Harrisburg.

Burg View: End the Road Carnage Now

Burg View: PennDOT needs to find ways to improve safety at Front and Forster.

TheBurg Podcast is back after a short hiatus! The Harrisburg news cycle has kept us busy in the past few weeks, but we’re breaking down the most important developments in the city in our newest episode.

We start by discussing the city’s so-called “fiscal crisis” and then recap a chaotic school board meeting. We wrap up on a more hopeful topic – the groundbreaking of the new federal courthouse at 6th and Riley Streets, which took place earlier this week.

You can stream the episode on Soundcloud, or subscribe to TheBurg Podcast in the Apple or Android podcast apps.

Read more about the topics covered in this podcast at TheBurgNews.com:

Harrisburg imposes austerity measures, hopes for legislative action as it faces hard realities of Act 47.
Mayor’s communication on Act 47 “irresponsible,” HBG councilman says, as 14 jobs affected by hiring freeze.
“I’m done:” School board members threaten walk out, exchange barbs over spontaneous action on superintendent contract.
Mandate or Suggestion? State calls on Harrisburg school district to seek new financial managers
Speeches & Shovels: After years of delays, officials break ground for new federal courthouse in Harrisburg.
Burg Blog: The "Right" Stuff.
Harristown to purchase, renovate historic property that once housed iconic Harrisburg hotel, restaurant.
Facing ouster by PennDOT, newsstand owner fights for his right to stay in the Harrisburg train station.
Following public outcry, PennDOT rethinks plan that would oust train station newsstand.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.