Ed note: This podcast was recorded on Friday, Dec. 28, but got stuck in production until Monday, Dec. 31 due to a breaking news event. We hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

Lizzy and Larry are back for one final episode of TheBurg Podcast in 2018. They wrap up the last year in Harrisburg news -- from weather events and school board drama to road projects and Act 47 victories.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Hitting the road for holiday travel this weekend? Bring yourself up to speed on Harrisburg political news with the newest episode of TheBurg Podcast.

Lizzy and Larry discuss what's delaying the city's 2019 budget, and explain a recent effort to get more local laborers on the new federal courthouse construction site. They finish by previewing a brewing charter school debate, which is sure to take the Harrisburg School Board by storm in 2019.

Read more about the topics discussed in this week's episode:

Harrisburg City Council tables 2019 budget vote, citing “impasse” with mayor’s office.

City council president blocks vote on Federal Courthouse plans, staging symbolic rebuke of hiring practices.

Harrisburg School Board hears charter application for midtown elementary school.

Following church consolidation, Derry Street UMC leaders fight for right to stay in South Allison Hill.

Burg Blog: On Average

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Note: We accidentally published an un-edited version of this episode earlier. You may have seen it in your feed, but we've replaced it with this new, edited version. 

You may have already picked up a print copy of TheBurg's December issue -- why not chase it with a new podcast?

On this week's episode, Lizzy and Larry recap the mayor's annual budget presentation. Where is your money going in 2019? They also discuss PennDOT plans to widen 1-83 in Harrisburg, as well as the article Lizzy wrote for this month's magazine about the rise, fall and potential resurgence of downtown retail.

You can read our coverage of all the topics we discussed in this week's podcast on our website. Lizzy's retail story is also out in print today, as is Larry's column, which jibes well with our discussion of the Broad Street Market at the end of the episode. Find a copy at one of our distribution locations.

Mayor proposes 2019 budget with no tax hikes, slight spending decrease from current year.

A 12-lane highway in Harrisburg? It’s possible in PennDOT plan for I-83.

Retail Therapy: More people are choosing to live, work and play in Harrisburg. Could a retail revival be next?

Let’s Talk: The nation’s “social infrastructure” may be withering, but Harrisburg’s is growing stronger.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Lizzy and Larry discuss the proposed changes to Harrisburg's Second Street, and recap a public meeting on the subject attended by more than 100 city residents. They also offer some predictions for what's to come in the city's 2019 budget hearings and with the appointments to Harrisburg's new Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. 

Harrisburg entered a brave new world this week when Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Municipal Financial Recovery Act (HB2557) into law, granting the city a one-way ticket out of Act 47 and financial distress. Lizzy and Larry answer all your burning questions about what comes next. They also break down the findings of a recent city-wide housing study, which predicts a shortfall of more than 200 rental units in Harrisburg over the next three years. Larry also offers an update on Harrisburg's first dog park, which is set to open next week.

Read more about the topics discussed in this episode at TheBurgNews.com:

Senate passes Harrisburg Act 47 bill, ending city’s financial distress and preserving taxes for five years

Harrisburg convinced lawmakers to let it leave Act 47. What’s next?

Housing Study: Harrisburg faces shortage of rental housing now, expected to get worse

Please Unleash Me: Harrisburg’s first dog park set to open.

This Friday, there’s a chill in the air and a new episode of TheBurg Podcast ready for your ears.

City government is lying in wait as an Act 47 bill lingers in the statehouse. This week, Lizzy and Larry talk about amendments to that bill, which would let Harrisburg exit Act 47 – but, as always, there’s a catch. They also discuss the recent appointment of a new city council member, as well as a report analyzing the Third Street corridor.

Fruit enthusiasts, stay tuned ‘til the end for an update on Lizzy’s hunt for Pawpaws. 

Read more about the topics discussed in this week’s episode:

House committee passes bill that would let Harrisburg exit Act 47, retain current tax levels for 5 years

Legislative staffer appointed as newest member of Harrisburg City Council

ULI Report: Harrisburg’s 3rd Street corridor good, but could be great

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music. 

TheBurg's editor in chief Larry Binda and city reporter Lizzy Hardison recap the recent house committee hearing on Harrisburg's tax bill. They also discuss the upcoming appointment of a new member of Harrisburg City Council. Stay tuned until the end for a spirited discussion of Pawpaws, America's forgotten fruit!

Be sure to pick up the October issue of TheBurg, which hit newsstands this morning. And learn more about the topics in this week's episode at TheBurgNews.com:

State & The City: Harrisburg mayor makes case to retain tax rates, exit Act 47.

House bill would prohibit commuter tax, extend current taxing authority for Harrisburg

Leaving Act 47: The private sector has revitalized Harrisburg in the past. It can do so again.

Former mayoral candidate among 17 seeking seat on Harrisburg City Council

HBG FAQ: Welcome to Harrisburg. Now read this.

TheBurg Podcast is back following a summer hiatus. We recap the latest developments in Harrisburg’s Act 47 saga, including an effort to lobby the state legislature and the impending deadline to adopt a state-approved Act 47 exit plan. We also discuss HMAC’s recent bankruptcy filing and what the business means to midtown Harrisburg.

Read more about the topics covered in this podcast at TheBurgNews.com.

City Council to consider home rule ordinance as Act 47 deadline nears.

Following online outrage and revenue hit, HMAC files chapter 11 bankruptcy as a prelude to sale

State grant earmarked for HMAC could be jeopardized by bankruptcy filing, CREDC president says. 

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

This week's episode of TheBurg Podcast includes discussions about the city's Act 47 exit plan, historical buildings and affordable housing, and Harrisburg's plan to reduce traffic fatalities, starting on the upper State Street corridor. Read more about these topics on our website, TheBurgNews.com: 

“Dead On Arrival”: Harrisburg mayor, state representative reject, vow to fight proposal to double city property taxes.

State recommends doubling Harrisburg property tax, reducing income and services taxes to ease Act 47 exit.

City-wide affordable housing study could inform long-term development policies, Harrisburg officials say.

“Rapid Response” measures proposed, meant to improve pedestrian safety on State Street

To Zero: “Vision Zero” aims for no auto-related deaths in Harrisburg.

Burg View: End the Road Carnage Now

Burg View: PennDOT needs to find ways to improve safety at Front and Forster.

TheBurg Podcast is back after a short hiatus! The Harrisburg news cycle has kept us busy in the past few weeks, but we’re breaking down the most important developments in the city in our newest episode.

We start by discussing the city’s so-called “fiscal crisis” and then recap a chaotic school board meeting. We wrap up on a more hopeful topic – the groundbreaking of the new federal courthouse at 6th and Riley Streets, which took place earlier this week.

You can stream the episode on Soundcloud, or subscribe to TheBurg Podcast in the Apple or Android podcast apps.

Read more about the topics covered in this podcast at TheBurgNews.com:

Harrisburg imposes austerity measures, hopes for legislative action as it faces hard realities of Act 47.
Mayor’s communication on Act 47 “irresponsible,” HBG councilman says, as 14 jobs affected by hiring freeze.
“I’m done:” School board members threaten walk out, exchange barbs over spontaneous action on superintendent contract.
Mandate or Suggestion? State calls on Harrisburg school district to seek new financial managers
Speeches & Shovels: After years of delays, officials break ground for new federal courthouse in Harrisburg.
Burg Blog: The "Right" Stuff.
Harristown to purchase, renovate historic property that once housed iconic Harrisburg hotel, restaurant.
Facing ouster by PennDOT, newsstand owner fights for his right to stay in the Harrisburg train station.
Following public outcry, PennDOT rethinks plan that would oust train station newsstand.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.

This week’s episode of the Burg Podcast takes a deep dive into the recent tumult in the Harrisburg School District, including back-and-forth votes over the superintendent and a burgeoning funding crisis. Lizzy and Larry also discuss the city’s new project to improve road safety and the latest challenge facing an embattled Midtown bar.

Read more about this week’s topics on TheBurgNews.com:

Full-day kindergarten on the chopping block, tax hikes loom, as Harrisburg District struggles to balance its books.

School Board can’t un-do action on superintendent contract, solicitor says.

Burg View: Harrisburg’s School Daze (Editorial)

Burg View: End the Road Carnage Now (Editorial)

To Zero: “Vision Zero” aims for no auto-related deaths in Harrisburg. 

Another Round: Third Street Cafe back in court, this time to defend liquor license

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.

On this week’s episode of TheBurg Podcast, Larry and Lizzy cover three topics that, for better or worse, just won’t die: DBE participation in city contracts, affordable housing in downtown Harrisburg, and shakeups in the city’s comprehensive planning process. Stay tuned until the end to hear about new, encouraging research on violent crime in cities. 

Read about the topics in this podcast on TheBurgNews.com:

Does Harrisburg need to increase minority participation in public contracts? Council says ‘yes.’

Open for Business: As Harrisburg prepares to spend millions on capital projects, it seeks to re-engage 
with minority and women-owned business.

Apartments OK’d: Harrisburg council approves Harristown, other projects.

Planning Commission “has not served citizens well” and needs to be replaced, Mayor says.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.

This week’s episode of TheBurg podcast comes at you from the Broad Street Market, where Larry and Lizzy embedded themselves to recap the last two weeks in Harrisburg news. They discuss the latest developments in the school board’s search for a superintendent, the calls for the city to contribute to a small business loan fund, and the dawn of a new era of free evening parking in downtown Harrisburg.

Read more about the topics discussed in this week’s podcast:

Harrisburg School Board votes to consider a new superintendent.

Ante Up? Harrisburg debates chipping in for new revolving loan fund.

Harrisburg Freezes Over: Free downtown parking to begin next week.

Free Parking? No, it’s not Monopoly. It’s Harrisburg.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is (usually) recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.

On this week’s Burg Podcast, Larry and Lizzy outline the next steps in the city’s Act 47 process, consider the fortunes of a new small-business loan fund, and parse recent studies on the Harrisburg Train Station and Paxton Creek reclamation project.

Read more about the news discussed in this week’s episode:

City council approves free evening parking downtown, but only for one year.

Need a Loan? Harrisburg Business Opportunity Fund set to launch next week.

Capital Ambition: State outlines major improvement plan for Paxton Creek, Market Street, Harrisburg station.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

On this week’s Burg Podcast, Larry Binda and Lizzy Hardison discuss developments in the city’s never-ending parking saga, new efforts to bring more minorities and women into city contracts, and the administration’s quest to hire a financial advisor.

Read more about the topics discussed in this show here:

Harrisburg parking system meeting projections, but negotiations on 2018 rates still ongoing.

Harrisburg Council confirms CRW appointments, delays action on financial advisor, downtown parking

No Charge: Could free parking be coming to downtown Harrisburg?

Open for Business: As Harrisburg prepares to spend millions on capital projects, it seeks to re-engage 
with minority and women-owned business.

TheBurg Podcast is recorded twice monthly in the offices of Startup Harrisburg. It is produced by Lizzy Hardison, and our theme music is by Paul Cooley.

We cover all things infrastructure and development on this week’s episode of TheBurg Podcast. First, why is Capital Region Water going to spend more than $300 million updating Harrisburg’s sewer system, and what will it mean for ratepayers? Then we dip back into the debate playing out in city council about affordable housing downtown. We wrap up with (yet another) update on the city’s comprehensive plan — is there an end in sight?

Read more about this week’s topics at TheBurgNews.com, and look for our new magazine when it hits newsstands next Wednesday:

Move In Day: First MulDer Square house sold, ready for new owners.

Moving Ahead: Despite criticism, HBG Planning Commission sticks with comprehensive plan draft.

2 for 2: Council considers, approves development projects in Harrisburg.

Water, Sewer Plan: Massive improvements, major rate hikes proposed over next 2 decades.

TheBurg Podcast is released twice a month by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of StartUp Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.

TheBurg's editor-in-chief Larry Binda and city reporter Lizzy Hardison consider recent building projects downtown that have some people crying “gentrification.” They also dig into two statewide news developments and their effects on Harrisburg: the supreme court ruling against gerrymandering, and the approval of a new statewide education plan.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to TheBurg Podcast in the Apple or Android podcast apps. You can also stream it on Soundcloud.

Read more about this week’s topics in TheBurg:

Yes, But: Council OKs apartment plan, but approval comes with a warning.

Wide-Ranging Discussion: Harrisburg officials tackle multitude of issues at community forum.

A new state system puts less emphasis on standardized tests. How will Harrisburg schools fare?

Capital Redistrict: What will the gerrymander ruling mean for Harrisburg?

TheBurg Podcast is released biweekly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of StartUp Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music.

We're devoting this week's discussion to one topic: Harrisburg's comprehensive plan. Burg editor in chief Larry Binda and city reporter Lizzy Hardison follow the years-long project from its auspicious beginning to acrimonious end. What caused the project to sour? Who shares blame for the breakdown between the city and its contractor?  And what does the plan even say, anyway? They cover all these questions and more in this week's episode of TheBurg Podcast.

Read our coverage of the comprehensive plan on TheBurgNews.com:

Harrisburg Architect To Steer City’s Comprehensive Plan

What’s the Plan? After scores of meetings and tons of input, Harrisburg’s comprehensive plan process enters the final stretch.

After much delay, city officials lay out timeline to complete comprehensive plan

Plan of Action: Progress finally made on Harrisburg’s comprehensive plan.

It’s Here: Harrisburg’s draft comprehensive plan released

Harrisburg’s comprehensive plan is “unworkable,” say mayor, business leaders.

Comprehensive Jam: Harrisburg spent $200k on a planning project that the Mayor now recommends trashing. What went wrong, and what could the plan mean for the city?

Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music. TheBurg Podcast is recorded in the offices of StartUp Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison.