City Cast Madison logo
April 19, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison

City Cast Madison

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing?

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
August 5

Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over

The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city wor...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 4

Madison’s Police Monitor Says MPD Is Obstructing Her Investigation

Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evid...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 3

Your Guide to August 2026 in Madison

How is it already August? We’re not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your gui...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 2

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Madison

Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 31

UW Law Professor Weighs In on Corey Ruiz Case. Plus, What’s Next for Act 10?

Madison continues to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting. Today, Ion Meyn, an associate professor of law at UW-Madison...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 30

Where To Find Coffee and Community in Madison

While we grapple with heavy news in Madison, we have been thinking about how we engage with each other and gather in community. Luckily f...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 29

Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley's Bid for Wisconsin Governor

The Aug. 11 primary is less than two weeks away! Today, we continue our election coverage as host Bianca Martin sits down with Milwaukee...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 28

Corey Ruiz Shooting Updates, and the Human Toll of Protesting

In the days following the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the city  mobilized in protest in various ways. From shutting down ev...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 27

Andy 'Just a Guy' Manske’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor

With just over two weeks until the Aug. 11 primary, we’re continuing our election coverage. Today, host Bianca Martin sits down with Andy...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
July 26

‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Madison

It’s not a given that every individual will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art