Podcasts about Local government

A couple of advisors at the Christchurch City Council have ripped into the Government's plan for regional councils and have said to councillors that they reckon there's a better way. Or more correctly, two better potential ways. Instead of having local mayors run regional councils for two years and, during that time, work out how they're going to get by without a regional council. At a briefing meeting yesterday, two principal policy advisors put two options on the table for councillors to think about. Option 1: Amalgamate the Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri councils to create a new super city. Which I've been a fan of for quite some time now. And Option 2: Keep all three councils and have the city council take over ECAN's regional council functions. The reason these two council advisors have put these two options up for discussion is that they think having local mayors run ECAN for two years and work out a new structure for local government is a “weak” idea, which wouldn't do any favours for Christchurch ratepayers. And I get what they're saying, because as soon as you get three mayors around the table, they're just going to be interested in what's in it for them, aren't they? Which is the same approach these policy advisors are taking. They're on the city council pay roll and so they have to think about what's best for Christchurch city. And I like their idea of a supercity. But every time a supercity is mentioned, some people are quick to point to Auckland as an argument against it. The Auckland supercity brought together seven city and district councils and the regional council back in 2010. But a supercity in the greater Christchurch area would be nowhere near the same scale. We're talking here about just three councils: Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri. We've done amalgamation before on a much smaller scale. Back in 2006, Banks Peninsula Council amalgamated with Christchurch city. The issue then was that Banks Peninsula didn't have a big enough population to get the rates it needed to operate properly. Selwyn and Waimakariri don't have that problem – they've grown massively since the earthquakes. Selwyn, especially. But half of the people living in Selwyn come into Christchurch every day for work and school, and they contribute nothing towards the cost of the running of the city. They're using the city's roads and so many of the other facilities that they pay nothing for. Add to that the relatively small distance between Selwyn, Christchurch and Waimakariri, and amalgamation is a no-brainer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might recall a poll result that came out back in September which proved that 75 percent of us are idiots. It's these idiots that the Government is pandering to with the council rates cap it announced yesterday. And the 75 percent of people who said in that poll that they support the Government forcing rates caps on councils will be very happy today. Because, from mid-2029, annual increases won't be allowed to be any higher than 4 percent. Unless a council manages to get a special dispensation. As a ratepayer, a rates cap sounds like a great idea. But it's not. One description I've seen of the Government's move is that it's lazy politics. Which it is. Because of the 75 percent of people who support it, as the poll a few months back would suggest. I suspect the only complaint the pro-rates cap people will have is that it isn't planned to start for another three-and-a-half years. In mid-2029. By which time there could very well be a different government in power and, if Labour (for example) is true to its word, then the whole thing could be history. Labour's local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere is saying today that they'll vote against the rates cap law when it goes through Parliament. He says: “We've made it very clear that we won't expect local government to continue to work and take on additional responsibilities without the funding. So we don't support this rates cap.” Nelson mayor Nick Smith has been very careful not to bag his old National Party mates. But he does admit that it's not going to be easy. Rates caps have been brought-in in Australia and it's created severe financial difficulties for some councils over there. What's more, Christchurch city councillor Sam MacDonald is already talking about the council selling assets to make up for the money it won't be getting because of the limit on rates increases. All this is, is another placebo policy. Something that might make us feel better for a little while. But it won't last long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional councils have to find a different way of operating that cuts down on double ups and layers of bureaucracyRegional councillors who've just been sworn in have been shown the writing on the wall by the government, which is plotting a swift end to their termsGuests:Glenn McConnell - Stuff political reporterLearn More:Read Glenn's piece on the regional council shake up hereBeehive news release on local government changesFurther details from the Department of Internal Affairs Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There's an expectation a rates cap will prove challenging and require teaming up with central Government. The Government's proposing to stop rates increases at 4% a year, excluding water and other non-rates revenue. Councils wanting to go beyond this will need approval from a government-appointed regulator. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith told Mike Hosking he's not surprised councils have been targeted by the Government as it aims to reduce costs across the board. But he says delivery will require the Government to work with them to get costs down, especially in the construction sector. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An assurance a council rates cap will only target unnecessary costs, not community services or infrastructure. By 2029, councils wanting to increase rates by more than 4% will need approval from a government-appointed regulator. Water rates are excluded from the cap. Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking this will be an education process for councils. He says there's a lot of fat in the system and councils need to ensure cash has to be going into essential areas. Watts says he will work with the industry, not against them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday the Government announced an annual 2-4% rates cap range will be fully implemented by 2029. The cap applies to all rates, including general rates, targeted rates and uniform annual charges, but excludes water charges and other non-rates revenue like fees and charges. Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "it's going to be tough Heather, but guess what, it's been tough on everyone - households, businesses. "You think about those on fixed income, in particular, double-digit rate increases, some up to 20%. It's just simply not feasible, and that's what we've been hearing loud and clear from ratepayers" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced the details on its plan for rates caps - councils will be capped at 4%.They will not be able to raise their rates by more than 4%, and the plan will start being implemented in a couple of years' time, sort of mid 27, and then will be fully in place by mid 2029.There will be exemptions to the rate cap. The high growth councils will be exempt from the cap. Councils that experience a natural disaster, something like bad weather, a quake, whatever, they will be exempt. Councils that need to catch up on infrastructure underinvestment, which I thought would have been most councils, they will be exempt.They will have to apply. The exempt will not be automatic. They will have to apply for an exemption, but those are the grounds they can apply on, which I think sounds like potentially a lot of councils who will be able to get around the 4% cap.Now, on the politics of it, it is incredibly smart to announce this - it is incredibly popular. One poll found that about 75% of people want to see this happen, and I really want this to work.I really want this to force councils to sharpen their pencils and start cutting out the nice to haves like the disco toilets and the bus stops with the gardens spouting from the top. And I want them to be able to be going through their staff list and maybe discover like Wellington has in the last week, about 330 people who probably don't need to be paid for by the ratepayer.And this will definitely, I think, do that. It will force a bit of discipline.But what does worry me is that this isn't dealing with the actual problem that we've got in local government, which is that we have a bunch of numpties sitting around the council tables making bad financial decisions.After this, we will still have numpties sitting around the council table, and those numpties will still make bad financial decisions.And if there's one thing that we've learned from recent experience with Wellington City Council, it's that when numpties cut spending, They cut spending on important things like pipes and for some weird reason they keep on spending on the dumb stuff like disco toilets, and I worry that that will happen around the country and we will simply end up with another crisis like we're having at the moment of deferred maintenance.Having said that, It is obviously a much better situation if the numpties have less money to waste rather than more money to waste.So on balance, the rates cap is probably an improvement on the status quo, isn't it?Even if only for the certainty it gives the rest of us that our rates bill next year will not force us out of our homes.In that respect, this has got to be good news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister is pleased to see councils joining forces under the new water infrastructure model. The Department of Internal Affairs expects councils to spend nearly 48-billion dollars on Local Water Done Well over the next decade. The reforms could create more than 40 water entities, with some councils joining multi-council-controlled organisations. Simon Watts told Mike Hosking that 38 councils have already combined to form 12 entities. But he says it's never been about the number of entities - the critical part is whether it's financially sustainable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: A new ruling in the case of the City of Kemaj abusing citizens from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will have far reaching consequences for Texas and local governments that abuse the rights of citizens. One key takeaway: The court “…asserted that a “taking” of property occurs at the time a government takes an action that makes the property unusable.”Read the full story by the great Holly Hansen here: Federal Appeals Court Ruling in Kemah Lawsuit Dismantles Hurdles for Citizens to Sue Local Governments.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Dallas Fed: Texas manufacturing activity accelerates. Texas service sector activity retreats slightly and retail sales fall.More bad polling for Senator John Cornyn.TX23: Brandon Herrera raises $1 million in primary challenge to Tony Gonzales. Are there “Go Brandon!” signs in this primary race?Webb County judge denies violating federal election law.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Ray White speaks to Xanthea Limberg, SALGA Deputy President, as the 2025 SALGA National Members Assembly enters a decisive phase in eThekwini. A central theme emerging from this week’s discussions is the urgent call to strengthen the financial foundations of municipalities, with leaders warning that without a sustainable and reformed funding model, meaningful improvements in service delivery will remain out of reach. Limberg unpacks the conversations taking place on the proposed review of the municipal funding framework, the challenges facing local government finances, and the steps SALGA believes are essential to stabilise and professionalise municipalities across the country. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T 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/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray White speaks to former ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman about the escalating intimidation and violence facing Johannesburg’s councillors, where serving the public is increasingly becoming a fight for personal safety. Harman describes a city where death threats, shootings, and high-profile resignations are becoming alarmingly common, with council meetings collapsing under factional battles, legal threats, and power plays that resemble a political battleground rather than a functional chamber. She delves into the rise of construction mafias, the breakdown of safety structures, and the emotional toll on those trying to govern amid chaos. Harman offers insight into what Johannesburg is facing now, what this means for the months ahead, and whether the city is slipping toward becoming ungovernable. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T 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/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has proposed to abolish regional councils, with city and district councils taking over these duties instead. Labour Party MP Duncan Webb has introduced a member's bill to repeal the Regulatory Standards Act. And the Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate, bringing it to its lowest level in three years in an effort to support economic renewal. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these issues.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: The United States Supreme Court temporarily blocked the judicial panel's 2 to 1 decision against Texas' new Congressional maps. I'll explain the legal argument Texas made in its emergency appeal Friday. The high court required briefings from all parties to be in by today at 5pm.Also, why the new districts being used is so vitally important to the nation.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Stench of Local Government stories:  Brown County Judge Shane Britton arrested on multiple alleged charges. Uvalde County Judge suspended by state commission after indictment. On the brighter side: Gordon has 75 students. Their girls basketball team just beat a school with 5,300.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

The government is planning a shake up of local governmenting, including replacing regional councils with Combined Territories Board; made up of mayors. The government says it will strip out duplication and drive down complexity and compliance costs. Chair of Local Government New Zealand's Regional Sector, Dr Deon Swiggs spoke to Lisa Owen.

In this episode, we sit down with former Drop host and current EMWD Director of Public Affairs, Amanda Fine. We discuss EMWD's communications playbook surrounding FOG (fats, oils, and grease) awareness, and how we work to reach customers before the clog!

Jono Naylor has been around all sides of the issue and joins Emile Donovan.

Newly elected regional councillors are in for a big change, with sweeping Government reforms. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop recently unveiled plans to replace the country's 11 regional councils with boards consisting of local mayors. He suggests this will streamline decision-making, planning and infrastructure across regions. LGNZ Regional Sector Chair Deon Swiggs says the mandate for mayors is different, so they wouldn't have expected to be on a regional board. "There might be some mayors that go - great, yep, we want to get our hands on that regional council. There will be others who go - this is not my jam, I don't want to do that, what are you thinking?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of roles could be facing the axe as the Government looks to scrap regional councils. The Government's proposing replacing them with boards made up of Mayors in a particular region. The proposal aims to reduce duplication and put downward pressure on rates. Boards would be required to put plans in place around re-organising services and infrastructure, which will be checked over and ticked off for financial sustainability. Otago Regional Council Chair Hilary Calvert told Ryan Bridge says they employ a lot of staff. She says they have around 368 roles, which is twice as many as there were six years ago. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional councils are being abolished – or are they? Thomas Coughan writing in the Herald makes a very good point, it's not the councils that are being abolished, it's the council laws. Under the Government's proposal, which was announced yesterday, regional councils would have their governance replaced by Combined Territories Boards, a group made up of a region's mayors, which would govern regional councils instead. The Government wants these new CTBs to decide the future of local government in their regions over a period of two years. They'll look at whether to share services across councils, form shared council-owned companies, whether there's a case to amalgamate into larger unitary authorities, as Auckland has. The government will have the final say after that two years. If they don't like what the mayors come up with, the Local Government Minister will provide a top-down blueprint for how the board will look and what its purview will be. Right now, there are 11 regional councils in this country, alongside 12 city councils, 54 district councils, and six unitary authorities. The unitary authorities act like a local council and regional council combined. If you have a regional council in your area, it's responsible for the land, water, and air resources, flood control, environmental monitoring, and public transport, things like that. And councillors are voted in by you and me to make decisions on behalf of ratepayers. Not that we care. Nobody seems to care particularly if you look at the voter turnout as Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking this morning. “Well, I think no one cares partly because they can't understand it, right? So you vote for your regional councillor, then they elect a chair. I mean, how many people out there listening could actually name the regional council chairs who don't live in Auckland? I don't think anyone, not that many people be able to name a regional councillor. And then of course you've got all the confusion, right? “So in Wellington where I'm from, for example, the regional council runs the buses, but the Wellington City Council basically works out where you can actually put a bus stop, for example, and they do all the road closures and things like that. So there's enormous levels of complexity and complication that people just don't understand. And people say, well, hang on a minute, why am I voting for all these people? I don't understand who most of them are. I don't know who they are. And so there's enormous duplication in the system. So I think that partly explains why voter turnout rates are so low.” He makes a good point. Chris Bishop argues that the changes will reduce the cost of doing business and lower the amount we pay in rates, or at least keep a downward pressure on rates, by removing layers of duplication and bureaucracy. And you would have to say, surely, rates would come down if you're not paying the salaries of hundreds of people per region, their vehicles, the fuel required to power the vehicles, the office space they rent. There's 300-odd in Otago, more than 500 full-time staff in the Bay of Plenty, in the regional council alone. What do these people actually do? And I'd really love to know, how is it that you make life better for the people in your region? As Otago Regional Council chair Hilary Calvert told Ryan Bridge this morning, staff at the Otago Regional Council have doubled in six years. Has life improved for Otago residents by 100% in the last six years? I would very, very much doubt it. You could look at regional councils as like a modern version of the Ministry of Works - a make-work scheme for people in regions. Is that a good enough reason to keep them? Obviously, you're going to have people retained by the Combined Territories Boards. You're not going to see the wholesale sacking of hundreds of people across the region, but it will be streamlined. I mean, it has to be. You cannot tell me that having 500 full-time staff in Bay of Plenty for the regional council can be justified and nor can the number of councillors. People don't care. They don't understand it. It's a whole other level of bureaucracy. It needs to be streamlined. Maybe you think that the increase in your rates, making a make-work scheme for councillors and staff in a regional council is a worthwhile proposition. It's a money-go-round. You pay to have an inflated regional council. And the money comes back to you if you're a retailer because they will spend. To me, it just seems completely and utterly redundant and unproductive, and the sooner it's streamlined into a territorial board, into a streamlined service, the better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti joins Marni and Richard to dive into the workings of a township and what services they provide. 

Majority in Parliament, during the post-budget debate today, posed a question that sparked a heated exchange between the leaders of both caucuses. The heated debate arose from a question by the Local Government Minister, Ahmed Ibrahim, who sought to know the whereabouts of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta

This rates cap, how's it actually going to work. I had Luxon on my Herald show yesterday, an announcement's coming in the next few weeks. But ask any Mayor, not the ones who like disco toilets and golden miles, but the ones who already to the basic stuff and little else. They're cutting their cloth. Tim Macindoe in Hamilton. I spoke to the Tararua Mayor yesterday. They all say the same thing: we are doing the basics. We've cut the silly stuff. And we don't know how this is going to work without bankrupting local government. RMA reforms will be a big part of this. Luxon's talking about amalgamation. If there are fewer consents needed or consents are streamlined, do we need so many councils with a back office bigger than Kim K's booty? Probably not. So less work, especially for regional councils, could lipo some cost out of the system. Then there's the back office more generally. The Tararua Mayor Scott Gilmore makes a good point about double up. We have 67 territorial authorities in New Zealand. All have their own finance departments, comms teams, legal - the full kit and caboodle. Can they combine the back office and save some cash that way? He reckons they can, and to his credit, is already talking to the neighbours about doing just that. But even with no frills and upkeep on the basics, residents are still steering down the barrel of double digit rates increases, or at least north of 7%, which, as we know, is more than inflation. So a rates cap, like a move-on order for rowdy rough sleepers on Queen Street, might sound like a good idea. But is it fixing a problem or simply moving it down the road for somebody else to clean up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 200th episode of the FCCMA Podcast, host Steve Vancore is joined by Casey Cook, Executive Director of FCCMA and Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Florida League of Cities, for a timely and critical conversation about the future of local government in Florida. Casey outlines the growing legislative threats to property tax revenues, warning of a potential existential crisis for municipalities if core funding sources are undermined.Casey offers practical and actionable advice for local government leaders on how to push back against these threats by clearly communicating the value of city services. He stresses the importance of educating residents about the essential functions cities provide and the consequences of reducing local government funding. The episode delivers a candid update on the current policy landscape in Tallahassee. As FCCMA celebrates 200 episodes, Casey reminds listeners that the work of local government is not just essential, it is worth protecting, and it is time for leaders to stand together.

With a critical round of by-elections coming up next week, the African National Congress (ANC) has announced that all candidates for 2026 Local Government Elections will have to undergo criminal record and qualifications vetting, submit interest declarations, and consent to lifestyle audits. This is lauded by Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman on the latest edition of the Electoral Roadshow with Chris Steyn. Sussens gives in-depth previews of the most important upcoming by-elections, including the straight two-horse race between the Democratice Alliance (DA) and the ANC in City of Joburg Ward 90 where President Cyril Ramaphosa lives; the turbulence amid which MKP has to contest Mandeni where Umkhonto we Sizwe won over 70% of the vote in 2024 in the historic ANC stronghold; Kouga where the DA ward councillor walked over to the Patriotic Alliance; and Hantam where the local councillor was assassinated. As for the possible date of next year's Local Government elections, Sussman reveals that he is hearing from reliable sources that it will either be held on 4th or the 11th of November.

Culture-and-tourism investment companies emerge as a new financing channel for localities, but diverted funds and undistinctive projects leave many operating like LGFVs and facing the same financial pressures. Note: The conversation segment of this episode was generated using AI and has been edited for accuracy. It is based on this Caixin story: In Depth: Chinese Local Governments Risk Replicating Mistakes of LGFVs Subscribe now to unlock all coverage from Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal for just $200 a year, enjoying a 66% discount.  Group discounts are available — contact us for a customized plan.

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Phil Riley, Founding Member of Bearing  Advisors   ·       A candid conversation about the Prevent +  Protect program for local government workers.   7 Steps to an Amazing City:   Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show:  https://www.nlc.org/post/2025/07/17/nlc-and-bearing-advisors-announce-launch-of-national-preventprotect-program/  ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Phil Riley of Bearing Advisors:   Phil Riley is the President and CEO of Bearing Advisors, a firm dedicated to connecting businesses with local government solutions. He is a strategic and innovative leader with over 40 years of experience with both Fortune 500 and privately held companies.   During his tenure as CEO of Utility Service Partners, his programs were among the first National League of Cities (NLC) Enterprise Partners, and he led the company to a prestigious Better Business Bureau ethics award.   Today, Phil is at the forefront of a groundbreaking collaboration between Bearing Advisors and the NLC: the national Prevent+Protect program. This initiative provides municipal employees, especially police, fire, and EMS workers, with confidential access to mental health and resiliency support, leveraging federal incentives to make these critical services accessible without increasing municipal budgets. Phil is passionate about supporting the well-being of local government employees and helping communities build healthier, more resilient futures. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim's Popular Books: ·       The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking:   https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city   ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown"  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net      

On Thursday, the government unveiled its new housing plan, promising a minimum of 300,000 new homes to be built by 2030.However, Sinn Féin has criticised the plan, with the party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin saying that it was written for “big developers to benefit their private interests” and that “families have once again been ignored”.Mr. Ó Broin and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the conversation

Met Eireann has issued a status orange weather warning for counties Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford today, with heavy rain expected to create the possibility of “significant flooding”. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Keith Leonard Director of fire and emergency management at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

We talk to Terri Gerstein about how workers are winning strong laws and protections at the state and local level. We talk to a teacher from the Minneapolis Federation of Educators about the strike they'll be going on next week.✦ ABOUT ✦The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond.Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air!Make a one time donation or become a monthly donor on our website or patreon:TVLR.FMPatreon.com/thevalleylaborreportVisit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fmFollow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab...Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReportersFollow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_ALFollow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist✦ CONTACT US ✦Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show!✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! ✦Support them if you can.The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. Mtandj.com; (855) 617-9333The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. iamaw44.org (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.orgDo you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. Ironworkers477.org  256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.netThe NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.comIBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. You belong here. ibew136.org Contact: (205) 833-0909IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. IFPTE.org Contact: (202) 239-4880THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.orgENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.orgThe Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to retail, grocery stores, poultry processing, dairy processing, cereal processing, soda bottlers, bakeries, health care, hotels, manufacturing, public sector workers like crossing guards, sanitation, and highway workers, warehouses, building services,  and distribution. Learn more at RWDSU.infoThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Learn more at AFGE.orgAre you looking for a better future, a career that can have you set for life, and to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself?   Consider a skilled trades apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more at IUPAT.orgUnionly is a union-focused company created specifically to support organized labor. We believe that providing online payments should be simple, safe, and secure.  Visit https://unionly.io/ to learn more.Hometown Action envisions inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. Learn more at hometownaction.orgMembers of IBEW have some of the best wages and benefits in North Alabama. Find out more and join their team at ibew558.org ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Sarah Burns, Irish Times news reporter; Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin O'Broin; and Ann-Marie O'Reilly of Threshold. Then we hear from John Cummins, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning.

The Government today published its new housing plan: 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities: An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness'.It aims to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030 which the Government has described as “ambitious, but also realistic”.John Cummins is Minister of State for Local Government and Planning and Fine Gael TD for Waterford. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Earlier in the show, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins, joined to discuss the Government's new Housing Plan, which was launched today.But, does this new plan do enough?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Eoin O'Broin, Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Conor Skehan, former Chair of the Housing Agency and DIT Lecturer in Planning and Killian Woods, Senior Business Reporter with The Business Post.

The Government, this morning, launched its new housing plan: Delivering Homes, Building Communities'. The plan commits to over 300,000 new homes by 2030 and increasing social and affordable homes. James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Fianna Fáil joined Pat to discuss the new housing plan.

====Sign up for the Ron & Don Newsletter to get more information at⁠⁠www.ronanddonradio.com⁠⁠ (http://www.ronanddonradio.com/)====To schedule a Ron & Don Sit Down to talk about your Real Estate journey, go to⁠⁠www.ronanddonsitdown.com⁠⁠ (http://www.ronanddonsitdown.com/) ====Thanks to everyone that has become an Individual Sponsor of the Ron & Don Show. If you'd like to learn more about how that works:Just click the link and enter your amount at⁠⁠https://glow.fm/ronanddonradio/⁠⁠⁠⁠RonandDonRadio.com⁠⁠ (https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/ea5ecu/metadata/RonandDonRadio.com)Episodes are free and drop on Monday's , Wednesday's & Thursday's and a bonus Real Estate Only episode on Fridays.From Seattle's own radio personalities, Ron Upshaw and Don O'Neill.Connect with us on Facebook⁠⁠Ron's Facebook Page⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/ron.upshaw/)⁠⁠Don's Facebook Page⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/theronanddonshow

In this episode of Good Morning Liberty, host Nate Thurston discusses the current housing affordability crisis and former President Trump's proposal for 50-year mortgages. Nate examines the complexities and potential downsides of longer mortgage terms, emphasizing that the root problem lies in the supply and demand imbalance in the housing market. He suggests that government regulations, state and local zoning laws, and various economic factors are contributing to the housing shortage. Nate also touches upon the role of institutional investors, immigration, and tariffs on building materials in exacerbating the crisis. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of these issues, advocating for policy changes to increase housing supply and affordability. 00:00 Intro 01:46 The 50-Year Mortgage Debate 02:41 Supply and Demand 06:29 Trump's 50-Year Mortgage Proposal 07:56 Personal Housing Experiences 11:36 Market-Driven Mortgage Solutions 15:19 Housing Affordability Crisis 17:58 Interest Rates and Mortgage Payments 30:28 Rental Companies and Housing Supply 33:48 Institutional Investors and Housing Affordability 34:44 Government Regulatory Failures and Housing Shortage 35:24 Personal Anecdotes and Neighborhood Issues 36:42 Investor Home Purchases and Market Share 38:40 State Legislation and Housing Shortage 41:04 Supply and Demand in the Housing Market 46:27 Local Government's Role in Housing Regulations 52:54 Impact of Immigration on Housing 55:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts    

Since 2000, Florida's population growth has been 116%. During that same time property tax revenue collection has risen by a staggering 370%. In other words, property taxes have risen at greater than 3x the rate of population growth!

Local government is meant to be the heartbeat of democracy. But as cities crumble, services collapse, and trust erodes, South Africans are asking: can our municipalities still be saved? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged, host Phumi Mashigo leads an honest discussion with a panel of political leaders tackling the state of local governance ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. From collapsing infrastructure to coalition chaos as well as lessons from the GNU, this episode asks what real local leadership should look like in 2026 and beyond. The Burning Platform

As economic, societal and environmental conditions deteriorate, social tensions are escalating. Some politicians use fear to fuel their own extreme agendas and it's increasingly popular to blame others for the ills of the world. Nationalism and discrimination are at their worst in decades. This has significant negative impact on workplace cohesion as many feel increasingly marginalised.  Yet in contrast, scientific research shows the extent to which successful innovation – much needed in most organisations today – comes from diversity of thought. And different perspectives come, of course, from a rich diversity of lived experience. In this episode, Amraze Khan shares his experience of working in EDI and examines the increasingly urgent need for inclusion at work.   Amraze Khan (He/Him) Amraze is the Head of EDI at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he leads the vision, supporting the University to become intentionally inclusive for its 4,500 staff members and around 40,000 students. He has worked in EDI for nearly a decade, with experience in senior leadership roles across various industries comprising of the NHS, within Charities and Local Government. Prior to this, Amraze worked in senior communication roles in the NHS and Civil Service. Outside of work, Amraze is a proud Yorkshireman, a carer, father to two cats, a Trustee at Rochdale Mind, an avid blogger, and podcaster.   Find Amraze on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amraze-khan-mcipd-miepd-94a1a56b/  

James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, discusses the government's revamped housing policy which is due to be published next week.

 Visit us at Network2020.org. The architecture of international engagement is shifting, and subnational diplomacy is taking center stage. As federal governments scale back traditional foreign policy and funded diplomacy, cities and states are emerging as more prominent actors on the global stage, forging direct international ties to address global issues such as climate change, migration, trade, and public health. As local leaders are increasingly shaping the frameworks of cooperation once reserved for national capitals, this trend raises important questions: How might cities and states recalibrate aid and international engagement to reflect their own priorities? What lessons can be drawn from U.S. cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta as they assert themselves on the global stage? This panel will examine what it means for New York and other cities to be more global in this changing landscape and will explore how public-private partnerships, business engagement, and city-level climate diplomacy are giving new contours to international engagement.Join us for a discussion with Pablo Fernández Marmissolle-Daguerre, Assistant Secretary-General for Partnerships at the United Cities and Local Governments; Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Senior Vice President at the United States Council for International Business and former Deputy Commissioner in the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs and current, and Dr. Raffaele Marchetti, Professor in International Relations at the Department of Political Science and the School of Government of LUISS and the Director of the Center for International and Strategic Studies.  Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay 

Send us a textMost people can name the President—but not their local city council members. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to unpack what local government actually does and why it matters. From who really decides where roads go (hint: it's not your Eagle City Council members) to how citizens can get involved at every level, this episode gets you started with Local Gov 101.Matt shares insights from his conversations with elected officials, candidates, and civic leaders—offering real Idaho examples that bring policy to life. Along the way,  a parallel to that unforgettable Schitt's Creek scene: when Moira tells David to “fold in the cheese,” but never explains how. That's how local government can feel...knowing it's there, but not knowing how to describe who does what and how.Whether you're a newcomer or a lifelong Idahoan, this conversation breaks down structures, responsibilities, and the small steps we can all take to keep democracy strong from the bottom up. Because nothing changes unless we change it.

Welcome to another episode of the Carolina Cabinet, your go-to for common-sense conversations and conservative perspectives in Eastern North Carolina! This week, host Peter Pappas is joined by guest co-host Laura Musler and Pastor Josh as they welcome a very special guest: Dr. Antonio Jones, realtor, community leader, and candidate for Fayetteville City Council District 3.In this episode, the group shares their recent experiences—from family milestones to local sports debates and the importance of engaging with community issues. Antonio opens up about his journey, driven by faith and a commitment to public service, the lessons he learned from his father's legacy, and the importance of honest and transparent communication with constituents. He discusses his previous term on the council, the challenges and successes of navigating local politics, and his ongoing dedication to representing every corner of his diverse district.Get ready for thoughtful insights on transparency in local government, building trust, and leadership responsibility. Plus, you'll get a sense of the personalities behind the region's "sexiest conservative talk show" as the cabinet members mix humor, reflection, and a shared passion for making Fayetteville a better place.Whether you're a local politics enthusiast or just tuning in to get a pulse on your community, this episode promises an engaging and authentic conversation with one of Fayetteville's most dedicated public servants. Grab your coffee and settle in—let's get started!

Welcome to another episode of the Carolina Cabinet, your go-to for common-sense conversations and conservative perspectives in Eastern North Carolina! This week, host Peter Pappas is joined by guest co-host Laura Musler and Pastor Josh as they welcome a very special guest: Dr. Antonio Jones, realtor, community leader, and candidate for Fayetteville City Council District 3.In this episode, the group shares their recent experiences—from family milestones to local sports debates and the importance of engaging with community issues. Antonio opens up about his journey, driven by faith and a commitment to public service, the lessons he learned from his father's legacy, and the importance of honest and transparent communication with constituents. He discusses his previous term on the council, the challenges and successes of navigating local politics, and his ongoing dedication to representing every corner of his diverse district.Get ready for thoughtful insights on transparency in local government, building trust, and leadership responsibility. Plus, you'll get a sense of the personalities behind the region's "sexiest conservative talk show" as the cabinet members mix humor, reflection, and a shared passion for making Fayetteville a better place.Whether you're a local politics enthusiast or just tuning in to get a pulse on your community, this episode promises an engaging and authentic conversation with one of Fayetteville's most dedicated public servants. Grab your coffee and settle in—let's get started!

Jim Daniel, Public Health Leader for State and Local Government at Amazon Web Services, examines AI usage in public health. HIMSS Web Page: Innovative Approaches to Public Health: Generative AI as a Transformative Tool AWS Web Page: Transforming electronic case reports with generative AI: Unlocking faster public health responses AWS Web Page: Scalable intelligent document processing using Amazon Bedrock ASTHO Web Page: Innovation Advisory Council  

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day:  A so-called fix for electric reliability for the Texas grid in the Permian Basin has now morphed into a very expensive case of government mission creep. It could actually worsen the fundamental problem we have with non-dispatchable electric power generation.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas Comptroller to Freeze New ‘Historically Underutilized Business' Certifications. Good, it's all reverse discrimination B.S. to begin with.A sane, sound decision out of the Texas Supreme Court on an old case out of Waco over so-called marriages of homosexuals.Local government good (DeSoto,) bad (Lubbock,) and the ugly (Odessa & Elgin.)They got this editorial right: NBA scandal was predictable. I just wish they would apply their sound reasoning to most everything else!Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Every ten years, Montana voters get the chance to reexamine how their local governments operate. The question was on the ballot in 2024, and about a third of the counties and cities said, “Yes, let's take a look at what […] The post Local Government Reviews – Unique to Montana, Going on Now first appeared on Voices of Montana.

The Supreme Court addresses the tension in planning law that exists between the need to build new houses and the need to protect the environment. https://uklawweekly.substack.com/subscribe Music from bensound.com

This historic, fascinating and expansive world of municipal clerks is the focus our latest episode. Folks who believe clerks mostly just serve to prepare agenda packets and record council vote outcomes might be surprised by how far and wide the job goes. It's one of the most public-facing roles in town hall; generally, the clerk is the one employee that law requires municipal governments to have. Municipal Equation traveled to Cherokee recently for the annual conference and 50th anniversary of the NC Association of Municipal Clerks to record perspectives, wisdom and nuance that people might not realize about the profession. Learn more about the NC Association of Municipal Clerks: https://www.ncamc.com/

00:00 Intro01:27 Trump: ‘We Built China's Military' Due to Unfair Trade02:23 US Warns Beijing Over Coercion Against US Industry03:45 Analyst: Deal to Diversify Critical Minerals Supply05:06 Analyst: Trump Wants Allies to Be More Independent06:11 NY Governor's Former Aide Linda Sun to Go on Trial08:55 Japan's ‘Iron Lady' Takaichi Becomes First Female PM11:57 Why China Isn't a Fan of Japan's New PM: Newsham16:08 Film Exposing Organ Harvesting in China Screened in UK19:07 Chinese Scammers Steal Over $1 Billion From Americans in 3 Years20:02 Petitioners Flock to Beijing to Demand Justice21:15Chinese Farmer Sends Goats to Local Government to Protest21:49 Chinese Private Sector Elites Under Fire

Send us a textHere's a conversation with a lifelong civic servant whose roots run from Monterey Park to Pomona and the San Gabriel Valley. With decades in urban planning and community development, he brings a ground-level view of how cities actually work—housing, zoning, economic development, schools, and the partnerships that make neighborhoods thrive. He currently serves on the Pomona City Council and has spent years volunteering on youth, planning, and education boards that shape real outcomes for families.We trace his path from Cal Poly Pomona's urban and regional planning program to roles in Claremont and Montclair, including Director of Community Development. Along the way, he bridged policy and practice: general plans, code enforcement, downtown revitalization, and the day-to-day tradeoffs between growth, character, and affordability. His private-sector experience adds a practical lens on budgets, operations, and service that complements public service.Community impact sits at the heart of his story. From the Pomona Planning Commission and the Pomona Unified School District Board to Habitat for Humanity's design and construction work, he has focused on long-term value—safer streets, stronger schools, and projects that pencil out for residents and businesses. We talk about aligning city hall, neighborhoods, and nonprofits so progress sticks beyond any single term.If you care about how local government shapes quality of life—housing supply, small business corridors, parks, transportation, and civic engagement—this episode is a field guide. Keywords: Pomona City Council, Monterey Park, San Gabriel Valley, Cal Poly Pomona, urban planning, community development, affordable housing, code enforcement, economic development, downtown revitalization, Habitat for Humanity, local government leadership.__________Music CreditsIntroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OGStingerScarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio LibraryOutroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG__________________My SGV Podcast:Website: www.mysgv.netNewsletter: Beyond the MicPatreon: MySGV Podcastinfo@sgvmasterkey.com