Why Philly's Sidewalks Suck

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of sidewalk maintenance in Philadelphia, focusing on the responsibility of property owners.

It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it isn't the city that’s responsible, it's property owners. That’s why our sidewalks look the way they do. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Malcom Burnley, a staff writer at the Philadelphia Citizen, who's looked to cities across the country for answers on how to fix our sidewalks ASAP. Read Malcolm’s story here. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Taskrabbit Art Star

People in this episode

Host: Trenae Nuri

Guest: Malcom Burnley

Topics covered

• sidewalks
• property ownership
• urban infrastructure
• Philadelphia
• city maintenance

Keywords

• sidewalks
• Philadelphia
• urban issues
• property owners
• infrastructure
• Malcom Burnley
• Trenae Nuri

Sponsors

Taskrabbit, Art Star

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Philadelphia Citizen

More episodes of City Cast Philly

• ‘Brutality’ at Pride, School Cuts Averted & D.A.’s Unusual Letter Delivery to the Mayor · June 12, 2026 · 31 min
• Why You Need To Go to the Odunde Street Festival This Year · June 11, 2026 · 19 min
• Shapiro Wants Data Centers. Do Pennsylvanians Agree? · June 10, 2026 · 18 min
• World Cup Merch Hustle, $200M Police Headquarters & Philly Dem Chairman Clings to Power · June 9, 2026 · 42 min
• FIFA World Cup: The World’s Game Comes to Philly · June 8, 2026 · 35 min
• 'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Philly · June 7, 2026 · 31 min