GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

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GovLove is a podcast about the people, policies and profession of local government. From Mayors and City Managers to interns and everyone in between, we interview the people making a difference in their communities to learn about the great work being done at the local level. GovLove is brought to yo…

Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 681 EPISODES

    4.8 from 209 ratings Listeners of GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government that love the show mention: local government, best local, government podcast, lucky for us, public servants, city government, governments, breadth of topics, govt, parks and rec, council, kent, kirsten, public service, across the country, officials, administration, it's a great way, leslie, county.


    Ivy Insights

    The GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government podcast is an incredibly helpful resource for professionals working in the field of local government. The podcast features great speakers who provide valuable insights and practical advice. It is perfect for listening during a commute to work.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the range of topics covered. The conversations led by Kirsten and the ELGL team cover a wide breadth of subjects related to building a thriving culture and organization in local government. The guests on the show are experienced local leaders who have achieved success themselves, making their insights even more valuable. The discussions provide real insights and tangible actions that can be implemented in various areas of local government.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its accessibility. The format is fun and engaging, making it easy to listen to and follow along with. Whether you are well-established as an innovator in local government or just starting out as a catalyst for change, this podcast provides valuable information and inspiration.

    On the downside, there may be limited diversity in some episodes, with certain perspectives or experiences not being represented as much as others. It would be beneficial to have a wider range of guests to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of different issues in local government.

    In conclusion, The GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government is highly recommended for anyone working in or aspiring to work in local government. The podcast offers valuable insights, practical advice, and engaging conversations that cover a wide range of topics related to building successful organizations and cultures in the field. Despite some potential limitations in diversity, this podcast remains an excellent resource for professionals seeking inspiration and knowledge about all things related to local government.



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    Latest episodes from GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

    #680 Coaching Those Who Lead Our Communities with Kellye Mazzoli, City Boss Coaching

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 54:07


    Kellye Mazzoli, Founder & City Executive Coach at City Boss Coaching joined the podcast to discuss coaching those who lead our communities. She shared her transition from local government to coaching, what her coaching sessions entail, and how she stays up to date with the local government industry and how she keeps her edge to provide services to your clients. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #679 Land Use Planning and Residential Segregation with Scott Markley, National Zoning Atlas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 26:58


    Scott Markley, Research Director for the National Zoning Atlas joined the podcast to discuss land use planning and residential segregation. He shared the Connecticut origins of the National Zoning Atlas, what the data is telling us, and how communities can utilize the atlas. This episode was recorded at the Missouri City-County Management Association 2025 Annual Conference. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #678 Change Management and Implementing a New Form of Government with Michael Jordan, Portland, OR

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 51:24


    Michael Jordan, the City Administrator for the City of Portland, Oregon, joined the podcast to discuss Portland's transition to a new form of government. He talked about the voter apporved change in 2022 and the work that went into preparing the organization for its first elections under the new form of government in 2024. He shared how the transition occurred, unexpected challenges during the transition, and how City Council members are adapting to their new roles. He also discussed his career path and what he has learned about managing change through this process.  Host: Ben Kittelson

    #677 From Animator to Deputy City Administrator with Kim Nakahodo, North Kansas City, MO

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 44:55


    Kim Nakahodo, a 2025 ELGL Top Influencer and Deputy City Administrator for the City of North Kansas City, Missouri joined to podcast to discuss her journey in local government. She shared the value of professional organizations and the importance of empowering and engaging youth. She also talked about the impact of losing a police officer in the line of duty and creatively involving the public in the budgeting process. This episode was recorded at the Missouri City-County Management Association 2025 Annual Conference  Host: Lauren Palmer

    #676 Local Responses to Intoxicating Hemp with Glen Cole, Rolling Meadows, IL

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 59:53


    Glen Cole, the Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director for City of Rolling Meadows, Illinois joined the podcast to discuss intoxicating hemp regulation at the local government level. He shared how intoxicating hemp is different than recreational marijuana and the lack of state regulation related to intoxicating hemp. He also discussed how local regulation was implemented in Rolling Meadows. Host: Dan Bolin

    #675 Role of the Assistant Manager and Nonpartisan Leadership with Emily Colon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 58:34


    Emily Colon, former Deputy City Manager for the City of Lakeland, Florida, joined the podcast to talk about her career and two important management concepts. She recently wrote about the importance of nonpartisanship and she discussed how it can be a superpower for local government staff in an era of high polarization. She shared her approach for how she managed department directors and other positions in her career that were subject matter experts in their field when she was not, and how that can put a manager in a unique position. Emily also talked about her recent career transition and balancing a two career household as a local government professional. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #674 Stand By Me, Emergency Mutual Aid in Malibu, CA with Joseph Toney and Alexis Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 68:19


    Two guests joined the podcast to talk about the response to the Palisades Fire. Joseph Toney is the Acting City Manager for Malibu and Alexis Brown is the Deputy City Manager for Malibu. They discussed how these fire emergencies have affected staff and the importance of mutual aide. They also shared tips for other agencies who may face fire or other emergencies in the future. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #673 Managing Disruption in a Rapidly Changing World with Michael Welker, ncIMPACT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 54:02


    Michael Welker, Director of Policy and Research Partnerships for the ncIMPACT Initiative at the UNC School of Government joined the podcast to discuss managing change. He talked about a recent report they released on Managing Disruption in a Rapidly Changing World. He shared why managing disruption is so important, the elements they identified as contributing to potential disruption, and examples of North Carolina communities showing resilience. He also discussed how communities can use the report and other resources to measure their exposure to disruption and begin to prepare to manage it. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #672 Reimagining Communities and Local Government Trends with Sheila Shockey and Grant Mayfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 53:21


    Two guests joined the podcast to talk about trends in local government and futurology. Sheila Shockey is the Founder and CEO of Shockey Consulting Services. Grant Mayfield is a Public Administration Consultant for Shockey Consulting Services. They discussed their path to working with local government organizations and attracting people to the profession. Sheila shared her work as a futurists and how she thinks about the trends that will impact organizations. They both talked about the issues impacting their local government clients. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #671 Inside the City Management Internship Experience with Emilia Krajewski, Diksha, and Sarah Nissen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 57:36


    Three civic starters joined the podcast to discuss their city management internships. Emilia Krajewski is a Management Intern for the City of Chandler, Arizona; Diksha is an Administrative Intern in Economic Development for the City of Saginaw, Texas; and Sarah Nissen is a City Management Intern for the City of Plymouth, Minnesota. They shared their main responsibilities during their internships, what projects they are working, and the most surprising thing they have learned. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #670 Innovation and Collaboration through the Sparks Program with Grace Hanne, Johnson County KS

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 41:56


    Grace Hanne, an Innovation Principal Analyst for Johnson County, KS joined the podcast to discuss the County's Sparks Pilot Program, which is an effort to encourage collaboration and innovation across the organization. The program brings together employees from different areas of the County to work on transformative projects. She detailed what benefits the County and its employees gained from the program and the reasons why local governments should focus and invest in the intersectional and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas in local government. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #669 Bar Exam on Recent Legal Cases Affecting Local Government with Megan Mack and Greg Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 59:41


    Three lawyers walk into a bar. Megan Mack and Greg Jones, both Partners at the local government law firm, Ancel Glink, joined the podcast to talk about recent cases impacting local governments. They discussed the Supreme Court ruling affecting camping bans in Grants Pass v. Johnson. They talked about two zoning cases involving a challenge from residents about a proposed wind farm and a church claiming religious discrimination because it had to apply for a special use permit. Lastly, they discussed an equal protection case involving a municipality's interactions with a property owner. They also shared the partnership their firm has had with the Chicago Metro Section of the American Planning Association (APA) Illinois Chapter. Host: Dan Bolin

    #668 Career Change and Leadership with Kayla Barber-Perrotta, Albany, OR

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 54:28


    Kayla Barber-Perrotta, Deputy City Manager for the City of Albany, Oregon, rejoined the podcast to talk about her new role. She discussed the transition from Budget and Performance Manager to Deputy City Manager in a new state, what she was looking for in a new position, and the process to interview for a leadership role. She shared advice for others making a career change outside of their organization and how she got to know her new organization. She also talked about how her background in innovation and process improvement has helped her in her new role. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #667 Urban Cooling and Climate Action with Brianne Fisher, Tempe, AZ

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 61:47


    Brianne Fisher, the Climate Action Manager for the City of Tempe, Arizona, joined the podcast to discuss sustainability and climate action. She talked about the importance of urban cooling to reduce risk from extreme heat and how green infrastructure plays a roll. She also shared key elements of the City's Climate Action Plan and the role of resiliency hubs. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #666 Civic Match with Caitlin Lewis, Work for America

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 49:22


    Caitlin Lewis, Executive Director for Work for America, joined the podcast to discuss her work in tackling the government staffing crisis in communities nationwide. She shared information about their Civic Match program, opportunities the transition of federal administrations presents for local governments, and why she wants to ban the term ‘bureaucrat'. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #665 Data and AI for Public Good with Amy Edwards Holmes, Center for Government Excellence

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 42:42


    Amy Edwards Holmes, former Executive Director for the Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University joined the podcast to discuss data and artificial intelligence (AI) for the public good. She discussed use cases for AI for local government, how to safely use AI, and information about the GovEx City AI Connect. She also discussed how organizations can prepare their employees and why a good data approach can enhance the ability of the public sector to use AI. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #664 Reflections of a Former Mayor with Bill Peduto, Pittsburgh, PA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 49:18


    Bill Peduto, former Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joined the podcast to reflect on his service as Mayor. He discussed the accomplishments that he is most proud of and advice he would give to young folks interested in local government or early career professionals. He also talked about his current role as a Distinguished Executive in Residency at the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #663 Connecticut Communications with Marissa Baum, East Hartford, CT

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 34:02


    Marissa Baum, Head of Communications for the City of East Hartford, Connecticut joined the podcast to discuss her role in communications. She shared her transition from museums to local government, how she made an award winning video for #CityHallSelfieDay, and provided insight on going viral in the national media. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #662 Sustainable Energy Utility and Climate Action Progress with Dr. Missy Stults, Ann Arbor, MI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 58:21


    Dr. Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director with the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, returned to the podcast to give an update on the implementation of the A2ZERO Climate Action Plan and discuss the recent referendum where voters created a Sustainable Energy Utility. She shared how the sustainable energy utility will improve resilience and benefit residents, and what it will take to actually implement the new utility. She also discussed geothermal energy, an upcoming green rental housing program, and other initiatives to address climate change. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #661 The Real Ice Town with Tim Blakeslee, Plymouth, WI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 34:56


    Tim Blakeslee, the City Administrator for the City of Plymouth, Wisconsin joined the podcast to discuss the trials and tribulations of a past ice rink project and how it almost became an episode of Parks and Rec. He shared how the public-private partnership was formed to build the ice rink, what issues occurred and how they were addressed, and how he is using the experience to apply it to a ski hill that is currently being built. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #660 Modernizing Transportation Design Standards in Durham, NC with Nate Baker and Lauren Grove

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 68:36


    Two guests from the joined the podcast to discuss transportation standards and how they shape the built environment. Nate Baker is an At-Large City Council Member for the City of Durham, North Carolina and Lauren Grove is the Vision Zero Coordinator for the City of Durham, North Carolina. Nate shared why a change was needed and building support for the resolution that Durham City Council adopted. Lauren talked about implementing the new standards including working with other departments in the City. They also discussed the impact of the new standards, the role of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and how to work with other agencies to design right-of-way within your city that you do not control. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #659 Social Media 2.0 with Cathedral City, CA and CiviSocial

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 59:32


    Three guests joined the podcast to discuss a new approach to managing and creating social media. Sam Toles is the Founder and CEO at CiviSocial. Ryan Hunt is the Communications and Events Manager and Anne Ambrose is the Assistant City Manager for the City of Cathedral City, California. They shared their new and innovative approach to social media, how they track success, and the importance of video content. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #658 The 2024 GovieLovies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 75:22


    It's the most wonderful time of year! From artificial intelligence and traffic engineering to recruiting and planning, our episodes covered a wide array of all that goes into local government. To celebrate 2024 and look forward to 2025, the GovLove co-hosts teamed up to give out the most prestigious award in local government podcasting. Lauren, Dan, Meredith, and Ben each selected three of their favorite episodes to award a GovieLovie. Hosts: Lauren Palmer, Dan Bolin, Meredith Reynolds, & Ben Kittelson   The 2024 GovieLovies Lauren Killed by a Traffic Engineer with Dr. Wes Marshall Community Leadership, AI, and Engagement an ICMA Conference Recap - GovLove Island Youth-Centric Neighborhood Planning with Dave Walker, Detroit, MI Dan Recovering from Violence with Vince DiPiazza, Uvalde, TX Across the Generations with Sam Badger and Decker Ploehn The Public Administrator's Guide to Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Dylan Hayden Meredith Local Government Recruiting with Teri Black, Teri Black & Company Leadership and the Deputy Manager Role with Chelsea Jackson, Douglasville, GA City Planning from Waaaay Downtown with Caitlin Clark, Scottsdale, AZ Ben Rethinking Budgeting with GFOA's Chris Morrill and Shayne Kavanagh Revisiting Minneapolis 2040 with Heather Worthington, Urban3 Growing Up in City Hall with Monica Davis and Poonam Davis  

    #657 All About the Inspector General with Deborah Witzburg, Chicago, IL

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 40:11


    Deborah Witzburg, the Inspector General for the City of Chicago, Illinois, joined to the podcast to discuss her current role. She shared the difference between an inspector general and auditor, how she determines which programs of the City to evaluate, and important changes she has implemented related to criminal justice reform. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #656 Managing a Small Town and Returnships with India Adams-Jacobs, Bowling Green, VA

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 34:30


    India Adams-Jacobs, Town Manager of the Town of Bowling Green, Virginia, joined the podcast to talk about her career path and managing a small town. She talked about taking on her current role managing her hometown, the transition to get to know the organization, and how her previous roles prepared her for this role. She also discussed a "returnship" program she started in Colonial Beach that brought retirees in to help add capacity and skills to that small town. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #655 Civic User Research with Ryan Kurtzman and Gati Wankyo, Long Beach, CA

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 55:56


    Two guests from the City of Long Beach, California joined the podcast to discuss civic user research. Ryan Kurtzman is the Technology Partnerships Officer and Gati Wankyo is a Training Coordinator. They discussed how civic user research helps the City to improve digital services and technology. They also shared examples of the research in practice and information on the learning cohort. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #654 ICMA Governance Review with Andy Pederson, Bayside, WI

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 29:54


    Andy Pederson, the Village Manager for the Village of Bayside, Wisconsin joined the podcast to discuss his work on the ICMA Governance Task Force. He shared why the Task Force was formed, the need to rebalance the regions, and how the Code of Ethics influenced the work of the Task Force. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #653 Innovation Officer to City Manager with Dan Hoffman, Winchester, VA

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 55:06


    Dan Hoffman the City Manager for the City of Winchester, Virginia joined the podcast to discuss his career path of Innovation Officer to the role of City Manager. He shared how changing jobs allowed him to implement projects at scale and how innovation principles have prepared him for leadership roles. He also discussed transitioning from Assistant to City Manager to City Manager and taking on his first City Manager role. Then he shared the City's new strategy for public transportation. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #652 Deepening the Understanding of Cities with Allison Laskey, Nature Cities

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 46:44


    Allison Laskey, Associate Editor for Nature Cities joined the podcast to discuss her academic journal, Nature Cities. The journal aims to deepen and integrate basic and applied understanding of the nature of cities, including their roles, impacts and influences — past, present and future. She shared what is like to be an editor of an academic journal, emerging topics, and the importance of collaboration between academics and practitioners. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #651 Distinguished Service with Tony Gardner, Commonwealth Center for High-Performance Organizations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 34:41


    Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President for the Commonwealth Center for High-Performance Organizations joined the podcast to discuss his ICMA Distinguished Service Award. He shared his work aboard in Poland, innovations in local government, and provided advice to the next generation. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #650 Sustainability and Resilience in Parks and Recreation - Live from NRPA!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 57:50


    Three guests joined the podcast for a very special session of GovLove and Open Space Radio. Ali Rhodes is the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Boulder, Colorado, Bernita Reese is the Recreation and Parks Director for the City of Columbus, Ohio, and Michele White is a Senior Program Manager for the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). They joined to talk about environmental resilience and sustainability strategies in the parks and recreation sector. Ali and Bernita shared the work they have done in their organizations to mitigate and manage the impacts of climate change, as well as in collaborating with other departments in their cities. Michele talked about NRPA's recent Sustainability in Practice program focused on helping organizations take the next step in environmental resilience. This episode was produced in partnership with NRPA's Open Space Radio Podcast and recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Conference in Atlanta, GA. Hosts: Ben Kittelson and Cort Jones

    #649 Across the Generations with Sam Badger and Decker Ploehn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 39:17


    Two guests joined the podcast to share their generational perspective on local government. Sam Badger is the City Manager's Office Marvin Andrews Fellow at City of Scottsdale, Arizona and Decker Ploehn is the City Administrator for the City of Bettendorf, Iowa. They each shared their career path, talked about the importance of relationships, and asked each other questions to gain knowledge from the others perspective. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #648 Student Engagement and Starting in Local Government with Olivia Perfetti and Lily Neilsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 48:48


    Two guests joined the podcast to talk about starting their careers in public service. Olivia Perfetti is the Municipal Engagement Manager for Allegheny County Conservation District and Lily Neilsen is an Environmental Justice Intern for a non-profit, New Sun Rising. They both attended, or are attending, Carnegie Mellon University for their Master's in Public Policy program and were part of a fellowship program to connect students to local government. They discussed what brought them to public service, what they have learned in their roles so far, and what they are looking for from their employers. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #647 An Actionable and Transformative Comprehensive Plan in North Chicago, IL with Taylor Wegrzyn and Siraj Asfahani

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 59:38


    Taylor Wegrzyn, Director of Economic and Community Development at the City of North Chicago, Illinois and Siraj Asfahani, Vice President at The Lakota Group joined to podcast to discuss the City of North Chicago's award-winning Comprehensive Plan. They discussed the need for more frequent revisions of a comprehensive plan and the unique opportunities of coordinating with the federal government. They also discussed the robust community outreach and resident engagement that informed the development of the plan. This episode was recorded at the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter Annual Conference. Host: Dan Bolin and Andy Cross

    #646 Climate Action and Building a Resilient Community with Kara Silbernagel, Pitkin County, CO

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 47:53


    Kara Silbernagel, Deputy County Manager for Pitkin County, Colorado joined the podcast to discuss climate action planning. She talked about how the County's work is impacted by Federal land, emergency management, and affordability. She shared the importance of engagement in climate action planning and discussed the elements of the County's plan, especially in building resilience. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #645 Empowering Women and Employment Contract Negotiations with Jessica Kinser, Fairibault, MN

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 33:16


    Jessica Kinser, City Administrator for the City of Faribault, Minnesota, joined the podcast to discuss empowering women and employment contract negotiations. She shared her unique experience negotiating contracts as a city's first manager, an internal candidate, and a manager in transition. She also highlighted common mistakes to avoid, the importance of using data in a negotiation, and the value of a good professional network. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #644 Data Driven Health Organizations with Erin Dalton and Mariana Escallón Barrios

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 56:12


    Erin Dalton, Director of the Department of Human Services at Allegheny County, Pennslyvania and Mariana Escallón Barrios, an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy joined the podcast to discuss data driven health organizations. They shared how the County integrates data to predict outcomes better, the partnership between the County and the University, and what projects they are looking forward to in the future. This episode was recorded at the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #643 Ethics and Economic Development with Nancy Hill and Geoffrey Dickinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 65:38


    Nancy Hill, Community Development Director at the Village of South Elgin, Illinois and Geoffrey Dickinson, Senior Vice President at SB Friedman Development Advisors joined the podcast to discuss ethics and economic development. They discussed different ethical scenarios in economic development as they related to the ICMA and APA code of ethics. This episode was recorded at the 2024 Illinois Tax Increment Association Conference. Host: Dan Bolin

    #642 Community Leadership, AI, and Engagement an ICMA Conference Recap - GovLove Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 50:10


    GovLove Co-hosts Meredith, Lauren, and Ben were joined by Brent Stockwell, Assistant City Manager at the City of Scottsdale, AZ and Amie Hendrix, City Manager at the City of Geneva, NY to recap the recent ICMA Conference. They discussed AI, community engagement, a case study in managing homelessness, the role of the manager in community leadership, and the ELGL Analyst Academy. They shared insights on lessons learned, their favorite sessions, and key takeaways.  This episode was recorded from the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Panel: Meredith Reynolds, Lauren Palmer, Ben Kittelson, Brent Stockwell, and Amie Hendrix

    #641 Local Government Recruiting with Teri Black, Teri Black & Company

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 59:41


    Teri Black, Founder and CEO of Teri Black & Company joined the podcast to discuss local government recruitment. She outlines the process of local government recruiting, building candidate pools, and trends in recruiting. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #640 Adaptive Recreation and Outdoor Programs with Elena Christopher, Austin, TX

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 43:39


    Elena Christopher, a Recreation Programs Specialist at the Camacho Activity Center in the City of Austin, Texas, joined the podcast to discuss adaptive recreation. She shared the difference between accessible and adaptive programs. She talked about the unique outdoor programs they offer to participants with disabilities and the additional risk management factors to consider in adaptive outdoor programs. The also talked about the importance of partnering with local community groups and how to source adaptive equipment. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #639 Killed by a Traffic Engineer with Dr. Wes Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 58:37


    Wes Marshall, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado - Denver joined the podcast to discuss his book, Killed by a Traffic Engineer. He talked about the history of the traffic engineering field and it's relationship to data and science. He shared the problem with current traffic safety metrics and the importance of prioritizing safety over reducing congestion. He also shared how he would improve traffic safety and how the traffic engineering field needs to change. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #638 Customer Service and Creating Disney Magic with Lee Cockerell

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 56:13


    Lee Cockerell is a retired Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World Resort and has consulted local governments and companies all over the world. He joined the podcast to discuss leadership, customer service, and creating Disney magic. He shared his definition of customer service, the importance of clear expectations, and how to build a culture of customer service. He also talked about managing large teams and achieving work-life balance. Host: Rafael Baptista

    #637 Back to City Hall with Kristen Dorman, Warrensburg, MO

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 39:10


    Kristen Dorman, Assistant City Manager for the City of Warrensburg, Missouri, joined the podcast to discuss her new position and family ties to local government. She shared her transition from remote to in-person work and from working for the Alliance for Innovation to returning to City Hall. She also discussed her ties to local government with both her mom and husband and what projects she is excited to tackle in her new position as an Assistant City Manager. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #636 Being Real and Authentic with Quinn Cole, Topeka, KS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 34:54


    Quinn Cole, Management Analyst - Economic Development for the City of Topeka, Kansas joined the podcast to share the importance of being real and authentic. He shared her work on the Topeka Land Bank, dealing with negativity at City Hall, being named the Number Two Top Influencer in Local Government for 2024, and why she wears pink everyday. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #635 Sustainability and Community Climate Action with Amy Eckberg, Orange County, NC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 51:00


    Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager for Orange County, North Carolina joined the podcast to discuss climate action and sustainability. She talked about the background and elements of the County's Climate Action Plan and highlighted the Community Climate Action Grant Program which funds local sustainability projects. She also discussed piloting an agrivoltaics program and her career path from working in parks to climate action. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #634 Save Your City with Diane Kalen-Sukra

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 49:57


    Diane Kalen-Sukra, author of Save Your City, joined the podcast to discuss toxic culture and how it can erode a sense of belonging, community and well-being. She also argues that the capacity to collaborate and innovate is undermined by the rising incivility and divisiveness local governments are seeing. She shared her own experience of tackling toxic culture, the importance of cultivating civility, and information on the Global Civility Summit 2024. Host: Rafael Baptista

    #633 Recovering from Violence with Vince DiPiazza, Uvalde, TX

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 71:28


    Vince DiPiazza, City Manager for the City of Uvalde, Texas joined the podcast to share his experience from the tragic shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022. He shared what happened that day of the tragedy, lessons learned, and highlighted the importance of mental health. Host: Lauren Palmer

    #632 Investing in Community with Halee Ratcliff, Wilkesboro, NC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 41:05


    Halee Ratcliff, Finance Director for the Town of Wilkesboro, North Carolina joined the to podcast to discuss community investments. She shared how the town used American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to invest in a community park and support economic development. She talked about how the Town's outdoor action plan informed the investments and shared the exceptional healthcare benefits the Town provides. Host: Ben Kittelson

    #631 Growing Up in City Hall with Monica Davis and Poonam Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 43:19


    When public administration is a family business. Monica Davis, Deputy City Administrator for the City of Oakland, California, and Poonam Davis, Retired City Clerk for the City of Long Beach, California, joined the podcast to talk about their careers in local government. Monica shared what she learned growing up with parents in public service, Poonam shared her path to local government, and they both discussed balancing work and life. Host: Meredith Reynolds

    #630 Culture of Innovation in Local Government with Brian Elms, Change Agents Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 66:46


    Brian Elms is the Founder of Change Agents Training, author of Peak Performance, and the former Director of Peak Academy and Analytics for the City and County of Denver. Brian joined the podcast to discuss innovation in local government. He shared how to start the process of innovation, the importance of subtraction in processes, and strategies to lead your team in change management. Host: Rafael Baptista

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