For the Love of Local

In this engaging interview, Benjamin Hunter, Associate Vice President and Superintendent for Public Safety at Indiana University, shares insights on university safety strategies, community building, leadership development, and the impact of sports success on campus culture.

What if EMS could do more than just respond — what if it could predict, prevent, and transform the way cities deliver healthcare? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Charles Miramonte — the visionary behind Indianapolis’s groundbreaking EMS system — reveals how data-driven innovation reshaped emergency care, saving thousands of lives and slashing costs. From building Indianapolis EMS from scratch to integrating mobile health initiatives that have become national models, Charlie shares practical lessons on leadership, consensus-building, and disruptive strategies in public safety. Discover how EMS data helped stop overdoses before they happened and how adaptive, community-focused models can revolutionize healthcare—at a fraction of the traditional cost. You'll learn how Charlie’s team used dashboards and KPIs to uncover societal issues early, like rising overdose patterns, and how they launched programs like nurse-guided 911 responses that divert non-emergency calls away from costly ER visits. His approach proves that proactive, human-centered care not only saves money but uplifts entire communities. Why does this matter? Because the old model of "ambulance-to-ER" is becoming obsolete. Cities can now build scalable, cost-effective health systems that treat people where they're at—saving lives and resources simultaneously. If you're a city leader, healthcare innovator, or public safety professional, this episode is your blueprint for transforming emergency services into a compassion-driven, efficient, and proactive force for good.Plus, Charlie’s insights into organizational leadership—surrounding yourself with talented, innovative people and leveraging data for decision-making—are invaluable lessons for anyone looking to lead change. His pioneering work in mobile health and community engagement offers a glimpse into the future of smart, sustainable urban healthcare. Prepare to rethink what EMS can be and learn how pioneering cities are shaping healthcare futures. Listen now—your community’s next breakthrough starts here.

Most communities face rapid growth with little regard for preserving their heritage—until now. Sanger, Texas, is rewriting that script, thanks to a mayor dedicated to smart, sustainable development. In this episode of For the Love of Local, Mayor Thomas Muir reveals how 16 years of responsible leadership has navigated a city through extraordinary change while holding onto its small-town charm.Discover how Sanger's strategic planning—including a comprehensive 2040 plan guided by community input—shapes growth that respects the city's roots. Mayor Muir shares the secret to balancing ambitious infrastructure projects with fiscal responsibility, maintaining a AA+ bond rating, and investing in core services without overextending resources. You'll learn how innovative data-driven approaches, like street scoring technology, are powering smarter city maintenance and planning.This episode dives into the practical challenges of managing growth: recruiting and retaining long-term staff amid rapid expansion, fostering community communication, and ensuring employees feel valued and supported through times of stress. Mayor Muir discusses the importance of organic talent development, internal training, and a culture of service—key ingredients to a resilient city government. You'll also hear inspiring stories from the front lines, like how dedicated municipal staff navigated a major power outage without SCADA systems, exemplifying local pride and teamwork.Why does this matter? As urban areas nationwide grapple with unchecked sprawl, Sanger's approach offers a blueprint for cities prioritizing heritage, community identity, and long-term sustainability. The stakes are high—without thoughtful planning, cities risk losing their soul to reckless development. Here, responsible growth isn’t just a policy; it’s a philosophy that builds community, preserves character, and paves the way for future generations.This episode is perfect for city leaders, urban planners, community advocates, or residents passionate about seeing their towns grow intelligently. Mayor Muir's insights into managing change—while staying true to your roots—are a masterclass in local leadership. Whether you're a small-town mayor or a community member invested in sustainable growth, you’ll find actionable strategies and inspiring stories to guide your journey.Join us to learn how one city is growing with intention, respect, and resilience—because real progress is about building places people are proud to call home.

In this episode of For the Love of Local, Troy Riggs and Krisa De La Cruz sit down with Candice Sauers, a rising leader in public health and local government, to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing communities today: the growing gap between generations in public service.Candice shares her powerful and personal journey into local government—from unexpectedly stepping into a county clerk role to navigating loss, resilience, and rediscovering her passion for public service. Together, they explore why fewer young professionals are entering government roles, the looming workforce shortage, and what it will take to attract and retain the next generation of leaders.This conversation dives into the importance of storytelling, mentorship, and creating meaningful pathways for young people to engage in their communities. From rethinking hiring practices to fostering innovation and flexibility, this episode highlights practical ideas and inspiring perspectives on how to build a stronger, more connected future for local government.If you care about leadership, community impact, and the future of public service—this episode is for you.

In this episode of 'For the Love of Local' introduces the podcast and its hosts, Troy Riggs and Krisa De La Cruz. The conversation delves into the role of nonprofits in local communities, the importance of community engagement and collaboration, the impact of philanthropy and government involvement, the significance of volunteerism, and the future of the podcast.TakeawaysLocal communities drive meaningful changeNonprofits and government collaboration is key