City Cast Philly

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks

September 20, 2026·29 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Did you know that Philly neighborhoods have seen drops in depression and crime, all because vacant lots were revitalized? Thanks to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), this could continue to be a reality. David is joined by Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, PHS president, to talk about a unique Philly program called LandCare, whose team steps in to fix blighted properties when no one else can. They discuss what’s stopping other cities from adopting these practices, and how, with the right knowledge and tools, that could potentially change. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343 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.

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