City Cast DC logo
March 29, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast DC

City Cast DC

'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast DC

00:00:00
View all City Cast DC episodes

More affordable housing is needed in places like DC. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?

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 DC

Get smart about D.C. with our news roundup and analysis.

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

Latest Episodes

See all
August 25

How Is D.C. The Nation’s Leader In Pre-K?

D.C. Public Schools is the national leader — by a lot — in at least one category: enrollment in pre-kindergarten programs. Almost every D...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 24

Trayon White's Corruption Trial Is Going to Be a Doozy

In a few weeks, D.C.'s Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White will stand trial for allegations of corruption. This is embarrassing for any cit...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 23

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast DC

How often are you out in nature in DC? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 21

D.C. Goes Back To School, MPD Overtime Fraud, And The NSO Hits the Road

D.C. public schools open on Monday — we'll get into the politics of it all. Plus, six DC police employees have been charged for $440K in...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 20

Pirro Doubles Down On Vandalism To Keep An Angry Trump At Bay

Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for D.C., really wants to throw the book at the woman accused of vandalizing the World War II Memorial. Ac...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 19

Breaking Down D.C.'s Upcoming Grand Prix

We’re a few days out from the IndyCar race that will be taking over the National Mall this weekend. And while D.C. types are mostly talki...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 18

Is It Time To Close The Kennedy Center?

Last week, the Kennedy Center’s board voted to uphold its previous decision to close for two years of renovations, while also approving a...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 17

Trump's Plans for an East Potomac Golf Course Are Sinking — Literally

President Donald Trump wants to renovate the East Potomac Park golf course, but there’s one big problem: the park — and the island i...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 14

Bus Drivers Fight Against Fare Quotes, Condo Sales are Down, and Congress Takes Up Motorcycle Helmets

We're talking about the metro union's fight back against bus fare quotes, D.C.’s slump in condo sales, and Republicans’ efforts to repeal...

City Cast DC podcast episode art
August 13

How the Pamunkey Tribe Bought Back Their Virginia Homeland

Many people don't realize that the D.C. region sits on Indigenous land. But recently, one local tribe made history by reclaiming a piece...

City Cast DC podcast episode art