City Cast Salt Lake

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'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s Jun 14, 2026

Show notes

As residents of Salt Lake County, you may have wondered about your parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta cataloged them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map is a valuable tool, as you now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: you can also find outdoor spaces that meet your needs. But what else can we do with the map? Ali breaks it down for City Cast CEO David Plotz, on this episode of “Your City Could Be Better”.

World Cup Watch Parties, Salt Lake Sues ICE, Beavers on Horseback Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

Salt Lake City and County are joining forces to sue ICE. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen discuss the strategy. Plus, the best places to watch the World Cup, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: Why does Utah rank 6th in the nation for income?

Resources and references:

Former adviser to Spencer Cox picked to replace Eva Lopez Chavez on SLC Council [Salt Lake Tribune]
SLC, S.L. County sue to stop ICE detention center; feds say they want to be ‘good partners’ [Salt Lake Tribune]
The best places to watch the World Cup [City Cast Salt Lake]
Check out the beavers on horseback [Utah DWR]
Utah among states where people have the highest income, study says [ABC 4]

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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

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

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Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Euro Summer at Home, Staycation Itineraries, Volunteer Ideas Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

School is out, the temperature's up — summer has hit Salt Lake. Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor Austin Whitehead made you a guide to nearby getaways, where to simulate a European vacation, and some volunteer opportunities.

Resources and references:

Sign up to volunteer to help the Pando Tree.
Public Lands Calendar
Volunteer for Pie and Beer Day and the Junior League Care Fair.

Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.

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:

Busted: The Energy Myths That Are Costing You Money This Summer {Sponsored} Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Think you know how to keep your energy bill down this summer? Think again. In this bonus sponsored episode by Rocky Mountain Power, Executive producer Emily Means asks Bianca Velazquez, senior communications specialist at Rocky Mountain Power, to bust some of the most common energy myths out there. Plus, Emily and Bianca dig into Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart program, break down the case for smart thermostats (yes, renters too), and share the highest-impact changes you can make starting tomorrow. Head to RockyMountainPower.net to explore rebates and energy-saving tips — and give them a follow at @rockymountainpower on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Thank you for listening to this special bonus sponsored episode by Rocky Mountain Power. To learn about this episode sponsor visit RockyMountainPower.net.

Keep You and Your Dog Safe in the Water This Summer Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

For dog owners and swimmers, summer can be a trap: the algal bloom trap! Host Ali Vallarta asks Ben Holcomb from the Utah Division of Water Quality what's in the water this season, where it's dangerous, and how to stay safe.

Check the map for algal bloom updates.

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

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Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Booze News, 999 Ride Arrests, Saving the Coachman's Sign Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

The cops are chasing down the 999 ride and getting a liquor license has never been easier. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means and our new audience development manager, Angie Treasure, break down the news of the week. Plus, shoutouts and a sponsored chat to get you up to date on the Utah Arts Festival.

Resources and references:

Relatively quiet DABS meeting bookends May [Gastronomic SLC]
Following complaints, police step up presence at popular 999 Ride through Salt Lake City [FOX 13]
Check out Visit Salt Lake’s volunteer hub.

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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

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 Aimee Dunsmore, executive director of the Utah Arts Festival, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off
Woodward PC
Utah Arts Festival
Questionable Productions

Can a Romney Save Great Salt Lake? Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Can Josh Romney save the Great Salt Lake? The son of former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney says his new organization, Great Salt Lake Rising, is getting the whole state on board. Host Ali Vallarta asks Josh about raising $3.5 billion to actually move the needle on this source of panic for Salt Lakers.

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:

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Salt Lake Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

Salt Lake City recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas podcast host Jesse Merrick to learn how the city makes do with what it has and how its practices could save other cities’ water supplies. Plus, are any Las Vegans actually going to the casinos?

Mentioned on the show:

"Reality Check - There are Big Fines If You Don’t Change Your Watering Clock" (Southern Nevada Water Authority)

"Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?" (City Cast Las Vegas)

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.

Candidates for SLC's Hottest Race, Pride Ideas, Mariachi Class Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Primary ballots are out, and four Democrats are gunning for Utah’s Congressional District 1 seat. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham analyze the candidates’ responses to our voter guide. Plus, ideas to celebrate Pride Month, picks of the week, and in our members-only segment: Why do Salt Lakers simp hard for chain restaurants?

Resources and references:

Check out our City Cast Salt Lake voter guide.
Not a registered Democrat? Request a Democratic primary ballot by June 16.
Utah governor declares June ‘Fidelity Month’ as red states find conservative alternatives to Pride Month [Deseret News]

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. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

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:

Your Salt Lake Summer Hiking Guide Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Hot temps have us looking toward the mountains for a cool escape this summer. Executive producer Emily Means talks with Urban Trails author Ashley Brown and local hiker Brandon Miller about ideas for your next hiking adventure. Plus, safety tips for when you run into wildlife on the trail.

Check out Wild Aware Utah for more info before heading into the great outdoors.

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:

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