Best Smart Cities Council Podcasts (2024)

1
Another Raise for the SLC Council? 20:29

3h ago20:29

20:29

The Salt Lake City Council approved a 26% raise for themselves and the mayor just a couple months ago. Now, Council Member Darin Mano tells us he and his colleagues will consider giving themselves an even bigger salary. Host Ali Vallarta presses Mano on what residents get out of it and whether the council should be a full-time job. Consider becomin…

1
Banning Fairy Smut, Public Bathroom $, and World's Largest Puzzle 28:38

1h ago28:38

28:38

The Salt Lake City Council has $58 million to spend on some big community improvement projects. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means sort through their favorites and share how you can weigh in. Plus, Utah prepares for an execution, 13 books banned in public schools, and local shoutouts. Resources and references: Utah Gov. Cox says h…

1
Is Disney Utah’s True Religion? 27:22

5h ago27:22

27:22

Many Utahns are known for their faith, but should they also be known for being Disney adults? Jodi Eichler-Levine, religion and culture professor at Lehigh University, joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze why Utahns relate so strongly to the Walt Disney experience and how it became its own sort of religion. Consider becoming a founding member of City…

1
Who Will Live in SLC’s Tallest Building? 24:12

3h ago24:12

24:12

People are starting to move into the Astra Tower this month, the luxury apartment building that’s the newest addition to the Salt Lake skyline. But aside from being the tallest building in the state, what does it mean for regular people? Host Ali Vallarta spoke with local realtor Mitch Finlinson last fall about how the Astra is already changing Sal…

1
Why Listing your Home in August with a "Coming Soon" Status is a Smart Move 13:35

6h ago13:35

13:35

Send us a Text Message. Thinking about selling your home in Arizona? The summer heat might be blistering, but August is the perfect time to start heating up the real estate market with your "coming soon" listing, followed by going active in September. Here’s why, The Grandon Group thinks this strategy can work wonders for you, your home, and your w…

1
What’s Next for Abortion in Utah? Code Red, and Buca di Bepp-Out 28:51

13m ago28:51

28:51

The Utah Supreme Court just ruled that abortion remains legal in Utah. What will be the legislature’s next move? Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to lay out possibilities and explain why this decision is hitting national news. Plus, the state explores new rules for heat emergencies, SLC adds direct flights, and the Pope’s tabl…

1
THE NEW NORM: Interviewing and signing the buyer broker Agreement. 18:12

2h ago18:12

18:12

Send us a Text Message. In the ever-evolving world of real estate, buyers and renters now face a crucial new requirement: interviewing realtors and signing a buyer broker agreement before starting their property search. There is no way around this for REALTORS. This change is designed to enhance the buying and renting experience by ensuring better …

1
3 Big Ideas for the 801 27:13

14h ago27:13

27:13

Salt Lake City is full of big dreams, from sports stadiums to citywide bike trails to building a new regional park. But what inspiration can we take from our neighbors? In honor of 801 Day — celebrating Utah’s original area code — Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini joins host Ali Vallarta to share three game-changing ideas for his town that other cit…

1
Your Guide to August in Salt Lake 28:21

1h ago28:21

28:21

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community. August ushers in the dog days of summer, with hot temps that have us dreaming of fall. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and producer Ivana Martinez bring you a guide to what to exp…

1
Strong Beer on Tap? DA’s Boiling Pot, and Trailhead Menaces 33:17

2h ago33:17

33:17

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill is in Republican legislators’ crosshairs after a controversial tweet. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means ask if a new law is being repurposed to punish him. Plus, bartenders’ 2034 Olympic dreams, exercises in trailhead patience, and Park City’s best mountain biker. Resources and referenc…

1
Toxic Dust vs. the Great Salt Lake Czar 25:32

22h ago25:32

25:32

Great Salt Lake Commissioner Brian Steed has been leading the response to Utah’s biggest environmental crisis for more than a year. Is he OK? Host Ali Vallarta asks the commissioner about the best and worst ideas to save the lake, what he’s doing about the toxic dust, and how he juggles competing interests. For more context, listen to “Utah Made a …

1
First Olympic Scandal? Fairpark Tree Accident, and Béisbol en Salt Lake 32:53

23m ago32:53

32:53

Salt Lake City is officially hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics, but there’s one big catch. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to dig into the unsavory details of the Olympic deal. Plus, SLC killed 200 trees, Mexican baseball is here, and come celebrate 801 Day with the City Cast gang. Resources and references: IOC awards 2034 Win…

1
Salt Lake’s Best and Worst Tourist Traps 26:51

14d ago26:51

26:51

Every city has its share of tourist traps, but does Salt Lake have any worth visiting? From Temple Square to Park City Main Street, Kendall Rodriguez, TikTok’s Queen of SLC, and host Ali Vallarta separate the must-sees from the avoid-at-all-costs. Plus, what’s in it for locals? Get a $5 ticket to 801 Day on Thursday, August 1 from 7-9 p.m. at Secon…

1
Are Utahns More Pie and Beer Than Pioneer? 28:14

2h ago28:14

28:14

Sure, Pioneer Day is our state’s BIG holiday. But is Utah becoming more Pie and Beer Day? KUER politics reporters and State Street co-hosts Saige Miller and Sean Higgins join host Ali Vallarta to debunk some of the biggest Utah stereotypes and dig into how we’re pushing back against them. This episode originally aired Oct. 25, 2023. Get a $5 ticket…

1
Cox's New Groove, Proper Brewing Moving, and Good Grass 35:23

2h ago35:23

35:23

Mitt Romney for president? Maybe in out-of-touch Democrats’ wildest dreams. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means localize the big political news from the weekend: Utah Republicans respond to Biden backing out and Gov. Spencer Cox endorses Trump. Plus, Proper Brewing’s for-sale sign, Salt Lake Tribune reporters unionize, and Utah dro…

1
Sweet and Awkward Salt Lake Proposals 26:56

18m ago26:56

26:56

Sometimes lovers need a little help planning the perfect proposal — and we’re here to serve. Executive producer Emily Means and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria join host Ali Vallarta to brainstorm engagements for every kind of Salt Laker, from where to get down on one knee to how to pop the question. Plus, a surprise ending that will mak…

1
5 months of J A S O N( July thru Nov) 11:44

8h ago11:44

11:44

Send us a Text Message. Hi, I’m Jason Grandon, owner of The Grandon Group, Arizona's #1 Brother and Sister Real Estate Team. Also, Amy's husband( most important) and if you haven't noticed, my name is an acronym for five months of the year: July, August, September, October, and November. Coincidence? I think not! Let me take you on a fun and whimsi…

1
Climbing Gym Smackdown, Training Table’s Tease, and a Silver Queen’s Estate Sale 34:40

17d ago34:40

34:40

The Front is beefing with USA Climbing, and the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency is being nosy about it. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break down whether the drama outweighs the community benefits. Plus, the Training Table’s big tease, a crazy estate sale, and our next 9 Line-esque project. Get a $5 ticket to 801 Day …

1
What’s Utah’s Next Trend Export? 23:15

5d ago23:15

23:15

Utahns get mocked mercilessly for our taste — from dirty sodas to our unusual baby names — but they almost always become a national trend. What gives? Deseret News features writer Meg Walter joins host Ali Vallarta to explain why our cultural identity is misunderstood and explore Utah’s next trend export. Get a $5 ticket to 801 Day at Second Summit…

1
Olympic Pajama Party, a Westside Snub, and Galaxy Happy Hour 29:46

15d ago29:46

29:46

Salt Lake City is expected to officially — finally! — be granted the 2034 Winter Olympics. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means parse through economic data to figure out the gains and consider attending SLC’s 3 a.m. pajama party to celebrate. Plus, a Westside snub in Fairpark’s stadium development, a call-out for coffee vendors, and…

1
Is Local News Losing Faith or Gaining It? 26:10

6d ago26:10

26:10

Just 32% of Americans have even “a fair amount” of trust in news reporting. Bet you have feelings about this as a local media consumer! University of Utah journalism professor Jacob Nelson tells host Ali Vallarta how reporters misunderstand their own audiences’ distrust and why local news hits different. Resources and references: “Imagined Audience…

1
Will Legislators Plot Revenge on Utah’s Supreme Court? 26:00

11d ago26:00

26:00

Utah’s Supreme Court just ruled that legislators overstepped when they altered a citizen-led ballot initiative related to redistricting. Who dares put the Utah Legislature in check? KSL-TV reporter Lindsay Aerts tells host Ali Vallarta why this signals a political power shift in Utah, and what it could mean for ever-frustrated Salt Lake voters. Res…

1
E-Bike Lottery, Pool Poo Prevention, and Ogden’s Purple Horse 30:59

19d ago30:59

30:59

Salt Lake City opened an e-bike lottery! But are our streets ready? Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to explain how people can apply and debate whether e-bikes are really bicycles. Plus, the Utah Supreme Court empowered voters, poop prevention in local pools, and a controversial purple horse. Resources and references: Apply fo…

1
Why It’s So Damn Hot Today 21:34

20d ago21:34

21:34

Holy heck it’s hot in Salt Lake, with much of Utah under an excessive heat warning through Saturday, July 13. National Weather Service meteorologist Jon Wilson explains to host Ali Vallarta why temps are so high, how to stay safe, and what to expect for the rest of the summer. Read “How to protect yourself from the Salt Lake heat” for more tips and…

1
A First Look at Salt Lake County’s Homelessness Plan 25:04

3d ago25:04

25:04

Salt Lake County has a brand new homelessness plan, and we want to know: What’s in it? Katherine Fife, Salt Lake County’s associate deputy mayor, joins executive producer Emily Means to explain what the county is doing to address this statewide humanitarian crisis, in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to criminalize homelessn…

1
Sports District Vote, Alt Symphony Venues, and Heatwave Help 32:58

24d ago32:58

32:58

The Salt Lake City Council plans to take its first big vote on the downtown sports and entertainment district Tuesday. Executive producer Emily Means and producer Ivana Martinez examine the proposal and how residents could still get involved in the process. Plus, alternative venues for the Utah Symphony, a heatwave volunteer opportunity, and a fun …

1
Know Your Rights as a Renter in Salt Lake 28:21

24d ago28:21

28:21

In a state where an eviction attorney proudly claims to have written Utah’s landlord-tenant laws, what rights do renters really have? Executive producer Emily Means talks to paralegal practitioner Denise George about what tenants should know before signing a lease and what tools they have to protect themselves. Resources and references: Denise Geor…

1
Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About 49:59

10d ago49:59

49:59

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how host Ali Vallarta's story stacks up against the rest. Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way …

1
Discover the Magic of July in Arizona: A Perfect Place to Call Home. 13:46

27d ago13:46

13:46

Send us a Text Message. Moving to a new state is always a big decision, but when it comes to Arizona, there are countless reasons to be excited. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant communities, Arizona offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and modern amenities. This podcast will show you why July/August in Arizona is a fantastic…

1
We Finally Know What’s in the Downtown Sports District Deal 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

We finally know what the proposed sports and entertainment district in downtown Salt Lake City could offer Salt Lakers. Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen joins executive producer Emily Means to parse through the details. Plus our Rocky Mountain Power wants to raise our electric bills, a shout out to database nerds, and our SLC summer bucket li…

1
Try These Salt Lake Salads Now 17:56

13d ago17:56

17:56

There are few people in this world who feel a fiery passion for salads: Michelle Obama, rabbits, and our very own Shireen Ghorbani. Shireen, a greens enthusiast, joins host Ali Vallarta to make her defense about why salads are sexy meals and the best spots in Salt Lake to grab a bite — or a fistful. This episode originally aired on Dec. 6, 2022. Co…

1
Your Guide to July in Salt Lake 23:56

1M ago23:56

23:56

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community. Are those fireworks or a fire-prevention drone show? Must be July in Salt Lake! Host Ali Vallarta and Kendall Rodriguez, TikTok’s Queen of SLC, bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make th…

1
The New Mitt Romney? Elections Analysis, and an LDS Horror Film 32:22

1M ago32:22

32:22

Utah’s primary election results are in — what do they say about what voters want? KUER politics reporter Saige Miller joins executive producer Emily Means to analyze the juiciest political drama, from the Salt Lake County Council all the way up to the U.S. Senate. Plus, Hugh Grant is terrorizing sister missionaries, and join Salt Lake’s hottest rea…

1
You’re Not a Salt Laker Until … 25:32

1M ago25:32

25:32

What does it take to be a true Salt Laker? There’s gotta be a turning point sometime after you first see the Salt Lake City wizard but before you throw down about where to get the best fry sauce. Executive producer Emily Means sits down with producer Ivana Martinez and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria to help finish this sentence: You’re …

1
What’s Hot at These Salt Lake Parks? 24:18

1M ago24:18

24:18

Host Ali Vallarta is on a quest to visit all 511 parks in Salt Lake County, and she just hit her quarter mark! How are taxpayer dollars being put to use in these spaces? Producer Ivana Martinez asks Ali to debrief on trends she’s noticed, from the quirkiest playgrounds to a “water fountain crisis.” Plus, two cities get a special shoutout — do their…

1
VACATION 14:18

1M ago14:18

14:18

Send us a Text Message. Summer is here and the kids are out of School. Need I say more? What can you do to make sure your most valuable asset is safe and secure while you are gone? Pets, Hot Water Heater, Landscapers, pool, etc. How can you relax while you are away. For more REAL ESTATE info call Jason Grandon with www.THEGRANDONGROUP.com brokered …

1
Wildfire Warnings, Last-Minute Election Info, and SLC Pride 21:54

1M ago21:54

21:54

Wildfire season is in full swing, so how can we keep the state from burnin’ up? Producer Ivana Martinez joins executive producer Emily Means to share some local resources. Plus, how to vote on this primary election day, the University of Utah’s LGBT Center shuts its doors, and visit this gay little town. Resources and references: How To Vote in Uta…

1
Why Your Electric Bill Might Go Up 25:30

1M ago25:30

25:30

Rocky Mountain Power, Utah’s largest electricity provider, is stepping away from their renewable energy plans and leaning back into coal. Utah Clean Energy climate scientist and energy analyst Logan Mitchell joins host Ali Vallarta to explain what investing in fossil fuels means for your electric bill and the future of the utilities industry. Resou…

1
Why Fight Title IX? Our Restaurant Grades, and Free Tampons 28:56

1M ago28:56

28:56

Utah lawmakers met in a special session this week to push back against new federal protections for transgender students. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break down why lawmakers are gearing up for a fight with the feds and how Salt Lake City’s mayor responded. Plus, SLC restaurants don’t have letter grades, a rock n’ roll …

1
Your Guide to Salt Lake Farmers Markets 16:10

1M ago16:10

16:10

What’s missing from Salt Lake’s seven-day-a-week network of farmers markets? Utah Farmers Market Network director Chandler Rosenberg tells host Ali Vallarta why we’re short on farmers to meet the demand. Plus, she lays down the best markets in the valley, an etiquette guide, and some cool affordability programs. This episode originally aired on Jun…

1
Inflammatory Migrant Headlines, Swap Meet Shows Up, and Affordable Vinyl 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

Denver is sending migrants to Salt Lake City, but there’s more to the story than the inflammatory headline. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means untangle state and local leaders’ response. Plus, the Redwood Drive-in & Swap Meet debate continues, a new icon in wildlife reporting, and an exciting third space. Resources and references:…

1
How We Get Japantown Back 26:25

2M ago26:25

26:25

There’s a lot in the crosshairs of Smith Entertainment Group’s proposal for a new sports and entertainment district downtown, but Japantown might be getting the least attention. Salt Lake City Council member Darin Mano tells host Ali Vallarta how SLC and SEG’s visions for the historic downtown community align — and where they diverge. Plus, how lon…

1
Sears Hospital Plans, SLC Budget Finale, and Your Neighborhood’s Air Quality 29:11

2M ago29:11

29:11

Intermountain Health wants to replace the Sears Lake on State Street with an urban hospital, and we finally have renderings. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to see if the vision fits what the community wants. Plus, the SLC Council approved the new budget, Heber City’s nightlife is popping off, and a cool tool to check your ne…

1
Operation Jordan River? Sounds Familiar. 25:42

2M ago25:42

25:42

In response to local complaints, law enforcement are targeting drug operations on the Jordan River Trail. But, in an area where many unsheltered people live, crime and homelessness are often conflated. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to draw comparisons between the Jordan River situation and 2017’s Operation Rio Grande — and …

1
Utah’s Brand New, Statewide Trail Network 21:24

2M ago21:24

21:24

The Utah Department of Transportation will connect our entire state with a network of paved trails, and the first 19 projects have already been funded to the tune of $95 million. Host Ali Vallarta asks UDOT Trails Division director Stephanie Tomlin if this signals a statewide shift away from car-centric commuting — and when can we ride our bikes fr…

1
A Homelessness Scolding, $500K for Public Bathrooms, and Picasso Melons 32:28

2M ago32:28

32:28

Gov. Spencer Cox has a pointed message for homeless service providers: Show results or lose funding. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the ironies in his speech and in the room. Plus, preview some Salt Lake City Council decisions, meet the county’s new public health boss, and find yellow watermelons. Resources and refe…

1
Tan France on the Best and Worst of SLC 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community. You know you’re a Salt Laker once you’ve had a Tan France sighting. The Queer Eye star has called Utah home for almost two decades — so let’s test him on his local credentials. Tan joins host Ali Va…

1
Save Redwood Drive-In? Old Cop Shop Makeover, and Weekend Wrestling 33:29

2M ago33:29

33:29

Developers want to turn West Valley’s Redwood Drive-In and Swap Meet into housing — for the second time. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to calculate its odds of survival. Plus, a vacant SLC building gets a sexy makeover, primary ballots hit mailboxes, and a weekend wrestle-off. If the sponsored interview with the Governor’s …

1
Why No Michelin Stars in Utah? 19:51

2M ago19:51

19:51

Two Salt Lake chefs are finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards, and winners will be announced on June 10. But when it comes to the prestigious Michelin star, the travel award often associated with culinary excellence, Utah restaurants haven’t made the cut. Host Ali Vallarta asks food writer and Gastronomic SLC founder Stuart Melling why we haven…

1
McMansions in Yalecrest? Swanky Liquor Store, and Kids Play Free 37:29

2M ago37:29

37:29

The Salt Lake City Council just approved two new historic districts on the east bench. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means pick apart the curious case for historic protections in the Yalecrest neighborhood. Plus, downtown SLC gets a swanky new liquor store, Salt Lake County kids get free access to rec centers, and develop your disp…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Smart Cities Council Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide