LMC City Speak

Crystal City Manager Anne Norris recalls how a budget process gone wrong provided a painful lesson on the importance of clear communication. She shares how owning the mistake helped rebuild trust with city officials and the community.  Episode Transcript (pdf)

Buffalo Mayor Teri Lachermeier shares how a city redevelopment project taught her the importance of getting community input. She also describes her method to ensure people feel their opinion is heard. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Chatfield Clerk Joel Young shares how seeing others become downtrodden and cynical reinforced the importance of maintaining connections and relationships with others in local government. He also reveals the one word that has helped him through some stressful times. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Biwabik Mayor Jim Weikum shares how a mistake he made taught him the importance of doing your homework and anticipating the perspectives of others. He also talks with us about a simple practice that can help  elected leaders work successfully with each other. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Melrose City Administrator Colleen Winter talks with us about leadership lessons the pandemic has taught her. She shares how these experiences reinforced the importance of active listening and ensuring people feel heard along the way. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Wyoming Mayor Lisa Iverson shares how a ride-along in a squad car gave her a new perspective on decision-making, and how the words she chooses in her city leadership role can help the public understand council action. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Wadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz talks with us about the big role that mentors played in her leadership journey, and why we all need to have a buddy to support us and help do the hard things together. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes chats with us about a leadership lesson that taught him the importance of embracing community input, and shares what keeps him going after nearly 30 years of serving his city. Episode transcript (pdf)

Baudette Clerk-Treasurer Tina Rennemo chats with us about lessons she's learned in her career. She shares the importance of learning by making mistakes, and explains how focusing on the great things happening in her city helps her stay positive. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Brooklyn Park Fire Chief and President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association T. John Cunningham shares stories from his experiences as a public sector leader and some of the valuable lessons he's learned. Cunningham also shares his advice on surrounding yourself with supportive peers and keeping your focus on the important things even when the metaphorical fires are all around you. Episode Transcript (pdf)

This teaser episode for season four of The City Speak features League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director Dave Unmacht. Dave shares a story about a surprise meeting early in his career where he learned that his transition to a new role was not going well. Hear how that feedback helped to shape his approach to managing and leading in what he considers to be a true “aha” moment in life and leadership. Episode transcript (pdf)

In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — League intergovernmental relations (IGR) representatives Daniel Lightfoot and Ann Lindstrom address federal support for cities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the need for any future aid to be disbursed directly to cities with more flexibility and clear direction from the Treasury; the careful coordination needed among federal, state, and local government partners; and the importance of sharing your experiences with state legislators and your congressional delegation. For more legislative information, check out the League's legislative policies, subscribe to the Cities Bulletin e-newsletter, and connect with League IGR staff. Episode Transcript (pdf)

In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you'll hear about economic issues affecting cities that will likely be discussed in the 2021 legislative session. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Director Gary Carlson and Assistant IGR Director Anne Finn share updates on the state budget deficit, transportation funding, and duty disability for first responders. They also emphasize the importance of sharing your local stories. For more legislative information, check out the League's legislative policies, subscribe to the Cities Bulletin e-newsletter, and connect with League IGR staff. Episode Transcript (pdf)

In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you'll hear about the League's new racial equity legislative policy. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Counsel Irene Kao and IGR Representative Craig Johnson explain how the policy was developed, and how it can be used to address equity in policy areas ranging from housing to less obvious topics like energy. For more legislative information, check out the League's legislative policies, subscribe to the Cities Bulletin e-newsletter, and connect with League IGR staff.  Episode Transcript (pdf)

League of Minnesota Cities intern and college senior Laurel Poole takes over the hosting duties in this bonus episode, interviewing fellow intern and classmate Elijah Henderson. Henderson spent the summer focusing on research for the League's race equity initiatives, including conducting interviews with city officials of color. Elijah shares some of the themes he heard in their experiences, and explains how this work has inspired him to become a part of local government.  Episode Transcript (pdf)

As we approach the general election and the end of 2020, we check in with Brad Wiersum, president of the League of Minnesota Cities and mayor of Minnetonka. Wiersum shares valuable lessons he's learned while in office and offers practical advice for newly elected officials just starting out on their city leadership journey. He serves up some nuggets of wisdom we can all use, including focusing on the future, not taking yourself too seriously, and being kind to yourself and others.  Episode Transcript (pdf)

We talk with David Maeda, director of elections for the Minnesota Office of Secretary of State, who gives us the lowdown on all things elections – including safety and security of the voting process, absentee voting and naked ballots, and when we can expect final election results. David reveals what keeps him up at night during this unique election year, and shares how impressed he is by the enthusiasm and integrity of those who help run elections in Minnesota. Sign up for weekly emails with election updates from David Maeda, and find election results at www.mnvotes.org.  Episode Transcript (pdf)

We wanted to share with our listeners this Center of Everywhere podcast episode from our partners at the Center for Rural Policy and Development and featuring our own Dave Unmacht, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities. Dave discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota's small cities, how uncertainty will be the defining characteristic of the next five years, and why getting involved in local government may just be the best thing you ever do in life. Podcast Transcript (pdf)

Community first responders are repeatedly exposed to trauma, and that trauma can take its toll. Dan Willis, retired police captain and author of Bulletproof Spirit, talks with us about proactive wellness strategies for first responders. He explains the cultural shift needed to emphasize emotional survival as well as physical survival, and how promoting a heart-centered approach to work can help keep those in public safety motivated, inspired, and connected to the true nobility of what it means to be a first responder. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Dan Greensweig, administrator of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, shares some interesting takes on how the Trust partners with cities on managing risk and solving problems. Dan explains how preventing claims is just as important as providing coverage protection, and talks about Trust efforts to help cities deal with some of the bigger challenges and issues they are facing these days. Episode Transcript (pdf)

It's that time again — budget season is here, and this year there's the added twist of factoring in the impacts of a global pandemic. Carver Mayor Courtney Johnson and Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse share the challenges their cities face as they make difficult decisions on spending and city services. Hear about the importance of transparency and educating others on the budgeting process, and how tenacity and creative approaches are helping these mayors tackle complex budget issues this year. Episode Transcript (pdf)

As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, we talk with three city leaders about the opportunities, challenges, and impact of women in city government today. Maplewood Assistant City Manager Michael Sable, Sartell City Administrator Anna Gruber, and Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez share their experiences and insights on the importance of listening to understand, making space for others, and mentoring to encourage the next generation of women city leaders. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Mahnomen City Administrator Mitchell Berg shares the results of his doctoral research on tribal and municipal relations. Even if your city doesn't have the opportunity to work with a tribal nation, his findings on the trust, purposeful engagement, and skills needed to build intergovernmental collaborations can be applied to strengthen relationships with partners of any background. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Access to reliable, high-speed internet is vital to the economic success of a community — a big reason why Minnesota has a goal of border-to-border broadband by 2026. But building a broadband infrastructure in a community takes more than technical know-how. Blandin Foundation's Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy & engagement, and Bill Coleman, community broadband coach, talk about how technology is just a small piece of the broadband puzzle and how hope, tenacity (gird your loins!), and local leadership are the key ingredients to bringing border-to-border broadband services to cities. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Brainerd City Administrator Jennifer Bergman and Human Resources Director Kris Schubert share the unique challenges their city faced (including a fire at City Hall) while working to reopen the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear how their preparedness plan, a priority on safety, pride in their city, and ability to find the positives during a crisis helped them get their City Hall up and running again.  Episode Transcript (pdf)

Discover how the City of Watertown created its own economic stimulus package to help Main Street businesses and residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Watertown Mayor Steve Washburn shares how partnerships, innovative thinking, and quick work got $96,000 worth of “Chamber Checks” into residents' hands to help boost the local economy and morale in the community. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Hear from two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation as we talk with Rep. Angie Craig (2nd Congressional District) and Rep. Pete Stauber (8th Congressional District). They share their opinions about direct federal aid to cities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the role of federal government should be as we look toward meaningful change to address the racial injustices in our country.

In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Minneapolis Interim City Coordinator Mark Ruff, a public finance expert, shares his thoughts on basic actions cities can take now to help weather economic uncertainty, where cities can find opportunity in a down market, and what financial changes will most impact cities. He also offers advice for communicating with the public about city finances (be honest, be direct, be bold), and reminds us that cities are forever — we have lived through crises in the past and will continue to thrive when this one is over. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/covid19.

In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Plymouth Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Mike Goldstein shares how his city's emergency management planning prepared them for the pandemic (including a stockpile of PPEs), and how creative scheduling and staffing plans help to ensure the safety of their officers. He also discusses the challenge of providing the level of service they take pride in while shifting away from direct interactions, and the encouragement he gets during these daunting times from seeing others pause and re-evaluate what's important to them. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/covid19.  

In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Nisswa City Administrator Jenny Max discusses the steps her city has taken to keep things running and the positive relationships they've forged with other entities as they work together to do what's right and keep everyone safe. She also shares her concerns for the local tourism economy and the challenges of moving everyone forward as a team. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/covid19.  

In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, we talk with Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram, whose city dealt with a large fire just prior to the current COVID-19 crisis. Hear how that first incident helped to build the leadership team and trust that are so crucial today. She also shares how she makes decisions (including the toughest decision she's made so far), what lessons the city has learned, and how impressed she is with the positivity of the people in her community and their willingness to do what's needed to make things better for everyone. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/covid19.

In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Royalton Mayor Andrea Lauer shares the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on her community and what it's like to lead a city in times like these. Hear about the challenges of using technology for meetings (sound familiar?), her concerns about the safety of city staff and the survival of local businesses, and how the actions of the wonderful people in her city bring her hope and assurance that they'll get through this together. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/covid19.  

Minnesota cities are facing the challenge of pandemic response, but working together, #WeGotThis! In this first episode of the #WeGotThis Series, we talk with League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director David Unmacht about how the League has responded during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares advice he has for city leaders (be human!), what he has learned, what has surprised him, and what gives him hope during these rapidly changing times. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/covid19.

Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Assistant Director Anne Finn explains the process around the bonding bill — which will include projects like transportation and water infrastructure — and also provides a preview on city street funding issues. Check out the other episodes in this legislative session preview series, reach out to League IGR staff with questions, and be sure to register for the League's 2020 Legislative Conference on March 18-19.

Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Counsel Irene Kao dives into the topics of street improvement fees and the need for legislation that supports residential development while protecting the interests of current taxpayers. She also provides an update on the League's #BuildItRight campaign opposing legislative action that would limit local control of planning and zoning decisions and development-related fees. Check out the other episodes in this legislative session preview series, reach out to League IGR staff with questions, and be sure to register for the League's 2020 Legislative Conference on March 18-19.

Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Representative Daniel Lightfoot discusses resources and tools for affordable and workforce housing; city authority for land use planning, zoning, and assessing fees associated with residential development; and funding for reliable broadband access and infrastructure. Check out the other episodes in this legislative session preview series, reach out to League IGR staff with questions, and be sure to register for the League's 2020 Legislative Conference on March 18-19.

Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Director Gary Carlson and Assistant Director Anne Finn share updates on elections and data collection; paid family leave and earned sick time for employees; massage therapist licensure and background checks; how the state biennium works; and the regulation, zoning, and taxation of adult-use cannabis. Check out the other episodes in this legislative session preview series, reach out to League IGR staff with questions, and be sure to register for the League's 2020 Legislative Conference on March 18-19.

Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Director Gary Carlson shares what's on his radar for this session, including the process to impose a local sales tax; streamlining of the sales tax exemption for public project construction materials; local government aid; employer aid restoration for the Public Employee Retirement Association; and workers' compensation regarding post-traumatic stress disorder. Check out the other episodes in this legislative session preview series, reach out to League IGR staff with questions, and be sure to register for the League's 2020 Legislative Conference on March 18-19.

How did your first year go as an elected city official, what did you learn, and what advice would you give others? We check in with two elected officials as they wrap up their first year in office. Warren Mayor Mara Hanel and Oak Park Heights Councilmember Carly Johnson share what they found rewarding, challenging, and surprising this past year, and offer advice to the newbies out there as they start on their new adventure in public service.

Housing is a critical infrastructure issue in cities across Minnesota, and it intersects with many other basic needs and services. One of the partners working to solve this complex problem is Minnesota Housing Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Community Development Ryan Baumtrog. His agency's goal is for everyone in Minnesota to have a safe, affordable home in the community of their choice, and he discusses the programs and tools his agency offers to cities to help achieve that goal. (Read about Minnesota Housing 2019 Funding Selections.) Also joining the conversation is League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations Representative Daniel Lightfoot. He shares what the League will be advocating for during the 2020 legislative session regarding  housing needs for cities. (Check out this League-compiled list of 25 City Tools for Housing Affordability and Developer Assistance.)

We live in a winter wonderland in Minnesota, which is great until you need to drive in it. In this episode, we talk about a crucial city service — snow plowing and clearance — and the policies that cities enact to keep us safe on the roads. Hear from two cities that are taking a leading approach to snow maintenance: Shoreview's Public Works Director Mark Maloney; and Duluth's Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman, and Director of Public Works and Utilities Jim Benning. They share how environmental impact, budgets, and resident feedback are important considerations for snow removal policies. They also discuss how they are using technology to make their processes smarter and safer.

Is your city ready for the 2020 census? Minnesota State Demographer Susan Brower explains why the census is so important and how it's used at the local level (including the distribution of billions of dollars in funding). Brower also discusses ways your city can promote the census, especially to those who may feel uneasy about participating. More information, tools, and resources about the 2020 census are available at www.mn.gov/2020census.

Across Minnesota, police are responding to an increasing number of calls for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. We talk with Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering to find out what this means for police departments, the types of training needed to respond appropriately, the importance of partnerships across agencies, and how city officials can understand and support this work.

SCALE, the Scott County Association for Leadership & Efficiency, is helping local governments  forge innovative ways to collaborate. Learn how this collaboration leads to providing superior service while making the most of limited resources. SCALE members Janet Williams, mayor of Savage, and Jon Ulrich, Scott County commissioner, share their thoughts on the benefits of multi-jurisdictional cooperation. They'll discuss the successes they've seen and how SCALE can serve as a model to help build relationships, partnerships, and trust among local governments in your region.

What does leadership in race equity look like in other organizations and what does it take to be a leader in this area?  In this episode, Damon Shoholm, director of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute and Amherst H. Wilder Foundation  takes a broad look at race equity and what this work means for leaders across many sectors in Minnesota. Damon shares his thoughts on the importance of examining your beliefs and why you hold them. He also discusses the need to make changes to the systems and structures that cause disparities in order to change the outcomes.

When we talk about race equity in city government, we're talking about city services, policies, and practices that work for everyone in a community, regardless of their race. Cities — even smaller ones and/or those in Greater Minnesota — have an opportunity to lead in this work. Hear Gordon Goodwin, Midwest region project manager with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, discuss his recent work with a cohort of Minnesota cities. The group has worked on using race equity analysis to begin to address unintentional biases in everyday practices. Willmar Mayor Marv Calvin, a participant in the cohort, shares examples of his city's race equity efforts and lessons he's learned as Willmar strives to be a welcoming community for all.

Mayor Jerry Faust's long career in public service for the City of St. Anthony Village has taught him a lot about how best to govern his city. The recipient of the League of Minnesota Cities 2019 C.C. Ludwig Award, Jerry talks about some of the challenges he's faced and how integrity, strategic goals, and willingness to listen are key to successfully serving as an elected city official. (Check out St. Anthony Village's Strategic Plans, and read more about Jerry Faust in the League's Minnesota Cities magazine.)

When Steve Bot became St. Michael city administrator in 2012, he was assigned the goal of expanding the number of lanes on I-94 near his community. Winner of the League of Minnesota Cities 2019 James F. Miller Leadership Award, Steve shares how collaboration with city staff, elected officials, and key partners helped to make what seemed like an impossible goal a reality. Hear how this city leader approaches major  challenges by focusing on the “what” and not the “how” to keep projects moving forward.

If you've been involved in Minnesota city government in the last several decades, you've likely heard of or met Kevin Frazell, director of member services at the League of Minnesota Cities. As Kevin prepares to retire after a 40+-year career, he reflects on his experiences working with city officials and offers his thoughts on the leadership skills that can help elected officials succeed.

More than 150 city officials are volunteering this summer to help shape the League of Minnesota Cities' legislative agenda for the next year by participating in the League's legislative policy committees. Hear first-hand from two of those committee members about their experiences in helping to develop policies that can have a state-wide impact. Spring Lake Park City Administrator Dan Buchholtz and Blaine City Clerk Cathy Sorensen share their stories about policies they helped to craft and the legislative outcomes for their cities, and how you can use your city experience to make a difference at the Capitol.

Just as resident engagement is the “holy grail” of city services, member outreach and engagement is key to the League of Minnesota Cities' ability to provide the most relevant resources to Minnesota cities. League Executive Director David Unmacht reflects on the past year and how member feedback has helped to spotlight major areas of focus for member services. Host and LMC Education Manager Adriana Temali-Smith talks with Dave about those top priorities, as well as his thoughts on the League's recent Annual Conference in Duluth.