City Cast Philly logo
Advertisement image
August 2, 2026

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Philly

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

Do you know how zoning laws affect Philly’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals.

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 Philly

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

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

Latest Episodes

See all
October 11

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Philly

Another Philly school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 9

Why is PGW’s Boss Flying to Florida? Who is Eating Sushi from Wawa? What Happened at the Gubernatorial Debate?

We talk about WHYY’s investigation into Philadelphia Gas Works CEO’s years of free secret trips to Phillies spring training and how that...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 8

What’s Happening for Halloween, Beef Bandits & Preserving Philly Arts

Philly does it big with fall festivals, haunted attractions, and costume contests this time of year. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by contri...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 7

We Are Epicenter of Sports Betting, Tackling Copper Wire Theft & City Council Races

We’re taking a look at how the city is tackling copper wire theft, which darkens recreation centers and parks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 6

Evaluating Mayor Parker on Kensington, Black Bottom on the (Official) Map & HitchBOT Lives

We’re zooming into Kensington and talking about how the Parker administration has been addressing issues in this neighborhood. Plus, Blac...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 5

A Future Philly: Car-Free Streets, a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway & Biking Through Stop Signs

What might be the future of our streets? We’re listening back to conversations we’ve recently had about a bill that would allow cyclists...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 4

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Philly

When Philly looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City d...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 2

Why You’re Paying More for Water, Philly Chocolates Inspired by Ghosts & Parallel Parking Showdown

Your water bill is increasing, and here’s why. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz dive into how to read your bill and why...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 1

Your Guide to October 2026 in Philly

Get ready for some seasonal fun because this month is packed with fall festivals, art exhibits — and, of course, haunted adventures. In t...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 30

Eagles Highlights in Trump Deportation Video. Plus: Tailgating Under Threat & Free Dating Advice

We’re talking about why this is an exciting time to be a Philadelphia sports fan (other than the Trump administration’s questionable use...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art