City Cast Madison logo
March 8, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': What Madison Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

City Cast Madison

'Your City Could Be Better': What Madison Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Madison are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.

Mentioned on the show:

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 Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

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

Latest Episodes

See all
July 2

SCOTUS Decisions, Madison and MKE ICE Activity, and July 4th Fireworks Roundup

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on birthright citizenship, the legality of bans on transgender athletes, and limits to campaign f...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 1

Your Guide to July 2026 in Madison

It’s hot and humid, and we’re looking for ways to beat the heat this July! The City Cast Madison team is kicking off the month with our t...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 30

Extreme Heat Hits Madison, Knowles-Nelson Gets Axed, and Farmers Market Bliss

Madison is under an ⁠⁠extreme heat warning⁠⁠ this week, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. City Ca...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 29

Canoes Connect Madison’s Indigenous History To the Present

Last week, the Ho-Chunk Nation gifted Dane County Parks a hand-carved dugout canoe. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bill Quackenbush...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 28

'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast Madison

Just how good are the sidewalks in Madison? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and ped...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 26

No Phones in School, Lake Monona Stinks, and Food Delivery Bots Roll Away

This week, the Madison School Board approved a district-wide cell phone policy. Under the new rules, phones are banned all day for grades...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 25

Pour One Out for Schlitz and a Weekend Events Roundup

Earlier this year, Pabst Brewing Company announced an indefinite hiatus of Schlitz beer. However, Verona-based Wisconsin Brewing Company...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 24

Governor’s Race Shakeup, Giannis Trade Shock, and Madison’s Best Thrifts

In the latest on the race for Wisconsin governor, democratic candidate Missy Hughes dropped out of the primary Monday and endorsed Lt. Go...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 23

MMSD’s Proposed Property Tax Hike, Concerts on the Square Kickoff, and a T-Ball Legend

The Madison school board is looking to increase property taxes by 8.5% for the upcoming school year. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 22

WI Governor Race Updates & Assembly District 76 Forum Takeaways

There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less t...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art