Podcasts about Local government

With local government elections approaching in 2026, concerns are growing over declining youth voter participation. Derrick Marco of Kagiso Trust discusses why many young South Africans feel disconnected from politics, the challenges driving voter apathy, and what can be done to rebuild trust in democratic institutions. The conversation also examines whether greater youth representation could inspire a new generation to engage in shaping their communities. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Downing of the Irish Independent reviews the week in politics. Jerry got John’s response to leading GAA figures addressing the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage this week. The GAA’s strategy, insights and innovation manager Dr Peter Horgan outlined how housing policy is so important in addressing rural decline and the impact this is having on the GAA.

The Honorable Zoila Cassanova serves as the Surrogate Judge of Passaic County, where she oversees matters relating to probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions. Known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach to the law, Surrogate Judge Cassanova brings a deep commitment to justice, integrity, and public service to the Surrogate's Court. Since taking office, Surrogate Judge Cassanova has prioritized accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in the Surrogate's Court.  Within months of assuming the position as Surrogate of Passaic, Surrogate Judge Cassanova launched her “Make a Will” event initiative, partnering with legal services and the state bar association, as well as other pro bono legal groups, to provide FREE Last Will & Testaments, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives/Willing Wills to Seniors, Veterans, and first responders.   She is also a vocal supporter of initiatives aimed at modernizing court operations, such as becoming the first in the State and County government to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a means of making the Surrogate's Court more accessible to non-English and English speakers alike, which garnered her national recognition as the 2024 National Top 100 Influencers in Local Government.  She has also worked to improve the public's understanding of probate law and guardianship, by expanding legal resources for underserved communities through multilingual information sessions and printed materials.   Passaic County Surrogate, Zoila Cassanova, Esq., is an experienced attorney licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and the United States Supreme Court.  Prior to her election, she built a respected legal career in both public service and private practice, serving as a trusted advisor in the areas of estates and trust, labor and employment law, medical malpractice, immigration, and criminal law. Her legal acumen, combined with a steadfast dedication to the people of Passaic County, has earned her a reputation as a strong advocate for fairness and equity in the legal system.  In 2025, Surrogate Judge Cassanova was nominated by her peers to serve as Surrogate section Chief representing all County Surrogates.  From 2023 to present, she has served on the Judiciary Liaison committee, working with the Judiciary to improve the Chancery/Surrogate process. Ms. Cassanova holds a Bachelor of Science in Labor Relations, a Master of Science in Education, and was a licensed provisional New York State Teacher.  She received her Jurist Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law, where she taught and served as Director of the Legal Education Opportunity Program and as a member of the admissions Diversity Council.   In addition to her judicial duties, Surrogate Judge Cassanova is actively involved in community outreach, mentorship programs, and continuing legal education efforts. She is committed to fostering public trust in the Surrogate's Court and ensuring that every individual who comes before the Surrogate's court is treated with dignity and respect.  Surrogate Judge Cassanova's work reflects her belief that the Surrogate's Court is not just a place for legal resolution, but a cornerstone of compassion, service, and justice for families in times of transition. Surrogate Judge Cassanova believes in the importance of mentoring and giving back to the community.  She seizes every opportunity to demystify Surrogate Court, through community outreach and information.  She welcomes the opportunity to visit the community and provide information about probate, guardianships, and adoptions.   Surrogate Judge Cassanova has been recognized by various groups for her professional and academic achievements, as well as her community work.  Among her recent recognitions includes 2024 National Top 100 Influencers in Local Government, Surrogate of the Year – New Jersey Peruvian, Inc.; Exemplary Mother of the Year – Desfile Dominicano, NJ, Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce of NJ – International Woman Day's Honoree; Fairleigh Dickerson University – Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree; International Women's Day Purple Festival Honoree; and Passaic County Board of County Commissioners Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree.  Her academic achievements include being a Seton Hall Centennial Scholar and a New Jersey Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship recipient, as well as being an inductee of the Academic Honor Societies: Delta Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi. 

Send us Fan MailJulia Novak, CEO & Executive Director of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, brings together city and county managers, the people who get the work done alongside mayors and councilmembers. Which is why NLC's partnership is so important, as we all put residents' needs first. She oversees all aspects of ICMA, including membership, staff, and implementation of the executive board's strategic objectives. With extensive experience in local government, Julia has served as both a city manager and a deputy city manager.For more information, visit us at nlc.org.

Ryan and Dana discuss two new reports that highlight concerns about spending practices among local government officials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Copley reports on a rare Ebola outbreak and jihadi threats in Central Africa. He notes that local governments fail to fund necessary healthcare infrastructure, relying instead on outside aid. Additionally, Copley details the ongoing Ethiopian civil war and the complex regional power struggle over control of the vital Red Sea. (11)1900 CAR

Join host Guy Ruddle and guests David Bainbridge, Alison Flood and Rhys Govier from Savills Planning as they discuss the relationship between devolved powers and the planning system across England, Scotland and Wales. Following on from the English Devolution Bill receiving Royal Assent, this podcast discusses what to expect and the lessons that can be learned from the planning systems of Scotland and Wales.

Today, Hunter was joined once again by Alex Kornya. In this episode, Alex and Hunter discuss a range of topics including court fines and fees in Iowa and how to pass policies that stop local governments from co-operating with federal immigration enforcement.   Guest: Alex Kornya, Litigation Director, Legal Aid Justice Center, Virginia     Resource: No Immigration Fines https://noimmigrationfines.org/   Legal Aid Justice Center https://www.justice4all.org/   Ability to Pay Calculator https://abilitytopay.org/interview?i=docassemble.ATPCalculator:data/questions/ATP.yml#page1     Contact Hunter Parnell:      Publicdefenseless@gmail.com  Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter                                                                 @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com  Subscribe to the Patreon www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast  Donate on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show! https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home **** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****  

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has launched an audit of all MMDAs over failures in enforcing building permit regulations and development controls.

Weekend recap. The potential loss from the ending of property taxes for local governments. Governments always find a way to make up for loss revenue. Illegal hissing cockroaches in Australia. Jonathan Savage on Chinese President Xi heading to North Korea for a visit with Kim Jung Un. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A. J. is joined by Michael Stansfield, CEO of Civic-Chain, to discuss the importance of government transparency, providing tools that make it easy for journalists and citizens to keep government honest, and how blockchain tools (like Civic-Chain) can make this happen. Learn more about Civic-Chain at https://civic-chain.com AD: Get great specialty coffee from Porcupine Coffee Roasting using code "NETake" for 15% off at https://porcupinecoffeeroasting.com Join the Substack at https://newenglandtake.com and email A. J. at aj@newenglandtake.com

With three weeks to go until the Makerfield byelection, where an Andy Burnham victory could change the direction of the Labour party, Pippa Crerar joins him on the campaign trail in Wigan and Leigh, speaking to voters on their doorsteps. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Thank you so much for listening to the Bob Harden Show, celebrating nearly 15 years broadcasting on the internet. On Thursday's show, we visit with the Co-Founder and CEO of the Florida Citizens Alliance Keith Flaugh about the status of Artificial Intelligence legislation in Florida. Cato Institute Director of Health Policy Studies Michael Cannon and I discuss proposed work requirements for Medicaid in Florida as well as claims of fraud in Obamacare. We also visit Senior Economist with CEI Ryan Young about consumer sentiment, inflation, interest rates, and tariffs. We also visit with Collier County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Crystal Kinzel about expanded courthouse space as well as the proposed roll-back on residential real estate taxes. We have terrific a terrific guest for Friday's show, author and Professor Andrew Joppa. Access this and past shows at your convenience on my web site, social media platforms or podcast platforms.

Thank you so much for listening to the Bob Harden Show, celebrating nearly 15 years broadcasting on the internet. On Thursday's show, we visit with the Co-Founder and CEO of the Florida Citizens Alliance Keith Flaugh about the status of Artificial Intelligence legislation in Florida. Cato Institute Director of Health Policy Studies Michael Cannon and … The post The Impact on Local Governments on the Roll-Back of Real Estate Taxes in Florida appeared first on Bob Harden Show.

A year after he first broke the story of possible corruption at Swellendam Municipality, citizen journalist and editor of news62.co.za - Mickey Mentz – gives Lester Kiewit an update on what has been happening with the corruption probe. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fashion and textiles industry accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, consumes 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, and generates 92 million tons of waste each year — yet only 1% of textiles are recycled back into new products. In this episode, we sit down with three leading experts to unpack one of the most resource-intensive industries on the planet and explore what a genuinely circular textiles sector could look like.We're joined by Mark Sumner, Head of Textiles at WRAP; Sarah Morley, Strategic Engagement Manager at WRAP Americas; and Linda Breggin, Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute. Together, we trace the full lifecycle of a garment from field to landfill, examine fast fashion as a consumer behavior rather than just a retail phenomenon, and explore how circular design, durability standards, voluntary industry agreements, and policy intervention are beginning to reshape the system.Whether you're working in sustainability, environmental policy, waste reduction, or supply chain management, this episode offers both the big-picture framework and the on-the-ground insights you need to understand where the textiles industry is headed — and what it will take to get there. See WRAP's website for more information.Introduction: The Environmental Footprint of the Fashion and Textiles Industry (02:37)Lifecycle of a Garment: Hotspots, Impacts, and Intervention Points (03:47)Circular Design in Practice: The Pillars of a More Sustainable Textiles Industry (11:05)Changing Consumer Behavior (21:34)The UK Textiles Pact and the Durability Accelerator: Industry Collaboration in Action (29:49)WRAP's US Expansion: Landscape Review, Gaps, and the Road Ahead (45:14)The Role of State and Local Governments (48:33)Concluding Thoughts (54:43) ★ Support this podcast ★

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Professor Marie Huchzermeyer, Town Planning and Architecture Expert, about Johannesburg's struggle to provide alternative accommodation for residents living in unsafe buildings. The discussion explores the city's housing challenges, urban inequality, and the broader question of access to affordable housing close to economic opportunities. 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 brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 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.

The Government will stop unelected individuals from voting on council committees, a move an Act MP has described as closing an anti-democratic loophole. It seems like a no brainer. Why should unelected individuals have the right to vote on council committees? Of course people who have never been elected to a council or a government shouldn't be given voting rights. You can certainly ask people for their opinion, their informed comment, but voting rights? The issue of unelected New Zealanders being appointed to council committees and then having voting rights has been in the news recently, predominantly around the Far North where hapū representatives were confirmed to be put on a committee tasked with shaping Māori strategic relationships and embedding Te Tiriti based partnership in council decision making. Fair enough, getting their opinions. Absolutely. You would imagine that hapū representatives are the best people to talk about how to shape Māori strategic relationships and how they see Te Tiriti being enacted through council decision making. Totally fair enough. Where it gets a bit murky is that they have full speaking and voting rights alongside elected representatives. They're also paid the daily rate. They don't have to accept it, but they are paid a daily rate of around about 250 bucks plus travel costs plus any childcare, just as elected representatives can ask for. They can volunteer their time and their knowledge, but if they want to be paid, they will be. They wouldn't make final decisions, but they would vote on the issues that would be heard at full council. ACT leader David Seymour said anyone voting on council decisions should be accountable, including facing elections, and the party lodged a member's bill to prohibit voting rights for unelected appointees. But Simon Watts, Local Government Minister, has basically cut their lunch and announced that non-elected individuals can be appointed to offer their professional advice, they can represent communities, but they will not be able to vote or count towards a quorum. The statutory committees and appointments, including those agreed as part of a treaty settlement though, will be excluded. WATTS: This is a specific board set up for Auckland Council. Short answer is, is that for the Independent Māori Statutory Board, those members will only be able to vote on council committees where the law specifically enables it, and what that means is, is that that committee's set up under a different act. HDPA: So they retain their voting rights? WATTS: If it's related to the specific act. So it relates to where they're doing the management of natural and physical resources. If they're on a subcommittee doing that, then they're able to vote. Anything else, they're not able to. So, does that clear it up? I would be really interested to hear from a range of interests as to how council decisions will impact, and some will vary more than others. If you're in Wellington right now, for example, and you're in council, you would want to hear from businesses as to how decisions made by the council have impacted upon them. The cycle lanes, the development of, or the neglect really, the lack of development around the bridge, the Paremata Bridge and the library, the reopening of the library, the cost of that, the redevelopment of the Michael Fowler Centre. You would want representatives from business to say, look, this is our experience, this is what's happening, make your decisions perhaps based on that. If you're Māori in the Far North and you're dealing with issues around Māori land or the rating of Māori land, the re-rating of Māori land, or water, tourism perhaps, you would definitely want a Māori lens, a Māori perspective. But if you're going to be making decisions so that some issues don't make it to full council, elected members might not even know that there was an issue because it's been dealt with by these unelected representatives and they have voted on what the elected members of the council will actually see, I think it's a different story. Imagine if the Government asked a panel of Newstalk ZB hosts for their reckons to shape policy and then vote on it as to what would get to Parliament. You know, basically act as a select committee. I don't think so. You wouldn't stand for that. And if we want to have our reckons represented at a council level or government level, then we stand. We stand as councillors, mayors, we stand as MPs. There are 33 Māori across all parties in Parliament, representing a huge range of views and lived experiences, which is fantastic. We have councillors, chief executives, highly regarded mayors, all Māori. And I'd be really interested to hear the views of Māori, particularly in how it relates to land and water management. But if you're not elected, I don't think you should have a vote. Have a reckon by all means, but not a vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The speed of the changes to council voting rights is sparking some concern. The Government is amending the Local Government Act, which would strip non-elected representatives of voting rights on council committees. Changes would impact iwi and youth representatives, although Treaty-based committees are exempt. Local Government NZ Board Member and Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Kerre Woodham that while they understand where Minister Simon Watts is coming from, this is substantial and unprecedented reform. She says it's a pretty quick change to the law, and they hope they can continue to have input so as to ensure there's no unintended consequences. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister says most councils will be affected by the Government's overhaul of committee voting rights. A Bill amendment will strip voting rights from unelected members —including iwi and youth representatives— on council committees. Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan he's open to further changes down the track, but acknowledges some unelected members still bring value to local decision-making. He says there are emergency management committees that have specific expertise, for example. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is labelling the Government's overhaul of council voting rights a distraction. A Bill amendment will strip voting rights from unelected members —including iwi and youth representatives— on council committees. It comes after the Far North District Council moved to expand its Māori liaison committee. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Heather du Plessis-Allan the issue is not a priority for New Zealanders. She says people are far more worried about paying their bills and being able to cope everyday. National's Mark Mitchell disagrees, saying that stance shows how out of touch Labour really is. He told du Plessis-Allan that most Kiwis are pretty proud of our democracy, and he doesn't think they want unelected people going onto committees and making decisions. Mitchell says it's always prudent to have unelected people with special skillsets and backgrounds advising, but not voting, and he thinks most Kiwis would agree. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister says they're restoring democratic accountability to councils. The Government's amending a bill currently before Parliament to bar non-elected council members from voting on committees. It follows councillors in the Far North voting to expand a Māori liaison committee. Simon Watts explained such examples give voting rights to people not elected by the community. "You've also seen instances in the last term with someone under the age of 18 being appointed onto Hastings Council. None of that stuff can happen going forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Professor Mark Swilling of Sustainable Development in the School of Public Leadership at the University of Stellenbosch, about whether Johannesburg's municipal entities are improving service delivery or adding costly layers of administration. The discussion explores governance, infrastructure challenges and the future of local government reform. 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 brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 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.

The Government's being praised for stepping in to save councils from themselves. It's amending a Bill before Parliament to stop unelected council committee members —like iwi representatives— from voting. It follows a decision by the Far North District Council to expand its Māori liaison committee. District Councillor Davina Smolders told Francesca Rudkin the recent rise in unelected members prevents councils from fixing problems on their own. She says if someone has the power to cast votes that affect rates, roads, and water, they should have to earn the support of voters. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Local Government Elections will be taking place at some stage towards the latter part of the year, but have you checked to see if you are properly registered? Are you perhaps now of voting age or at least will have turned 18 by the time election day arrives? Have you perhaps moved into a new area and therefore need to register this change? Lester Kiewit speaks to the Western Cape Provincial Electoral Office, Michael Hendrickse, to cover all the essential elements of the voter registration process. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kieran O'Donnell, Fine Gael TD for Limerick City and Min. of State at the Dept. of Health and at the Dept. of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South-West.

Today's panel is made up of Kieran O'Donnell, Fine Gael TD for Limerick City and Min. of State at the Dept. of Health and at the Dept. of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South-West.

Sean Clancy, former head of the Irish Defence Forces joins the panel of Kieran O'Donnell, Fine Gael TD for Limerick City and Min. of State at the Dept. of Health and at the Dept. of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and Ciarán Ahern, Labour Party TD for Dublin South-West.

A massive political shift is hitting Rutherford County as a historic wave of newly elected officials prepares to take office. In this deep-dive conversation, host Brian Barr

City leaders are eager to deploy AI, but the real opportunity lies in preparation: building the right organizational structures, expertise, and culture first. Host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Teddy Svoronos, senior lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, about how to structure your city government for Agentic AI, why small, empowered teams work better than broad rollouts, and what mental models and skills leaders actually need to manage this new relationship with AI tools. In this episode, you'll learn: Why creating a data-driven culture before AI deployment is the critical first step How to start with a small, driven team to stress-test AI capabilities in your organization What "cognitive debt" means and why managing it prevents costly AI mistakes Why domain-specific expertise becomes more important, not less, as AI gets more powerful How to balance the tension between AI utility and maintaining organizational control What guardrails, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms cities need in place from the start Guest: Teddy Svoronos – Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School Listener Survey: bit.ly/datasmartpod Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa About Data-Smart City Solutions Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on LinkedIn.

John Maytham speaks to reporter Alex Patrick about Johannesburg’s controversial draft budget, growing executive salary costs and concerns that the city is heading deeper into financial crisis while basic service delivery deteriorates. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: A big Texas school district, its board, and administrators, demonstrate what is all too commonly wrong in the management and governance of Texas school districts, counties, and cities. The ridiculous behavior is enabled only because these entities have access to your wallet and life savings.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.New TEA measurement tool shows an average of over 200- Texas public school employees, per month, are arrested or have updates to their criminal records!Oil and gas drilling rig count jumps this week by a big number.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the recent vendor issue involving Maryland's mail-in ballots for the June 23 gubernatorial primary and walk through what county officials and voters need to know moving forward.The conversation explains how Maryland's election system is structured, why the State Board of Elections decided to send replacement ballots, what safeguards exist to prevent duplicate voting, and why counties are not expected to absorb the costs tied to replacement efforts. Our dynamic duo also shed light on the role county governments actually play in election administration, the importance of maintaining public confidence in elections, and how misinformation and social media reactions can quickly complicate public understanding of election issues.Plus, hear takeaways from MACo's recent membership conversation with State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis and where voters should go for trusted updates.Tune in for a practical conversation focused on process, transparency, and separating fact from fiction during a rapidly developing election story. Show Notes:Mail-In Ballot Questions: What Is the County Government's Role? – Conduit StreetFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

How has England's political landscape changed after the May 2026 elections? How will new local leaders go about their new roles? And what does this mean for the delivery of the government's local government reorganisation (LGR) agenda?   In this special episode of Inside Briefing, Matthew Fright, the Institute for Government's LGR anorak, has been gathering views across three areas - Surrey, Essex and Kent – at the forefront of LGR delivery to see how the government's aims to remove two-tier local government will be impacted by May's elections.  PLUS: An expert panel to unpick the election results and consider the demanding in-tray facing new local leaders as they get up to speed on this once in a generation transformation of local areas.    Featuring:   Ed Hammond, Director of Public Sector Audit at Grant Thornton UK  Heather Jameson, Editor of MJ  Vicky Elliot, Director of the IfG Academy  Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at IfG  Plus interviews with:   Cllr Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council  Mari Roberts-Wood, Chief Executive of Reigate and Banstead District Council  Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford District Council  Cllr Kevin Bentley, former leader of Essex County Council   Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council  Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council  This podcast was produced with the kind support of Grant Thornton UK.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Governor Reynolds signed the property tax bill into law, and Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson are here to put a bow on it. The 2% revenue cap takes effect July 1st, with estimates putting the relief at $4 billion over six years. The response from local governments has ranged from genuine concern to full-blown hysteria — pools, libraries, trails, economic development, and public safety all reportedly on the chopping block because government spending is being slowed down, not cut. Chris and John's response: that's the point. The legislature heard from voters, stood up to significant lobbying pressure, and passed a real reform. When local governments have to reprioritize, that's a feature of this bill, not a bug. And compared to what other states managed — Minnesota offered a one-time $173 property tax rebate, Tennessee couldn't pass a cap at all, Kansas had its reform vetoed — what Iowa did is genuinely significant.With the primary three weeks out, the governor's race is the other main story. The carbon pipeline and eminent domain — the defining issue of the early campaign — has largely faded from paid media. Congressman Feenstra is running as a Trump-aligned fighter, heavy on border security, women's sports, and his tax record. Zach Lahn has carved out an "Iowa First" lane — Iowa schools, Iowa jobs, Iowa farmland — and is raising harder questions on agriculture, cancer, and water quality that don't fit the typical Republican primary mold. Adam Steen is putting money behind going after Feenstra directly while appealing to the evangelical conservative base. Brad Sherman leans into his biography and anti-establishment framing. Nobody is breaking away — Chris expects a closer than expected finish. A quick look elsewhere: the Democrat Senate primary for Joni Ernst's seat — Josh Turek with establishment backing versus Zach Wahls aligned more with the progressive wing — mirrors the same national tensions playing out in blue primaries across the country. And from Minnesota: 17 cities in one county have voted to fly the old state flag, rejecting the redesign pushed by the current governor. Sometimes the best local control stories come from next door.0:01:35 - Welcome Back to the Hendrickson Library0:03:37 - Trivia0:05:23 - Governor Signs the Property Tax Bill0:06:48 - Local Government Doom and Gloom — Is Any of It Real?0:10:17 - That's the Point: Why the Complaints Are Actually Good News0:14:22 - The Legislature Stood Up to the Lobby — And That Matters0:18:14 - How Iowa's Reform Compares to What Other States Got0:22:17 - Governor's Race Check-In: What's on TV and Why It Matters0:24:11 - Randy Feenstra0:25:58 - Zach Lahn0:30:40 - Adam Steen0:31:29 - Brad Sherman0:32:22 - Can Anyone Break Away? Reading the Primary0:33:30 - Do Endorsements Matter?0:36:00 - Democrat Senate Primary: Turek vs. Walz0:38:40 - Minnesota's Flag Rebellion: Local Control Cuts Both Ways

Kgomotso Modise, in for Clement Manyathela speaks to Songezo Zibi, who is the SCOPA Chair, to discuss his committee’s concerns about how local government facilitates traffic fine collections. 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.

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Donnavan Pepper of the National Strategic Partnership at Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies. ·       A candid conversation about building bridges in local government ·       And, much more 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:  www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Donovan Pepper:     Donovan W. Pepper is Principal and Director of National Strategic Partnerships at Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies , where he leads multi-jurisdictional government relations and builds nationwide advocacy coalitions. Prior to this role, he spent nearly 18 years as Senior Director of Government Relations and Civic Engagement at Walgreens, directing legislative and public health protection strategies across all 50 states. His deep public policy background also includes leadership positions with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Restaurant Association, AT&T, and Amtrak, following an early career as an Illinois House of Representatives staffer. A dedicated civic leader, Mr. Pepper is a trustee of Knox College, a member of the University of Illinois System presidential search committee, and the former Chairman of the Board for The Civic Federation. Recognized by President Barack Obama for national and community service, he holds a master's degree in political studies from the University of Illinois Springfield.  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

Andy Burnham may have a route back to Westminster – and a path to the Labour leadership. But first the Greater Manchester mayor must win a byelection in Makerfield, where Nigel Farage has vowed Reform UK will ‘throw absolutely everything' at the contest. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's north of England correspondent Hannah al-Othman, who has been talking to voters in the constituency. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In today's podcast, Michael Gove is joined by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, at a Spectator event titled ‘Levelling Up vs Pride in Place', sponsored by Autodesk.They discuss the evolution of government plans to empower local communities – from Big Society to Levelling Up and now Pride in Place – the challenges they face, the lessons that Labour is trying to learn from Conservative mistakes, and why continuity matters when it comes to governing.However, their conversation coincides with a time when Labour's continuity of leadership is under serious threat, given Wes Streeting's resignation and – live as Michael and Steve were in conversation – the decision by Josh Simons MP to relinquish his duties as the MP for Makerfield so Andy Burnham can begin the process of returning to the Commons. Listen as Steve – one of Keir Starmer's closest allies and friends – digests the news and responds to those who think there is a ‘caped superhero that's coming our way who has got all the answers to these problems'.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com  - Power Cutoff for Nevada Residents Due to Data Centers (0:12) - Impact on Residential Real Estate and Legal Implications (6:03) - Challenges for Liberty Utilities and Alternative Energy Solutions (6:21) - Global Trends and Future Power Shortages (9:32) - The Role of Big Tech and Local Governments (15:19) - The Impact of Climate Cultism on Energy Policy (20:38) - Preparation and Solutions for Energy Shortages (24:49) - The Role of AI in Education and Employment (27:07) - The Future of Work and Entrepreneurship (28:53) - The Importance of Physical Gold and Silver (58:13) - Data Centers and Their Impact on Humanity (1:15:02) - Environmental and Social Concerns of Data Centers (1:18:17) - AI and Military Influence on Data Centers (1:23:29) - Technological Advancements and AI Projections (1:27:50) - AI Weaponization and Ethical Concerns (1:31:32) - China's Leadership in Technology and AI (1:50:18) - Energy and Resource Competition (1:55:28) - Global Economic and Environmental Impact (2:06:48) - Future Predictions and Strategic Outlook (2:11:29) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport  ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:

We're going to discuss the big questions around nature restoration in Ireland — who has the power to make change happen, what's slowing progress down, and whether Ireland is moving fast enough to meet its environmental obligations. The conversation comes ahead of the Changing Landscapes Conference taking place at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, organised by Hometree. The event will bring together Government representatives, landowners, investors, NGOs and community leaders to examine how Ireland can deliver restoration at the scale now required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Alan Morrissey was joined by Ray Ó Foghlú, Engagement and Education Officer with Hometree, and Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Image © Hometree

Clare is said to be "back on track" regarding protecting the biodiversity of its rivers following a €1.3 million funding allocation. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced the funds as part of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme which is intended to address artificial barriers to fish migration. A total of nine projects in Clare are being supported through the initiative. Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine Timmy Dooley says the county's waterways will be healthier and more resilient going forward.

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MARKDAVIS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/markdavisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais, two of the nation's leading election law scholars dissect a ruling that could soon reverberate through elections at every level of government. Nathaniel Persily joins Pam Karlan for a discussion about the Callais decision—what it means for racial representation, partisan gerrymandering, and anti-discrimination law. Karlan and Persily are longtime collaborators, including as co-authors of The Law of Democracy: Legal Structure of the Political Process. Their conversation traces the Voting Rights Act's evolution from the landmark Thornburg v. Gingles decision to the Court's latest narrowing of Section 2, and examines how the ruling could affect congressional maps in 2026, minority representation at every level of government, and the broader future of disparate impact protections. As Persily explains, the Court has moved from treating partisan gerrymandering as constitutionally suspect to a place where it is now “a legitimate state practice, a legitimate interest that's almost being celebrated.”   Links: Nate Persily >>> Stanford Law School Page Connect: Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast Website Stanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn Page Rich Ford >>>  Twitter/X Pam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School Page Stanford Law School >>> Twitter/X Stanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X [00:00:30] Introduction: The Voting Rights Act Under Siege [00:02:18] Section 2's Original Promise: Results Over Intent [00:11:06] Louisiana v. Cali: Dismantling the Gingles Framework [00:23:17] From Unconstitutional to Celebrated: The Partisan Gerrymandering Evolution [00:28:14] Future Implications: Elections and Civil Rights Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Communities across Tennessee are facing the challenge of managing rapid growth while also protecting valuable farmland. Josh Suddath, Executive Director of the University of Tennessee Center for Local Government, is working to support these communities by providing guidance and resources to help them plan more effectively for the future.

While Minister Simon Watts on Tuesday described the latest development as "the Government getting out of the way," councils who have pushed back against the Government's plans have been thrown a lifeline. They've been given three months to join with other councils and pitch a plan to the Government for how they would like reform to look in their region. It now will not be passed into law before the election. Local Government Minister Simon Watts spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. 

Helen Pidd and Peter Walker on the local elections and why the Green party has surged in the polls. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Pippa Crerar is joined by the election analyst Prof Rob Ford to look at the upcoming local and devolved elections. Will Reform dominate across England? Can the Greens remove Labour's longstanding hold over London? And will the nationalists win in Scotland and Wales?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod