37 minApr 5, 2024

Demolition Plot Twist, Dems Strategize, and Caitlin Clark in SLC Bars

Show Notes

After the illegal demolition of the Fifth Ward Meetinghouse on Easter Sunday comes a juicy plot twist we didn’t see coming. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means share the latest update and ask: Can we trust developers? Plus, winners and losers from the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention and a hot job for City Cast listeners. Correction: Rep. Brett Garner, D-West Valley, did pursue the signature path to the primary ballot, as did his opponent, Verona Mauga. However, neither candidate certified enough signatures to qualify. Resources and references: Apply to be Salt Lake City’s Public Affairs Manager [slco.gov] Developer planned the demolition of the historic Fifth Ward Meetinghouse [Building Salt Lake] Guess Which of These Vacant Buildings Will Be Housing [City Cast Salt Lake] 2024 Salt Lake County Democrats Convention Results When a Tattoo Is More Than Body Art [City Cast Salt Lake] Skyline Update, Ranking Utah's Problems, and Bunny Hop Resurrected [City Cast Salt Lake] Video: Jazz Fans Demand the Car [X, formerly Twitter] Legends (all ages), Locker Room (21+), and Fisher Brewing (21+) for NCAAW games Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC and Twitter @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: CRUDE Microbiome-friendly Skincare

Recent EpisodesSee all

A Battle for Alpine Loop, Delta Center Revamp, New Avalanche Pup

34 minSep 29, 2026

Who wins in the battle for the Alpine Loop, cyclists or cars? Executive producer Emily Means, audience development manager Angie Treasure, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Jack Stauss talk about the fight over who gets the road and gatekeeping leaf peeping spots. Plus, the Delta Center got a makeover, and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Road Respect is a Two Way Street [Utah Department of Public Safety] Ryan Smith says SEG will ‘be aggressive’ in pursuing MLB expansion [KSL] Check out the Land We Share Summit on Friday, Oct. 2.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter . You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC . Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads . If you enjoyed this interview with Bianca Velasquez from Rocky Mountain Power, learn more here .  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Avenues Street Fair University of Utah-College of Fine Arts Stewardship Utah Salt Lake Sewciety Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off

Housing Debate Heats Up, Reimagined Parking Lots, the 'Burbs Aren't Bad

30 minSep 28, 2026

Salt Lake City’s new housing proposal has people up in arms, but why? Executive producer Emily Means and newsletter editor Terina Ria are joined by former City Council Member Darin Mano to explain. Plus, unpaving paradise to get rid of a parking lot, and why the ‘burbs are so great.   Resources and references: Salt Lake City's contentious housing options proposal receives key endorsement [KSL] A mini-city, green space or something else? Here’s what you said that huge SLC parking lot should be. [Salt Lake Tribune] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter . You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC . Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads . Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Avenues Street Fair University of Utah-College of Fine Arts Stewardship Utah Salt Lake Sewciety

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

17 minSep 27, 2026

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 has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today. 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 .

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

31 minSep 25, 2026

The Governor's Office of Economic Development gave away millions of dollars without tracking how it was being used. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg give their takeaways. Plus, it's Fat Bird Week at the Great Salt Lake, and picks of the week. Resources and references: Can a Little Bird Save Great Salt Lake? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]  Tickets for Sandhill Crane Viewing Day , OWL-o-ween , Goshute Mountains HawkWatch Follow Great Salt Lake Audubon for more bird events Audit blasts past leadership of Governor’s Office of Economic Development for lack of oversight [ABC 4] Free Book Giveaway at Marissa’s Bookstore Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter . You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC .  Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads . If you enjoyed this interview with Bianca Velasquez from Rocky Mountain Power, learn more here . Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  The Shop Canyon View Credit Union