City Cast Portland logo
March 8, 2026

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

City Cast Portland

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

00:00:00
View all City Cast Portland episodes

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Portland 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 Portland

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.

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

Latest Episodes

See all
May 11

Federal Wildfire Cuts Leave Oregon Vulnerable, Top Astoria Food Picks, and a Bumper Sticker Showdown

Today on City Cast Portland we're talking about why the federal government’s wildfire response might not be enough this year as well as s...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 10

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Portland

Portlanders, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 8

MAC Bomber’s Struggles, a Needle Ban Debate, and a Notable Restaurant Closing

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about what the Multnomah Athletic Club bombing says about the state of Oregon's mental health...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 7

City Council Cleared of Violations, Waymo Begins Mapping Portland, and Brian Malarkey's Bonkers Dining Spectacle

We're talking about the results from an ethics investigation into six city councilors accused of violating public meetings law, the begin...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 6

Mayor Wilson's Food Desert Plan, the MAC Bomber's Mental Health Struggles, and Portland Beats Denver

Today on City Cast Portland, the results are in and we’re officially better than Denver. Also, we're talking about the mayor’s proposal t...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 5

Why Kenton’s Got That ‘Old Portland’ Vibe

Today we’re continuing our series where we talk with Portlanders about the good, bad, and ugly of where they live, with a visit to North...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 4

Homeowner Asks City for Help and Gets Fined $693, Mayor’s Proposed Budget Cuts, and Best Bar Patios

We’re talking about the interesting way the city responded to a Portlander asking for help with a homeless encampment outside his home, s...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
May 1

Travel Scandal Topples Housing CEO, Mayor Wilson Warns Against Officer Mask Ban, and Mailbag!

We're talking about the CEO of Home Forward, Portland’s housing authority, resigning after being caught traveling extensively on the taxp...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 30

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland

Whether you’re partying on a pedestrian-only Burnside Bridge, finding your new favorite glass of wine, or ⁠trying your hand at perfume ma...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art
April 29

The New Downtown Entertainment District, Are Vacancy Taxes a Business Killer? And Is In-N-Out Better Than Burgerville?

We’re talking about the push to develop a new entertainment district in downtown Portland, the uproar from the business community as the...

City Cast Portland podcast episode art