City Cast Salt Lake logo
February 14, 2026

How Salt Lake Could Be Better: How the Twin Cities Organized. Plus, What Counts As ‘Cold’?

City Cast Salt Lake

How Salt Lake Could Be Better: How the Twin Cities Organized. Plus, What Counts As ‘Cold’?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Salt Lake episodes

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Salt Lakers’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms.

We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities.

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 Salt Lake

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

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

Latest Episodes

See all
September 27

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Salt Lake

What’s a seemingly small project in Salt Lake City that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 25

Fat Bird Week, Utah’s Oversight Issue, Free Book Giveaway

The Governor's Office of Economic Development gave away millions of dollars without tracking how it was being used. Executive producer Em...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 24

Will Voters Pay for Better Parks? LDS Abortion Politics, Cheesesteaks in Sandy.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is weighing in against abortion measures in Idaho and Nevada. Host Ali Vallarta and City...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 23

Utah’s Fertility Rate Drops, Game Day Wings, Cheap Yard Games

Utah’s fertility rate is declining. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen ask Emily Harris, a senior demograp...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 22

Can MomTok Survive? The Case for Midvale, SLC's Pumpkin House.

There are 23 cities in Salt Lake County — and we believe one of them is about to pop off: Midvale. Host Ali Vallarta, audience developmen...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 21

LDS Church’s Real Estate Empire, Utah’s Mahjong Obsession, Our SLC Wishlist

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ real estate empire is growing. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kat...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 20

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Salt Lake

Would Salt Lake City be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in c...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 18

Lola Blankets Catches Heat, Salt Lake City’s $600M Debt, Melon Days

Salt Lake City is struggling to pay for big public utilities projects, and the city’s clean water is at stake. Host Ali Vallarta, executi...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 17

Tower Theatre Opening Date, Emigration Canyon Bike Lane, Cozy Food Recs

Emigration Canyon might finally get a bike lane. Host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Salt Lake contributors Molly Miloscia and Chandler Rosen...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art
September 16

Planning a Salt Lake Wedding, Cox's AI Warning, Recs for Leaf Peeping

How is Utah responding to the news that AI might kill us in a few years? Executive producer Emily Means, newsletter editor Terina Ria, an...

City Cast Salt Lake podcast episode art