Podcasts about local lowdown

www.commsolutionsmn.com- It's been a little while since we've done a Local Lowdown show. It's important that we know what the cities of this state are up to, because it could very well mean that we will begin to see these things pop up in other cities. Plymouth has proposed a 6.9% property tax increase. What will this tax hike get you? You will be funding six new full time positions, including a "diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator". You might not be working, but at least someone else is employed and you are footing the bill. Golden Valley is removing their crime-free housing initiative. According to the MN Crime Prevention Association, the program gives multi-unit housing complexes a certification based on a three-step program that is meant to stop and deter crime on their grounds. Golden Valley has decided that it wants to weaken the participation of multi-unit housing managers and owners, because it's unfair to those that want to break the law and make everyone else feel unsafe. Hennepin County attorney, Mike Freeman, said that he is not going to request bail for such low level crimes as theft of up to $35,000, property damage, possession of burglary tools, and identity theft. What about repeat offenders? A lot of these crimes were selected to get Minneapolis' rioters off the hook without any kind of accountability for their actions. New Hope is raising taxes, yet again, and is celebrating that it's only a half-million dollar raise over last year's monumental tax increase... and they couldn't even afford a mobile-friendly website. We also cover a couple of the outstanding House races in Iowa and New York. In the Empire State, they found 55 ballots, in a race where the Republican was ahead by 12 votes. I'm sure it's all super fair. We follow the discussion right into redistricting and what may happen in Minnesota, as we look forward to shifting our congressional districts around again, so that those that don't stand up for us anyway, can continue to stay in power. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode, Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Public school districts will often have an official group called a Legislative Action Coalition (LAC). They are a lobbying group that is supposed to be made up from people in the community. When you read their platform, however, you begin to question whether that's true.  You'd expect to see planks about graduation rates, student achievement, teacher accountability, etc., but no. It is obviously written by some outside group. They want to get rid of referendums, so that voters don't get to approve their increases. They want a more diverse workforce. They are pushing a for tiered licensing system. None of these things are issues parents worry about. Every school district seems to have most of the same goals, so there's no way it's written locally. We look at Robbinsdale, Hopkins,  Osseo, and Grand Rapids to prove it. In the Local Lowdown, we follow up on some news from the President's Executive Order that allows for counties to opt out of taking mass refugees.  Beltrami county decided to opt out of having mass refugee settlements. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (The Fonz) threatened Beltrami County to pull state funding if they don't change their minds. So much for local control. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- We are going to jump right on the third rail issue of immigration today. Refugees have been getting placed here into tightly cloistered settlements in cities like St. Cloud and Worthington. We firmly believe that we need an improved immigration process to get more of the best people in here. We also believe that we need an orderly process, and it shouldn't be a free for all. President Trump signed Executive Order 13888 to give counties a choice as to whether they want to be part of the federal program to resettle refugees in their area. These counties are all upset that they are being given a choice instead of being forced by the Federal Government. What?!?!?! A few MN counties (such as Kandiyohi) have already opted in. Only one (Beltrami) has opted out. The problem isn't immigration. It is all of the free stuff given to refugees on the backs of residents. It becomes overwhelming to taxpayers when entire groups move in at once.  In the Local Lowdown, the City of St. Paul has created a new office that handles Renters Rights, Worker's Co-ops, and children's college savings accounts. While handing out the rental licenses, they complain about the access to affordable housing. They have driven homeowners out of the city, to where there are disproportionately more renters. They have also implemented a policy that gives all children born in St. Paul a whopping $50 for college. Don't spend that all in one semester! Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Governor Walz just signed an executive order to recommit Minnesota to tackle the "problem" of climate change. We are not hitting our goals in regulating emissions, so we've got to become even stricter in our regulations. MN has also joined the Under2 Coalition... when all else fails let's join another club. Joining this club guides governance and policy making towards driving the goal of zero emissions. The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board is going after cars to get people to take transit or drive electric vehicles. They will regulate every new development and building project. They even try to give "helpful hints" on how to make your next party or funeral environmentally friendly. They create a crisis and then tell us how to limit our lifestyles in order solve this manufactured problem. Our private property rights are being chipped away at, and sometimes being downright bulldozed over. We have to know what they are trying to do in order make sure we stand against their encroachments. In the Local Lowdown, St. Cloud State is dropping it's football and golf to comply with Title IX. Apparently there are too many opportunities for men... but hey, at least they are adding soccer. Under the catagory of worst ideas, the Mayor of Fairfield, Iowa was selected by a "blind drawing" after a tie. Why can't we take our elections seriously? You also find out quite a bit about our own Andrew Richter in a rousing game of "Would You Rather". Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Have you ever wondered how all of these local politicians can call themselves "fiscal conservatives"? They may hold the line on the annual tax levy, but they are willing to rack up debt for all of these "wonderful" projects. They go into debt, because you won't see all of their spending on your annual property tax statement. You have to go near the end of the lengthy Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to find where they bury all of this spending. We discuss the difference between a general obligation bond and a lease revenue bond, and how they work. We look into the atrocious debt levels of Maple Grove, Three Rivers Park District, Grand Rapids, Burnsville, and more. We show you how and where to find the tens of millions of dollars that they all seem to be in debt. What if there is an economic downturn? It is time for a culture change in how we approach debt.  In the Local Lowdown, residents are up in arms because the Rochester City Council wants to give Elton Hills Drive a "road diet" (making a four lane road two lanes with a center turn lane) to make a complete street. It's not just for urban areas anymore. Also, we discuss Michael Bloomberg jumping into the presidential race as Kamala Harris is jumping out. We tell you what we think it all means. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- I know... we're a Minnesota-centric show. We always say, however, that what goes on here is happening everywhere. National special interests pass along their policies through the National League of Cities to the state Leagues to the cities themselves. Can this be true? We take a look at South Bend, Indiana. No one is talking about Mayor Pete Buttigieg's job in the Midwestern town, so we will. It's kind of important to know his mayoral record, since he is running for president. It's also important that we start to connect the dots to show that these cities are all the same. The South Bend website looks like a campaign piece for "Mayor Pete". Is that even legal? All the favorites are here... equity, transit funding, war on cars, affordable housing, climate action plans, biking, complete streets, and more. Between that and the gang violence, the good mayor is doing a smash up job. You will see that South Bend is no different than the average Minnesota city. Now what are you going to do about it? In the Local Lowdown,some idiot physically assaulted an educational assistant at Robbinsdale Armstrong high school, while some "hero" broadcast it on social media. The kicker? It was his first day back from suspension... for fighting. Real classy. Speaking of which, unruly teens brought about the end of New Hope's Duk Duk Days for good. I guess enforcing the law is just too hard. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- What if you had to pay a local income tax on top of everything else that is required of you? It's not so far-fetched a question. Counties, cities, and school districts across the nation impose a local income tax. You'd be surprised at the states that do and don't have them. It is not even close to a left-right breakdown. They can be assessed on those that live and work in a given city. They can be charged in addition to property taxes. They could be based on income or on a percentage of state taxes paid. They can be withheld... then again maybe not. There seems to be as many ways to devise these taxes as the human mind can dream up. Listen in and learn what to watch out for. We don't want to ever allow this to take hold in Minnesota. In the Local Lowdown, everyone's favorite mayor is back in the news, as she is touting the new solar panels on her house. It is a very expensive project, but not for her. The big secret is that you (the taxpayer) paid for 2/3 of it ($18,000). Some things never change... Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- It is that time again, where cities have passed their preliminary levies, and are beginning to discuss what the final numbers will be come December. Truth in taxation hearings will be occurring in about a month, but we've got the bad news for you early. The levy can't go past the preliminary amount, but it usually doesn't change either. We take a look at a few cities and counties like Detroit Lakes, Forest Lake, St. Louis County, New Hope, and St. Paul. Some of these preliminary levies are huge. Others may not seem large, until you couple the higher city taxes with the increased county and school levies as well. All levels of government seem to keep asking for more and more money, and we take home less and less. A couple of these places have increased taxes so much (again) that you'd think that people would brandish torches and pitchforks and run for office themselves, but in these cities... You're going to want to hear these so you can be aware of what's coming to your community. In the Local Lowdown, we discuss the push for walkability in current planning trends. It's the goal to make all development more compact so that people can walk to get groceries, do their laundry, or eat out. They implement SMART Growth policies like mixed use development, Transit Oriented Development, wider sidewalks, parking maximums, etc. They try to encourage walking and discourage driving by building these miniature communities that have everything you need. The war on cars is alive and well! We also discuss the recent move by the NBA to support the Chinese Government over Hong Kong. Don't worry, they've only killed about 60 million people. Let me know how that works out for ya. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutions.com- We've mentioned county attorneys on the podcast, but haven't really discussed what they do. It is an elected position, but one that we haven't taken seriously (just like any other nonpartisan position in this state). So few of them are contested. They are involved in everything from child and juvenile protection, to enforcing child support, to handling misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor lawsuits, to working on grand jury cases, and much, much more. County attorneys are overstepping the boundaries of their elected position by outright declaring that they will refuse to prosecute certain crimes (Dallas County, Shelby County, ), and lobbying for the creation and rescinding of certain laws. Some just make it up as they go along. Like every other nonpartisan job, political slants have began to make their way in to color how this job is executed. We need to pay more attention to these seats. In the Local Lowdown, we let you know about Isanti County's recent approval of Tobacco 21. What does it mean when a county enacts a policy like this instead of cities? Sherburne County has already said no, but Wright County decided to green light it. Also Mayor Carter of St. Paul has changed out some of its street sweepers for environmentally friendly vehicles. I know, I know... it's a little late, but we had a couple of timely interviews come up which delayed this podcast from coming out, but we recorded this right after the annual remembrance of September 11th. We revisit where we were, how it makes us feel today, and what we believe the fallout has been over the last 18 years. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Too many times in our travels, we have come across those over-anxious folks that haven't ever done much of anything in the political world and decide that they want to run for an office that is way out of their league. It almost never ends well unless you capture the nomination in a district that votes heavily in your favor. How do you drastically improve your chances to someday become a state senator or a U.S. Representative? It is by starting your political career at the local level, paying your dues, and building a resume by rolling up your sleeves and learning how to formulate a budget, write legislation, and the like. We look at the political histories of a few people to show you the track that they followed to get to where they did. Among them are Jesse Ventura, Tom Emmer, Sarah Palin, Norm Coleman. Grover Cleveland, and Calvin Coolidge. In the Local Lowdown, Plymouth, MN wanted to take it's turn at joining the MN Green Step Cities program. This was slated to skate on by in their consent agenda until a whole bunch of residents decided to show up to the city council meeting and share their concerns. This caused the council to table it... for now. Make sure you stay vigilant, Plymouth. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- This week we have a big Local Lowdown episode. This is not a ""fast-forward" episode if you don't live in the cities we discuss. As we have always said, the same issues find their way into cities and towns across the state and, really, the nation. Studying how these issues are handled from city to city not only helps you (as an informed resident) to understand the issues, but also to see how they spread, how to fight them, and why it is important for you to be on point in your community. First, we discuss some local odd-year elections. After the debacle with the pledge in St. Louis Park, every single race is contested. In Golden Valley, council member Steve Schmidgall is going after Mayor Shep Harris, despite the fact that they seem to agree on most left-of center positions. We will have to see how these races shake out, but we also discuss our frustration with odd-year elections, and low voter turnout. Brooklyn Center is imposing a one-year moratorium on a designated 81 acre opportunity zone. The city already owns 35 acres, and may soon own another 9 on the site of the former Target store. The moratorium was placed because the master plan for the area is not yet completed and they wanted to stall development until they could control all of it. The moratorium expires right after the master plan is due to be completed. Move along... nothing to see here. Sherburne County has been discussing implementing Tobacco21 at a county-wide level. They don't seem to have the votes, but look for the special interest group to go to the cities (they already are). This is a ridiculous policy, as it doesn't accomplish anything but to hurt local businesses. It has spread from city to city, like a bad disease. Minneapolis has officially outlawed all new drive-thrus from being built. They site concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and danger to pedestrians. Don't you think for a second that this won't affect any existing building that has a drive-thru and wants to remodel.  Lastly, ISD #281 (Robbinsdale Public Schools) issued a summary of Superintendent Carleton Jenkins recent evaluation. They accentuated all of the positives and downplayed all of the ways he has missed the mark. He did a great job in "Central Office Capacity" (what?), but stunk in "Kindergarten Readiness" and "3rd Grade Proficiency", but hey... he's doing an exemplary job! Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- We have mentioned Watershed Districts in the past, but have never really laid them out for you to understand exactly what they are and what they do. The Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts (MAWD) say that there are 42 Watershed Districts across the state of MN. They define a watershed district as such, "Watershed districts are local, special-purpose units of government that work to solve and prevent water-related problems. The boundaries of each district follow those of a natural watershed and consist of land in which all water flows to one outlet." They manage water quality, ground water levels, draining systems, regulate and control the use of water, provide recreational opportunities, flood protection, and more. MAWD has a whole legislative agenda that they lobby for in St. Paul, and it's your tax money on the line. They each have a board of appointed people that has an administrative staff, and engages in projects that take your tax money. You can find out if you are near one and how to research their website on the MAWD website. It is yet another place for you to get involved and watch what your government is doing. In the Local Lowdown, we discuss why more starter homes aren't being built around the Twin Cities. There is an apparent shortage of these type of homes. The average home in the Twin Cities costs $294,000. That's a lot of money! There is really only one reason for that... you guessed it, and the government is to blame! Regulation, permit costs, inspections all drive up the cost of homes but that's not the whole picture. Cities are tearing down a lot of starter homes to build larger homes, luxury apartment buildings and town homes. City policies have reduced the stock of starter homes available.  Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Corporations and government are always looking for that next new fad to "inspire" and  "motivate" to new levels of dedication and efficiency. We've seen things come and go from "Who Moved My Cheese?" to Six Sigma, core competencies, "Good to Great", the lean methodology. We debate the pros and cons of Waterfall and Agile project management. Another trend has moved through like a thick fog, putting employees to sleep. Cities and counties have picked up on the S.M.A.R.T. goals craze (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic/Reasonable, Time-Bound) to drive their agenda. In fact, the State Auditor's office began the Performance Measurement Program that asks member cities write S.M.A.R.T. Goals, and in return receive funding and a lifting of levy limits. There are a number of standard measures that need to be met in order to qualify for these incentives. Meanwhile, that huge sucking sound you hear is employee hours (and taxpayer dollars) circling the drain. A big part of this program are these useless city surveys that you receive and probably don't fill out. The questions asked tell the city absolutely nothing about anything. Cities and counties measure progress against S.M.A.R.T. goals and survey results and file a report with the Auditor's office annually. We're not saying that goals are bad. Planning is an important task, but these are goals created by the state government. Each city should be left to decide what's important to them. In response, we float the idea of D.U.M.B. goals. Help us to draft them by commenting! Did you hear about the push by the Wisconsin governor, Tony Evers, to give back to local governments the ability to use eminent domain to confiscate private property to build biking and hiking trails? They are making the argument that recreation constitutes public use. This is a dangerous precedent. In the Local Lowdown, we also discuss the mess in Lakeland, MN, where city council member, Jim Stanton, was hired by the city council to fill two part-time city staff positions. His wife was also hired as a contractor to the city. Mr. Stanton recently resigned from the council, rescinded his resignation, and resigned again, resulting in a division in the city council as to whether he could rescind his resignation to begin with. Grab some popcorn for this story, because it's gonna be a good one. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- When we say the word "police" it produces a reaction. For some it is positive, for some negative, and for others it is smack dab in the middle. We, at Community Solutions MN, call 'em as we see 'em. No one or no thing is all good or all bad. We take some time to trade stories about our interactions with police (good and bad) and what the proper role of law enforcement is. We understand they have a difficult job and risk their lives everyday. We also know full well that they can go over and above in extra enforcement, public campaigns, and profiling. What is the right amount of law enforcement? How much is too much? How little is too little? We start the discussion, because we all want safe communities, but none of us want to be made into a potential criminal. Add your $0.02! In the Local Lowdown, we discuss how the Republican-led MN State Senate passed a bill to ban cell phone use in vehicles without a hands-free device. DFL Senator, Bobby Joe Champion, introduced an amendment to allow for a piece of clothing, like a hijab or a scarf, to act as a hands-free device. Some of our conservative senators were against the amendment, but voted for it anyways, in as part of the full bill. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- There is an initiative floating around in local government circles called Welcoming Cities. It sounds great, doesn't it? I mean, we want to be friendly and welcoming to everyone that comes to our city. We want our new residents to feel included and participate in the fabric of our segment of society. We want visitors to enjoy themselves, spend money with our businesses, and desire to come back for another visit. As with all progressive programs, however, it is named something positive like "Candy Super Fun Factory", while in reality it's a program to do away with the free market system. It's no different here. This is a program that sounds like it helps immigrants get acclimated to living in America, but instead it is a way to bribe illegal immigrants to take advantage of generous welfare packages. Of course there are metro and out-state Minnesota cities that have classified themselves as "Welcoming Cities". Grab onto your wallet and buckle in! In the Local Lowdown, we discuss an ongoing lawsuit, where a citizen group in St. Cloud is suing the city for selling a swath of land to Costco for what they assert to be way below market value, and an illegal sale. We give you the skinny on some big time corporate welfare. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- In the last election, long time Hennepin County sheriff, Rich Stanek, was replaced by Democrat-endorsed, Dave "Hutch" Hutchinson. Sheriff "Hutch" brings with him a whole new set of priorities. If justice is supposed to be blind, then we certainly aren't going to be headed in that direction. He is already talking about special treatment of transgender people in jails, not reporting illegal immigrants to ICE, making procedural changes to firearms ranges, and driver's licenses for illegal aliens. We cover a number of the laws he is willing (or not willing) to enforce. Hutch has also advocated for increasing the diversity of sheriff's deputies to reflect the ethnic makeup of the county they serve. In the Local Lowdown, we discuss District 281's move to put Armstrong High School principal, David Dahl, on special assignment next year to find someone that better fits with their Unified District Vision. Did the district actually say that it's because he's not "diverse enough"? Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- There has been quite a stir over the recent revealing of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "Green New Deal". What a dumpster fire. The problem is that all of this stuff will find its way to Regional Development Organizations, Counties, and Cities. Groups like the National League of Cities, the American Planning Association, and the National Association of Development Organizations take up these goals and pass it down to state and local groups. It doesn't ever have to pass at the federal level. They will just do an end run around congress and do it. This is bad, bad, bad. We finally can eradicate ourselves of the scourges of car travel, air travel, fossil fuels, non-green buildings... and it only gets worse. This plan is completely unsustainable, and radically changes the economy and structure of the United States as we know it. This is nothing but straight up socialism and will be our downfall. Normally I would say that we need to run from this, but we need to take a different tact. We need to stand up and fight. We need to push back. We need to be vocal. We need a team of 20kStrong. Please join us. In the Local Lowdown, Duluth teachers are speaking out about an effort by the Duluth School District to ban "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and To "Kill a Mockingbird". They want to make sure that the books chosen to replace them are literary masterpieces... well not exactly. They just want to choose a book that is written by a woman. Now, before you get your feathers in a ruffle, I'm not saying there's not great literature written by women. What I'm saying, is that we have a problem when who wrote it is more important than how it's written. We have a problem when we choose to whitewash history in favor of remembering and learning from it. For once, a group of teachers don't want to stand for it. We also discuss a recent article that praises Seattle and Minneapolis for reducing driving.  The article asks the question "How did they do it?". It's really no surprise. Minneapolis is an unnavigable nightmare, and it's all by design. We take time to explain the real reasons there is a whopping 2% reduction over 10 years. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Minnesota loves its sports teams. I mean with such a long tradition of being just good enough to grab your interest and then turn around break your hearts, it takes a special kind of fan to keep coming back for more. I'm as big of a sucker for football as the next guy, but this next topic is enough to make you want to help them pack next time they want a new stadium. This is some of the worst of corporate welfare that you ever will see. Government ruins everything when they get involved, sports included. Even if you hate sports, you will love this podcast, because it will give you yet another reason for your misunderstood position. Enter groups like the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority. These groups (and even individual municipalities) own, operate, and maintain most stadiums. (Yeah, who knew the teams didn't even own their own buildings? No wonder taxpayers are funding them.) It also serves as a pretext for building new transit and development schemes, allowing the government to seize even more in taxes. It's all connected, and we show you how, and discuss how we might be able to change the situation. In the Local Lowdown, we congratulate our friends in Crystal on their recent Star Tribune #2 ranking on their Metro area Hot Housing Index. It's amazing what getting rid of a little regulation, freeing up the business climate for everyone, and reducing a whole bunch of debt can do for a city's housing stock. Also, St. Paul City Council is so upset with four murals in their City Hall that they are going to take them down... ok, they aren't that upset, but they are going to put other artwork in front of them from time to time. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- In cities and small towns all over the nation, we see urban planning concepts popping up like developing high density housing, bike paths, and traffic calming measures. There are a number of groups that are pushing for these changes everywhere. One of the main groups advocating for these changes in communities everywhere is The Congress for the New Urbanism. They are a well-funded group that pushes a philosophy of higher density, sustainable development, and the war on cars. They set policy that groups like the Met Council, MADO, and The League of Minnesota Cities adopt and foist on cities that don't suspect that some think tank that knows nothing about their city is giving direction on how to bring (and teaching how to sell) these out-of-touch cities into the new era of enlightenment. You didn't even know this was happening. In this week's Local Lowdown, we discuss the recent DWI arrest of Val Johnson, the sitting mayor of New Brighton. Will her conscience get the best of her and cause her to resign? Are you kidding? We also tell you all about an 85 question student survey that is launching today (2/6/19) in ISD 728 (Elk River, Zimmerman, Otsego, Rogers) that is full of super invasive questions about drugs, sexual orientation, and gender identification. After hearing the questions we present to you, you may want to make sure your child opts-out. But hey... this is the school board you elected. I wouldn't re-elect a single member that didn't come out against this, but hey... that's just me.  Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!  

www.commsolutionsmn.com- We're closing in on the big 2018 election, and for us, it's been intriguing to speak to so many candidates that are running for local office. They have had great insight, and helped us all (I hope they've helped you anyways) to understand what issues our cities, counties, schools, soil and water conservation districts, and sheriffs face. Today, we talk to Nadine Heinrich, who is running for Ward 1 in Ramsey (city, not county). She has decided to rise to the challenge of running for city council after noticing that some things in her city didn't add up. For example, they want to build a bridge over Highway 10 that would be paid for by a Safe Routes to School grant, and the bridge is nowhere near a school. How does that work? Nadine discusses these issues with us that so many of these medium-sized cities face. Sorry for the difference in sound quality on this one, but we weren't in our studio. The conversation is still well worth a listen. In the Local Lowdown, we discuss how certain city council candidates feel the need to declare their party in nonpartisan races. Like in Crystal, where one party has decided to be loud and proud about who is running on their ticket, and then the candidates run on a platform that sounds a lot like the list of items that has already been achieved or is being worked on by their opponents. It's very curious, but they are counting on fealty to a party to win. It hasn't seemed to work (outside of the big cities) yet, but hey, be our guest. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn- Soil and Water Conservation... most of us have seen it at the bottom of the ballot, but I imagine that almost none of us know what they do or who our Soil and Water Conservation Manager is. Minnesota has 87 counties, and each one has a Soil and Water Conservation District with five elected managers (except Hennepin County, which has an unelected department and three counties that have two districts: St. Louis, Otter Tail, and Polk). Enter John Ulrick, who is running for District 4 Soil and Water Conservation District in Morrison County. John is a farmer in Morrison county that has had a long history of having to work with the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District to manage issues with his farm. He has had a great relationship working with and on behalf of the farmers around him. He shares his concerns in working with state and federal government and how self-sufficiency and ownership in your community can be better than waiting for the government to do something for you. It builds community and relationships between neighbors. Listen to his intriguing story and consider getting involved in some of these lesser known seats. Unless you're in Hennepin County, these issues affect you. In the Local Lowdown, School District 281 in Robbinsdale is putting another ten-year referendum on the ballot for $149 per year increase to property taxes (on an average home) after passing two ten-year referendums four years ago. These school districts  don't ever seem to be held to account on their ability to create a budget and stick to it. "It's for the kids" is their usual cry to get people to detach their minds from their wallets. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- We've told the story about what's happened in Crystal many times. So, what happens when one of the good ones decides not to run for re-election? How does a candidate build upon what's been accomplished and still make a case that he or she can bring something to the table to add to the positive direction a city, county, or school district is already headed in? We bring in David Seffren, who is running for the Ward 1 city council seat in Crystal. David is a long time Crystal resident who served on the City Code Task Force. We discuss how far Crystal has come over the many years he has called the city home, and how he plans to come alongside and enhance the current progress the city has made toward being transparent and responsible to the residents it serves. We talk about debt and taxation, creating a vibrant business community, communicating with residents, revising the city code, developing a sense of community, and more. In the Local Lowdown, we breakdown the mayoral race in Eden Prairie, where we have council member, Brad Aho, running against fellow council member, Ron Case, to fill the open seat being vacated by the current mayor, Nancy Tyra-Lukens. This is an important race for the folks down in Eden Prairie if 2nd Amendment issues are important to you. Brad Aho was the only one who stood up against the moratorium on new firearms stores being opened in the city. His opponent not only approved of the measure, but said that gun owners have a visceral reaction to seeing big "guns for sale" signs, making them visibly excited. Your choice here is clear. Also we discuss an issue in West Albany Township, near Lake City, where the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (our friends that brought us the MN Green Step Cities program) is holding public hearings on whether a farmer should be allowed to expand his dairy farm. The MPCA claims jurisdiction over the farm's expansion due to ground water and air quality concerns. Where does the power of these radical environmentalists stop? If people in the area are concerned, why isn't the township board of supervisors taking up the matter? The MPCA is out of control, and I hope the next governor will reign them in. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Today, we welcome a friend of the show, and candidate for Sherburne County Commissioner District 2, Paul Seefeld. He comes by the show to talk about his ongoing campaign against the sitting mayor of Big Lake. He discusses his time on the Big Lake Comprehensive Plan task force, and the city's attempt to lead the task force into predetermined results. We talk transparency, debt, taxes, transportation, and Big Lake's plans to annex parts of Big Lake Township into the city limits (and increased taxes). He also lays out some distinct differences between him and his opponent. Definitely listen in before you fill in the bubble on November 6th. Even if you don't reside in Sherburne County, it will help you to identify issues in your county and ask the right questions of those that are seeking your vote (or have already been voted into office). In the Local Lowdown, New Hope appoints a new city council member to take over for Eric Lammle, who's departure has the appearance of manipulating the state statute to avoid a special election. It is shameful how cities do this, just to avoid the people electing a dissenting voice to their club... but it happens all the time. Also, Crystal takes another step in civic leadership with fresh new ideas as they begin to look at getting rid of most of their pet licenses. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Chances are you haven't heard of the Vision Zero Network yet, but a whole mess of cities across the United States are implementing their policies into their future planning and ordinances. What is it? Their stated goal is "to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all." Of course Minneapolis has jumped on board and included it in their new 2040 comprehensive plan. Minneapolis is already completely unnavigable.  It is a virtual obstacle course driving on their streets. That's exactly what we need, narrower lanes, choke points at intersections, lower speed limits, speed bumps, roundabouts... sounds like a recipe for road rage. You need to be aware of this program, because now that Minneapolis has adopted it, it can easily make it into St Paul, St Louis Park, Edina, Golden Valley, and then down to the your suburb. I mean who doesn't want to eliminate accidents? We all do, but that doesn't mean that this is the way to do it. We shine some light on this extremely expensive and restrictive program. In the Local Lowdown, the city of Victoria was slapped with 38 open meeting law violations in 2014. The law is very clear about when and how a quorum of elected officials can communicate with each other. All of the council members that were indicted have been removed from office... right? Right? You will have to listen in to find out. Also, Andrew makes some bold and very wrong primary predictions (Jason, however, inadvertently nails the governor's race). Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- There is a movement out there to make sure that the government provides income to people for... well, we're not sure. Some cities are toying with the concept of Universal Basic Income, where a small subset of seemingly random residents get some small stipend of money, for... well, there seems to be no criteria at all. Cities like Seattle, Stockton, and Chicago are pushing for it, but it's not a new idea either. It seems like it's been around for a long time, but the push in America started in the Progressive Era.  The strange thing about it? There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how it is distributed, and the amount given seems to be little more than a nod to the plight of the poor, rather than a solution to it. Is it part of what we can expect under a new set of American values? How do the socialists, being small in number, drive our national policy? Get to know more about it before your city decides to try it on in the name of equity. In the Local Lowdown, Eric Lammle is finally stepping down in New Hope, leaving a legacy of... yeah, we don't know either. We make an appeal for people to get involved. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- What comes to your mind when you hear "The Club of Rome"? Chances are that if you've even heard of them, you think of conspiracy-laden rumors of shadowy figures huddled in an underground room or locked away in some swanky hotel or boardroom. That's what they'd like you to think. The thing is, it's a very real group that gathers together and discuss policies that should be focused on. "The Club" focuses on decarbonization, global governance, and a circular economy (reduce, reuse, recycle). They also have a U.S. chapter. It is groups like these that design policies that would never pass federal or state legislatures and implement them at the local level through groups like the National League of Cities, The American Planning Association, or the U.S. Conference of Mayors. What are these ideas and policies? What do they plan to do about these issues? In the Local Lowdown, Elk River just approved a $35 million dollar park project, using the local sales tax option, which will create a general election ballot referendum question. We break down how the local sales tax option works. Find out exactly what they are proposing to do inside. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.communitysolutionsmn.com- When we are talking about non-partisan races, we usually think about city councils, county commissions, and school boards. We often forget about the offices of sheriff, county attorney, and soil and water conservation boards. These seats are also important, because they wield great power. Yet, as little attention as we give city, county, and school elections, these races get even less. In this episode we interview Stacy Braun, who is running for Wright County Sheriff. We discuss what all is involved in running a sheriff's department (you may be surprised), and what are the biggest issues for the sheriff's department in Wright County. Most cities in Wright County don't have local police departments, so the sheriff's department is all that more vital. He talks about personal responsibility, and being innocent until proven guilty. The primary is on August 14th, 2018. Make sure you do your due diligence and vote all the way down the ticket. These races are no less important.  In the Local Lowdown, we discuss Golden Valley's attempts to to create a city-wide gun safety program. They want to follow in the footsteps of St. Louis Park and Excelsior. They would like to authorize putting their Human Rights commission on this (that's why it's imperative for you to get on local advisory commissions, including the human rights commission), but not everyone on the council agrees. It's currently 3-2, and Mayor Shep Harris is using the power of the local press to put pressure on bringing the rest of his city council into line. Things are getting a little heated down in Golden Valley. You can hear the council clips here: 6/12/18- about 1hour 02 minutes in 7/10/18- about 1 hour and 53 minutes in 7/17/18- at 1:45:30 Also in the Local Lowdown, Democrat candidates like Keith Ellison (running for MN Attorney General) and Margaret Anderson Kelliher (Congressional District 5) are busy gathering a lot of endorsements. The strange thing is the number of local office holders that are stepping up and putting their name on that list. I thought that that city, county, and school board offices were "nonpartisan"? Yeah... not so much. Unfortunately, many democrats at the local level tend to put party first. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- In cities across America, zoning laws guide what kind of buildings are allowed to be constructed in various parts of a city. Whether it's R1, R2, or R3... industrial, commercial, or agricultural, zoning laws are meant to keep order and separate the various uses so that homeowners don't have to deal with the problems that higher traffic areas can create. Lately, however, planning trends have been to create smaller cloisters that mix housing types, and place them closer to commercial centers. This is meant to cut down on travel and discourage car usage. These laws now aim to maximize density. Do these laws really help, or do they just turn suburban areas and small towns into urban centers?  Who is driving these zoning laws? Why are they changing? In the Local Lowdown we discuss a brawl on the Thief River Falls city council. Two city council members decided to go toe to toe over a proposed splash pad. Someone grabbed a chair. Jerry Springer would have been proud. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- In the early 20th century, the United States went through a huge economic boom. it defined the decade... the Roaring 20's. The opportunity to buy an automobile was an important part of that. People bought them in such numbers that they changed the face of our country. Roads were built to accommodate the flood of cars that were being swooped up by middle income families. The car brought a new level of freedom, allowing people to get wherever they wanted to go, whenever they wanted to go there, and get there faster. Cars became central to the American experience. We have car shows to celebrate the cars of the past and the cars of the future. Who doesn't drool over a '67 Shelby GT500? There are multiple groups, however, that want to restrict the use of cars, whether it is by creating a complete street, restricting parking, writing a complex set of laws that favor other modes of transportation, or publicly shaming drivers without any shred of compassion. So what is the answer? According to these people, it is to put more people and more types of transportation into the same corridors. Dockless bike sharing and dockless scooter sharing are becoming the new rage among these trendy cities that want to get listed among "America's 10 Most Yuppie Cities", or something like that. Some other cities actually promote "car-free living" or "open streets". As a driver, like it or not, you are a target of the political environmentalists and the alternative transportation crowds. Also on the Local Lowdown, Minneapolis is looking at implementing City ID cards. The city council states that it will meet certain constituency needs. The state of Minnesota already makes ID cards (with the green stripe at the top) available to those that don't have a driver's license. Are these just a way to get people a way to vote that aren't allowed to? Is it a way to limit people driving into the city? We discuss it all this week. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

www.commsolutionsmn.com- What's in a name? Are names important? Is it important to remember our history, even when it's uncomfortable? Should we only name things after people that have no blemishes? I'd like you to find me that perfect person. Would those on the right and left ever agree on someone in this day and age? Sports teams are changing their names and their mascots.  It's also happening locally with our lakes and our schools. Lake Calhoun became Bde Maka Ska? They want to rename Patrick Henry High School and Ramsey Middle School? What do people even know about John C Calhoun, Alexander Ramsey, and Patrick Henry? They are certainly flawed people, but aren't we all? We judge people of the past on 21st century morals. We erase all the negative out of our past, but whitewashing it only means that we can't learn from it. Radicals are trying to push everything out of the public sphere that they disagree with from elected politicians to popular businesses. How far is too far? In the Local Lowdown, we also discuss a new luxury apartment complex with (you guessed it) a sweetheart Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district to prop up the deal. We also discuss In the Robbinsdale School District, Patsy Green is not seeking re-election, and she thinks that you're not paying enough in taxes to the school district. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast“! You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify, or go out to the PodBabble Podcast Network!

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Peyton and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Peyton and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Peyton and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Peyton and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Peyton and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

The boys have a year of podcasting under their belts, so they sat down to talk about some of their favorite moments from the last year. They identify the themes that have shone through and discuss what they've learned about community, relationship, and themselves. Some of the best Local Lowdown moments show up as well. It's a dang good show. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa

Looking for things to do, places to go, or food to eat in Northwest Arkansas? Elyse, Peyton, and Zac sit down to discuss some of their NWA favorites in this week's Local Lowdown. Hey Hey NWA is a podcast that highlights the arts, businesses, initiatives, and culture of Northwest Arkansas through conversational interviews with locals. Looking for some more content like this? Read our blog at heyheynwa.com/blog Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/heyheynwa Keep up with us on Instagram at @heyheynwapodcast Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/heyheynwa