Podcasts about city managers

It's moment you have been waiting for all year! From new forms of government, interesting case studies, and tales from local government leaders our episodes covered a wide array of all that goes into local government. To celebrate 2025 and look forward to 2026, 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 2025 GovieLovies Lauren The Scenic Route to City Hall with Peggy Flynn, Petaluma, CA Leading ICMA and the Roots of Professional Government with Julia Novak, ICMA Sparks Pilot Program with Grace Hanne, Johnson County KS Dan Leadership and Change Management with Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara, CA Land Use Planning and Residential Segregation with Scott Markley, National Zoning Atlas Development and Customer Service with JC Hudgison, Tampa, FL Meredith Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA The Real Ice Town with Tim Blakeslee, Plymouth, WI Ben From the Fire House to the City Manager's Office with Bryan Dehner and Donna Lake Change Management and Implementing a New Form of Government with Michael Jordan, Portland, OR An ICMA Conference Recap, Leadership, Urban Revitalization, and Hot Wings - GovLove Island Pizza Mike Producer Pick Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX

From new a reimagining of the Beckley Road corridor, changes with the WK Kellogg Company and hiring of a new City Manager, it was a year of transition for Battle Creek. Mayor Mark Behnke, new City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing talk to Community Matters about the accomplishments and struggles of 2025 while looking ahead at the opportunities for the Cereal City in 2026. Episode ResourcesCity of Battle Creek WebsiteABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website and let us know! 

In this episode of News Now, Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping Northwest Montana this week, from a major land conservation agreement to changes in Kalispell city leadership and community efforts to honor local veterans.We begin with a landmark conservation deal that permanently protects more than 53,000 acres of Montana land, a move with long-term implications for wildlife habitat, public access, and regional land use. The episode also covers Kalispell's decision to name a new city manager, outlining what the leadership change means for the city moving forward.Finally, we highlight local events honoring veterans across the Flathead Valley, including community participation in remembrance efforts that underscore the region's commitment to service members past and present.A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com. This summer, we followed the Brist family from their fifth-generation Montana farm to the bright lights of the Northwest Montana Fair. From early morning chores to the intensity of the show ring, their journey shows the hard work, tradition, and bittersweet goodbyes that come with raising livestock. Discover Season 4 of our Deep Dive podcast, From Farm to Fair — coming Sunday, September 21st! Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score, dig into stories with Deep Dive, and jam out to local musicians with Press Play.

Wrapping up a busy 2025, and looking ahead to projects in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host: Kelsey Coleman Guest: Mike Bennett Air date: Dec 17, 2025

CAUGHT ON TAPE!  In this episode, we have a recorded phone conversation between a city manager and a state transportation official who was cited on a criminal trespassing charge. The state official repeatedly suggests that he will make things difficult for the city manager and his city if the charge is not taken care of. Such was the dilemma facing Brian Daily when he was serving as the city manager for a small town in Kansas. Brian was also a guest on Episode 109 of the podcast where we talked about how he had saved taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars simply by reviewing their property and liability insurance coverage. You can listen to that episode here. SHOW NOTES Brian Daily's LinkedIn Profile AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Stories we're covering this week:• Mansfield Mission Center to relocate headquarters to West Broad Street• Methodist Mansfield to host free Sports Medicine Conference• Storage facility fire quickly contained at Walnut Creek Country Club• In Sports, attention turns to MISD basketballIn the Features Section:• Angel Biasatti answers the age old question “Is it bad to eat late at night?” in Methodist Mansfield News to Know• We'll talk with a charitable foundation's executive director in this week's 40 Under 40• Brian Certain serves up a drink that is as dramatic as it is drinkable in the Cocktail of the WeekIn the talk segment, Steve concludes the year with an in-studio interview with Mansfield City Manager Joe Smolinski. Plus, your chance to win a $25 gift card to a Mansfield restaurant of your choice with our Mansfield Trivia Question, courtesy of Joe Jenkins Insurance. We are Mansfield's only source for news, talk and information. This is About Mansfield.

Knoxville City Manager Heather Ussery recaps Monday night’s Knoxville City Council meeting.

This week's topics include the schedule for the city's skating rink during the holidays, the accomplishments of young athletes at Portage West Middle School, and road construction plans for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!On this episode of the Square Pizza Pod, Greg sits down with Danielle Frazier, Special Assistant to the City Manager for Workforce Development in the City of Charlotte and longtime girls flag football coach. They talk about what it really takes to build pathways to good jobs, why a one cent sales tax for transportation is actually a mobility and opportunity strategy, and how a career that started in one local organization has grown into national leadership.From coaching high school flag football and renovating bathrooms with her dad to helping design Charlotte's first Office of Workforce Development and chairing the United States Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council, Danielle shares a grounded, hopeful view of what is possible when cities, schools, employers, and residents pull in the same direction.In this episode, you will hear:How growing up in a football family and coaching girls flag football shapes Danielle's leadership with young people and teamsA clear, accessible definition of workforce development and how Charlotte's new Office of Workforce Development and strategic plan are bringing that vision to lifeWhat Charlotte's historic transportation and mobility investment could mean for thousands of future jobs in construction, skilled trades, professional services, and small businessesHow the Education to Employment initiative with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is creating direct pathways from high school graduation into full-time roles with the City of CharlotteWhy employer engagement and emerging tools like artificial intelligence are becoming essential to a healthy, future-ready workforce ecosystemIf you care about economic mobility, public investment, or connecting young people and adults to meaningful work in growing cities, this is a conversation you will want to hear.Support the show

Thomas English talks with Nevada City Manager Gary Edwards about various happenings in the city of Nevada. Topics include the special emergency session held by the City Council and a conversation on building demolitions in the City. Other topics include the approval of the Fiscal 2026 Budget and progress updates with FEMA funds, the aquatic center and the pocket park project. 

Mayor Gary Moore and City Clerk Kasey Mitchell joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the city manager form of government, the approval to recruit a new city manager, a temporary city manager, and the new electronic delivery of water bills. Kewanee's city council has begun the search for a new city manager, following recent discussions about the city's government structure. Officials say they're committed to maintaining the city manager system, which provides consistency and professional expertise, instead of switching to a strong mayor model. The recruiting firm MGT has been hired to lead the search, focusing on candidates with strong communication and social skills. In the meantime, City Clerk Casey continues to fill the role temporarily but has announced she isn't interested in the position full-time. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emailed water bills to avoid recent postal delays. Discussion continues in Kewanee over the city's form of government, following the appointment of a temporary city manager. City leaders explain that the current city manager system was established by public referendum, and any reversal back to a strong mayor model would require another citywide vote. Supporters argue that a city manager brings stability, professional training, and consistency to local administration. Switching to a strong mayor system would mean increased costs, heightened political turnover, and practical barriers for potential mayoral candidates, particularly younger working residents. City officials emphasize that nonpartisan governance reduces political influence and serves the community more effectively. The city council has begun its official search for a new city manager, following a work session where members outlined key qualities they want in a candidate. The recruiting firm, MGT, will guide the process, starting with an in-depth call to clarify council expectations and any challenges facing the city. Council members emphasized the need for strong communication and social skills, pointing out that the city manager must collaborate with a broad range of partners—from residents to state agencies. Next steps include creating a detailed job description and launching the formal application and interview process in the coming weeks. James Webb has stepped down from his position as finance director, submitting his resignation to pursue other opportunities. For now, the city has appointed an interim replacement, with leadership expressing confidence in this individual's ability to manage the department. Officials are taking a wait-and-see approach to determine whether the current temporary arrangement could become permanent or if a broader recruitment effort will be necessary. The final decision may be influenced by the incoming city manager, who will likely play a significant role in selecting the next full-time finance director. For now, city operations continue smoothly under capable interim leadership. Residents are urged to keep an eye out for water bills, as recent postal delays have caused late deliveries. The water department is launching an initiative to email bills directly, ensuring same-day receipt. Paper copies remain available upon request. Those who sign up for emailed bills will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a one-time $100 credit on their water bill. The signup process is simple: a link to a Google form will be shared on the town's website and Facebook page

Amber Cabrera. Senior Assistant to the City Manager for City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Maylee De Jesús, City Clerk for the City of Boynton Beach, Florida joined to podcast to discuss increasing representation in local government. They shared recent efforts they have worked on for Latinos in Florida Local Government, advice for the next generation, and how to get involved with the Local Government Hispanic Network. This episode was recorded at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa, FL. Host: Meredith Reynolds

In a conversation from the regular season, Ben interviews Tri-City manager and longtime Minor League skipper Dann Bilardello, whose first MLB homer came off Tom Seaver. Also, the gang looks at Rancho Cucamonga's new color scheme, and Sam and Tyler chat about the Rule 5 Draft ahead of next week's Winter Meetings To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cucamonga Valley AVA, 100-year-old vines, pre-prohibition, Rosa Peru and interview with John Gillison, City Manager of Rancho Cucamonga, and Gino Filippi, Fourth Generation Cucamonga Valley Wine Grower. ON THE ROAD with MR CA WINE, is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and its awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asian sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in the world of California wine, chatting along with the people who make it all happen. This week includes an interview w John Gillison and Gino Filippi. 

Dale Martin, City Manager of Flagler Beach, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss his transition from Connecticut to Florida and his love of board games (he owns more than 600!). Dale draws parallels between the complexity of board games and the skills needed to manage a city effectively, including strategy, adaptation, and foresight. The conversation also explores the importance of having an exit strategy in city management, particularly given the political nature of the role and the challenges that can come unexpectedly.

Holiday Festivities in Denison, TX

City Manager Heather Ussery recaps Monday night’s Knoxville City Council meeting.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Council Bill No. 2025-194: An Ordinance Approving the Designation of a Local Landmark Council Bill No. 2025-195: An Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Champaign to Rezone Real Property Located at 501 and 503 East Columbia Avenue from the SF1, Single-Family Zoning District to the MF1, Multifamily Low Density Zoning District Council Bill No. 2025-196: An Ordinance Adopting Public Camping Regulations and Amending the Champaign Municipal Code Council Bill No. 2025-197: A Resolution Accepting a Bid and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for the 2026 Tree and Stump Removal Project 

This week, the City Manager previews the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and upcoming parliamentary training for City officials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela and the listeners discuss the appearance of Former Ekurhuleni City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi before the Madlanga Commission. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John talks with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu about who will be Wichita's next city manager as the Council draws closer to a critically important decision

Aarón Zavala, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Pleasanton, California joined the podcast to discuss his role with the City. He talked about the work he does for the City and his career goals moving forward. He also shared how he remains authentic to himself as he serves the public. Host: Lauren Palmer

Who are we without the Parks department?! Leslie finds out as Tom takes over a new project. Plus, Ben has his first day as City Manager and gets pranked by the Parks team, which I can't decide how I feel about. Thank you to Bob Bancroft and Ben Begley for sending in INCREDIBLE voice memos! So funny and informative, we love! Bob played "Frank" in the Cones of Dunshire (the frank accountant, get it?) and Ben plays one half of the couple in the jewelry store with Ann and Chris! Ben Begley: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2384265/Bob Bancroft (also in Xenon!!!): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0051619/Support the showRate and review us on Apple Podcasts!Follow us @parkpalspodcast on Instagram! Or email us at parkpalspodcast@gmail.com

The Vancouver City Council will hold a community forum on Nov. 24 at Vancouver City Hall, inviting residents to bring questions, concerns, and ideas for group discussion with council members; no registration is required, and interpretation services or accommodations are available through the City Manager's Office. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-to-host-community-forum-on-nov-24/ #VancouverWA #VancouverCityCouncil #CommunityForum #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CityOfVancouver

Knoxville City Manager Heather Ussery discusses the new public safety building project update that was given to the City Council at their meeting on Monday Night.

Today - A city manager reflects on legacy and longevity as Steve Pauken prepares to leave his post in Bisbee after more than a decade of transformative leadership.Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Schutz, a Principal at JMSB Strategies joined the podcast to discuss his transition from a City Manager to poetry author. He shared how he decided to transition into consulting and how he got into local government poetry. Plus he talked about his favorite poem and other highlights from The Mayor Has a Hammer, a book of poetry on the everyday heroism of local government. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Eddie Taafe, Chair of the County and City Manager's Association Committee on Housing, discusses the government's latest set of plans to tackle the housing crisis.

Thomas English talks with Nevada City Manager Gary Edwards about various happenings in the city of Nevada. Topics include the construction of the City Square development project and the improvements to the water treatment plant. Other topics discussed are new housing additions in the community and an update on the progress for the aquatic center. 

This is the second installment in our new "Black City Manager" series featuring Troy Body, the city manager for Hopkinsville, Kentucky. "I can't love your neighborhood more than you love it," Troy explains as we navigate his philosophical approach to city management. He uses the "pick up the can" metaphor to explain how he believe residents must taker ownership for the condition of their own neighborhoods and community.  At the end of the day, he says that the residents "have to meet me halfway" for true change to take place. He also states that too many city managers oversell and overhype themselves by projecting the idea that they are transformational leaders and that that can lead to conflict with elected officials and stakeholders.  SHOW NOTES: The LinkedIn page for "Black City Managers" Website for "Black City Managers" Troy Body's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thieme, Corinna; Hoheisel, Clara www.deutschlandfunk.de, Deutschland heute

City Manager Heather Ussery recaps Monday night’s Knoxville City Council meeting and discusses city updates.

GovLove Co-hosts Meredith and Ben were joined by several friends of the pod to recap the 2025 ICMA Conference. Tom Modica is the City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, April Walker is the Assistant City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, Jackie Wehmeyer is the Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs at City of Parkland, FL, and Amie Hendrix is the City Manager at the City of Geneva, NY. They discussed highlights from Tampa, downtown revitalization, and navigating the challenges of partisanship and politics. Panelists also shared insights on lessons learned, their favorite sessions, and key takeaways. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL.  Panel: Tom Modica, April Walker, Jackie Wehmeyer, Amie Hendrix, Meredith Reynolds, and Ben Kittelson

Ever wondered how Redding's local government actually works? In this special episode of The City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie walk through the structure, responsibilities, and ethics that guide decision-making in our community. From how the City Council and City Manager share power, to open meeting laws, public transparency, and the difference between the City and Shasta County — it's a clear, down-to-earth look at how Redding runs. Read the transcript >>Learn more about Redding City Council >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Stephanie Clarke, Vice President, White + Burke Real Estate Advisors and Dominic Cloud, City Manager, City of St. Albans, featured panelist on town-led development strategies, joins Anthony & Dan to talk about the up coming Vermont Development Conference

Mario Vasquez, KCMO City Manager, In Studio Feature Friday Guest | 10-24-25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloit City Manager Halley Roberson is one of my favorite interviews of all-time and I am pretty sure that most of you will enjoy it, too. She is absolutely hilarious and I am glad I drove the two plus hours to meet her. In this episode, we discuss our mutual love for small town city management, especially in Kansas, and the opportunities it presents for aspiring public sector executives. We also talk about the challenges a city manager will face and need to adjust to in order to be successful. If you are a department head or feel trapped in management analyst land and you have aspirations of becoming a city manager, you should give this episode a listen to help determine if a small, rural community is a good "next step" for you. SHOW NOTES: Link to Halley Roberson's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This week's episode of Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood features key selections from a recent Academy Standing Panel. It is clear the federal government impacts local government, city and county leaders have always had to leverage federal resources, but can that continue given budget constraints and the increasingly partisan political environment? Panelists highlight the impact of federal decision-making on services to people in communities (and foreshadow that the pressure and consequences will soon be felt), raise important questions about the size of government and how budgets dictate policy, and suggests what changes and investments are needed going forward.Tanisha Briley, City Manager, Gaithersburg, MDMichael Jacobson, Deputy Director, King County Office of Performance Strategy & Budget, WAVince Micone, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Department of LaborAlso featured on the full event:  Abby Andre, Executive Director of the IMPACT ProjectChris Koliba, Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, Policy & Governance, University of KansasView the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcLmE5Lva4Y&t=4286sManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

The I Love CVille Show headlines: Highlights/Lowlights From 10/06 City Council Meeting City Manager On $6.2M Homeless Shelter Purchase Fired Police Chief Brackney Speaks Before Council Is There A Recall Movement To Oust Allison Spillman? WAHS Petition: Keep Males Out Of Women's Restrooms Why Do AlbCo Public Schools Seem Unstable Right Now? Expectations For UVA Going Into Bye Week If You Need CVille Office Space, Contact Jerry Miller Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air The I Love CVille Show airs live Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. Watch and listen to The I Love CVille Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible, Rumble and iLoveCVille.com.

For many months, I have been trying to coax and cajole Troy Body into starting his own podcast or at the very least becoming a regular, recurring guest on my podcast. I have wanted to provide a platform for the Hopkinsville, Kentucky city manager and give him a voice. He has interesting perspectives and opinions you will not find anywhere else regarding local government and city management and he often shares these "hot takes" on the "Black City Managers" LinkedIn page. The plan is to roll out a series of interviews with Troy so that he can get a sense of whether he would like to do his own podcast and help him build a pre-launch audience if he decides to venture out on his own. Building listenership for a podcast is incredibly difficult. If you enjoy this new series, please let us know by going to BlackCityManagers.org and leaving a comment. SHOW NOTES: The LinkedIn page for "Black City Managers" Website for "Black City Managers" Troy Body's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Valerie Lemmie, Senior Advisor for State and Local Government for the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, joined the podcast to talk about her career in city management and the state of democracy. She shared how she navigated difficult situations during her city management career, including as City Manager of Cincinnati, Ohio when there were protests against the Police Department. She also discussed meaningful citizen engagement and how the profession needs to evolve in our current democracy.  Host: Ben Kittelson

Deb Mohlenhoff, City Manager for the City of Ithaca, New York, joined the podcast to talk about her role transitioning from an elected official to a City Manager and changing the City's form of government. She shared why the city decided to transition forms of government, her role in the transition, and challenges faced during the transition. She also discussed her career path and how her experience as an elected official informs her approach to city management. Host: Ben Kittelson