GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

Ginger Spencer, Assistant City Manager at the City of Phoenix, Arizona, rejoined the podcast to discuss leadership, public works, and her career path. She shared lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the creation of the City's Office of Accountability and Transparency, and the importance of water and conservation. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Alex Kado, Senior Project Manager in the Office of Public Service for the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, jointed the podcast to share the history and process of creating a public memorial at the location of George Floyd's murder. He discussed the public process for creating George Floyd Square, including determining the use for Peoples' Way, the former gas station at the site. He also shared lessons learned from working on such a complex project. Host: Lauren Palmer

Dr. Elizabeth Linos, Professor of Public Policy and Management at the Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Director at The People Lab, joined the podcast to discuss the Public Servant Project an effort to collect and analyze data about the people of government. She talked about the Public Service Pulse a survey for local and state government employees to understand their experience and perspective. She shared how the results will be shared and what kinds of analysis she's hoping to do. She also discussed a recent report on how government workers are viewed by the public, including the differences between different roles. Host: Ben Kittelson

Michael Baskin, Chief Innovation Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland joined the podcast to discuss the future of local government innovation and understanding organizational culture. He talked about the importance of process improvement and what our processes tell government employees. He discussed his perspective on the importance of people in local government and creating a culture where ideas can be challenged. He also shared how the County prioritizes leadership development and coaching. Host: Ben Kittelson

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about managing growth and a two-career local government household. Dianne Miller is the City Administrator at City of Eagan, Minnesota and Justin is the City Administrator for the City of Lakeville, Minnesota. They shared the impact of Operation Metro Surge, moratoriums on housing and data centers, and potential career changes. This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN.  Host: Lauren Palmer

James Childers, Town Manager for the Town of Flower Mound, Texas joined the podcast to discuss building an empowering organizational culture. He talked about his career path in local government and shared his family history in the city management profession. He discussed getting to know and then setting the culture as a new Town Manager. He also talked about the Town's  strategic plan and how the Town approaches community engagement. Host: Ben Kittelson

Scott Neal, City Manager for the City of Edina, Minnesota, rejoined the podcast to share his insights on local government leadership and the future of the profession before retirement. He discussed changes he has seen in local government over his career including how technology has changed community engagement and policing. He talked about his focus on developing talent and the importance of giving staff leadership opportunities. He also shared mistakes he's made along the way and learned from. This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN.  Host: Lauren Palmer

Anthony Flint, Senior Fellow for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, joined the podcast to talk about his recent article on the 100 year anniversary of the Supreme Court case Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. That landmark case established the constitutionality of zoning as a police power for local governments and still impacts the built environment we have today. He talked about the impact of that decision and how zoning is losing ground today as states and cities across the country rethink their approach to land use. He also shared some of his other research and work on land use and the resources that the Lincoln Institute has for local governments working to create more community benefit from their land. Host: Ben Kittelson

Three of the current Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) Board of Directors members joined the podcast to talk with current Board Chair, Meredith Reynolds, all about ELGL and Board service. Mike Ekey is the Assistant City Manager of Belton, Missouri and is the current Board Vice Chair. Cassie Johnson is a Deputy Director in the Police Department for Scottsdale, Arizona and current Board Treasurer. Toney Thompson is the Director of Strategy in the Health and Human Services Department for the State of North Carolina. They each shared their origin stories with ELGL and what they have gained from being on the Board. They discussed ELGL's new strategic plan and how it will set up the organization for the coming years. They talked about their experience of being on the Board, the committee structure, and how to apply for the 2026 openings on the Board. Apply to be on the ELGL Board of Directors: Applications Due May 29, 2026. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Susan Arntz, City Manager for the City of Mankato, Minnesota joined the podcast to talk about the importance of curiosity in her career. She shared her transition to a new city after working 20 years in her past role and her passion for civic education. She discussed creating a Parks and Recreation department and the work that goes into starting a new service. She also talked about the impact of the Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement effort on local communities in the Minneapolis area. This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN. Host: Lauren Palmer

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about state professional association leadership. Jackie Schulze is the Assistant City Administrator at City of Waconia, Minnesota and Noah Schuchman is the City Manager for the City of Golden Valley, Minnesota. They shared the value of professional associations, and how professional associations can help promote the future of the profession. They also discussed what they hope to accomplish as leaders of the Minnesota City/County Management Association (MCMA). This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN. Host: Lauren Palmer

Christopher Jordan, AI and Innovation Program Manager for the National League of Cities, joined the podcast to talk about data centers. He shared the responses he has seen from citizens to data centers coming to their communities. He discussed the benefits that local governments are trying to extract from data center projects to make these deals more palatable. He also shared advice to local leaders deciding whether to allow a data center in their community. Host: Toney Thompson

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about guaranteed income programs. Jamie Hackbarth is a Senior Program Manager at AidKit and Elizabeth Crowe is the Deputy Director of Housing and Human Services at City of Boulder, Colorado. They shared what a direct cash assistance program is and the desired outcomes of the program. They also discussed the Elevate Boulder guaranteed income program and success stories from the program. Host: Lauren Palmer

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about making digital government accessible. Rebecca Bond and Kristin Stitcher are both former Civil Rights Attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice. They shared a brief history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and examples of how web content and mobile apps are designed that can be difficult for people with disabilities to navigate. They also discussed new rules regarding web accessibility and how local governments can comply with them.  Host: Toney Thompson

Two guests pursuing their Master's of Public Administration at the University of Kansas joined the podcast to talk about Gen Z in local government. Emma Roniger is a Management Intern for the League of Kansas Municipalities and Jill Parsons is a Management Intern for the City of Leawood, Kansas. They shared the biggest myth local governments have about their generation and responses they received for a survey regarding Gen Z. They also talked about how different generations can work together. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Adrianna Tušek Erickson, Connection & Impact Program Coordinator for the City of Chandler, Arizona, joined the podcast to talk about connection and belonging. She discussed the importance of serving all residents in the community and why allyship is important. She shared the impact that changes from the Federal government have had her work. She also talked about the transition of reentering the workforce after a ten year break. Host: Ben Kittelson

Nick Lemmer, Outreach & Communications Specialist for Goodhue County, Minnesota joined the podcast to discuss public communications. He talked about the challenge and importance of building trust in rural communities. He shared rebranding projects from his past position, communicating cost shifts in reduced federal funding, and public communication related to data centers. Host: Lauren Palmer

Emma Falkenstein, Associate Planner at Highland Planning joined the podcast to discuss participatory mapping. She talked about community walk audits and how can local governments can incorporate walk audits into their regular planning procedures. She also talked about the value of community relationships as it relates to shaping where people live. Host: Toney Thompson

Cori Zarek, Vice President for North America at Apolitical joined the podcast to talk about her career in public interest technology and helping make government smarter. She shared how Apolitical is working to support peer learning among government staffers and a recent report they published on 50 states, 50 breakthroughs from organizations across the country. She also discussed the trends and insights they have found in how government staffers are using artificial intelligence and how organizations can support their staff. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Chachi Angelo, Director of External Affairs at Pennie, the State of Pennsylvania's Health Insurance Marketplace, joined the podcast to discuss how state healthcare marketplaces and local governments are interconnected. He shared what the healthcare marketplace does and how residents interact with it, how municipalities partner with Pennie during enrollment periods, and how to communicate in a way that builds trust at the local level. Host: Marissa Baum

Joseph Sherlock, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science and Public Policy at King's College London, joined the podcast to discuss the state of behavioral science in government. He talked about what is behavioral science and examples of how it has been applied in the public sector. Then he shared how the field is evolving and the importance of running experiments in your organization. Host: Toney Thompson

Two guests from Reno County, Kansas joined the podcast to talk about the process behind unifying rural fire districts. Randy Partington is the County Administrator for Reno County and Adam Weishaar is the Director of Emergency Management for Reno County. They shared the challenges the fire districts were facing that led to the unification such as equipment, training, and staffing issues. Then they discussed the transition toward consolidation and lessons learned and takeaways from their experience. Host: Lauren Palmer

Alex Lawrence, Chief People Officer for the City of Boston, Massachusetts, rejoined the podcast to talk about organizational change, development, and human resources. She discussed change management and the importance of communication for human resources. She shared how her background in innovation has influenced her career. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Chyanne Eyde, Deputy Chief of School Planning for the Government of the District of Columbia joined the podcast to discuss how not to engage historically marginalized communities in public outreach. She shared difficulties she was having in engagement and how it was negatively impacting her work. She then discussed how the engagement process has evolved and lessons learned in engagement. Host: Toney Thompson

José Madrigal, City Manager for the City of Durango, Colorado joined the podcast to talk about leadership and changing culture. He discussed his decision to take on the City Manager job and how he decided to leave Texas for Colorado. He shared how he got to know the organization, figured out what to change, and how he has worked to break down silos in the organization and create a unified leadership team. Host: Ben Kittelson

Yocelyn Galiano, Village Manager for the Village of Pinecrest, Florida joined the podcast to discuss their floating flower islands project to help with water pollution. She discussed what the project entails, the primary inspiration behind launching this pilot program, and how have the floating islands have performed so far in reducing invasive plant species and improving canal water quality. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Alyssa Dinberg, former GovLove Co-Host and Director of Strategic Federal Funding Coordination for the State of Colorado, joined the podcast to talk about her transition into leadership after the passing of a colleague. She shared her work regarding federal funding coordination, how she processes grief in the workplace, and the importance of strong relationships between state and local governments. Host: Lauren Palmer

The First Lady of Water returns. Cathy Bailey, Assistant City Manager for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, joined the podcast to talk about her transition from Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water works to the City Manager's Office. She discussed highlights from her time leading the utility, how her background informs how she approaches the job as an Assistant City Manager, and the importance of community engagement. Cathy shared how she shifted the culture of the utilities department from customer-first to employee-first and why that was important. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Jake the Dog, Mayor, and Shani Leichter, Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff for Mayor Jake joined the podcast to talk about their work in the community. They shared how they campaigned, duties of a canine mayor, and important issues to the community. Host: Lauren Palmer

Three legal expert jointed the podcast to discuss the Land Use Cases of the Year. Reed Asselbaye is a Law Clerk at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Craig Notte is a Partner at Borah, Goldstein, Altschuler, Nahins & Goidel, P.C., and Scott Hazelton is the Owner of Sunflower Peak Planning. They discussed impactful land use cases related to the National Environmental Policy Act, rent control, eminent domain, and affordable housing. Host: Dan Bolin

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

AI meets local government. Jorge Valens, Innovation Manager for Miami-Dade County, FL, joined the podcast to talk about the opportunities artificial intelligence represents for local government organizations and his recent article on the topic. He talked about how these tools can improve the efficiency of subject matter experts and allow organizations to test ideas quickly. He shared examples of how they use AI and human centered design together in Miami-Dade County. He also discussed the skills needed and the importance of skepticism and ethics in using AI.  Host: Ben Kittelson 

Jessica Carrero, Operations Project Manager for the Town of East Hartford, Connecticut joined the podcast to discuss project management and ensuring operations continue when organizations go through changes. She shared her experience during mayoral transitions, how standard operating procedures helped her succeed during those transitions, and how to navigate tension between new ideas and current practices. Host: Marissa Baum

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

JC Hudgison, Chief Building Official for the City of Tampa, Florida rejoined the podcast to discuss development, technology, and process improvement. He talked about how the City responded to and has been recovering from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. He shared how the City has worked to improve customer service through process improvement and how they are carefully integrate artificial intelligence into their plan review workflow. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL. Host: Ben Kittelson

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

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

Julia Novak, the CEO and Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), rejoined the podcast to discuss her new role at ICMA. She shared how the organization is adapting after reduced federal grants for international work. She discussed how she has engaged with members and how the Board is revamping the strategic plan. She talked about why the history of public administration is important to the profession and how the role of a Manager has evolved. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL. Host: Ben Kittelson

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

Mitchell Silver, City Council Member for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina rejoined the podcast to talk about the transition from working as a staff member in local government to becoming an elected official. He reflected on his work as Parks Commissioner for the City of New York and the decision to run for elected office. He discussed the challenges of going from a staff expert to a member of a governing body and balancing the needs of constituents with all the different needs of an organization. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Four plans in one. Jason Zawila, Planning Manager at the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois and John Houseal, Partner at Houseal Lavigne joined the podcast to discuss the APA Award-Winning Village of Downers Grove Comprehensive Plan update. They discussed the concept of total community development and how the effort updated four plans at the same time, the Village's Comprehensive Plan, Active Transportation Plan, Environmental Sustainability Plan, and Downtown and Fairview Streetscapes Plan. They also talked about how the community was engaged during the process. This episode was recorded at the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter 2025 Annual Conference. Host: Dan Bolin and Andy Cross

Kelly McAdoo, the City Administrator for the City of Santa Barbara, California, joined the podcast to talk about her leadership and change management approach. She discussed transitioning transitioning to a new city and getting to know a new organization. She talked about navigating challenges like a budget shortfall, homelessness, and new State laws related to land use and housing. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Lesley Milton, Deputy City Manager for the City of St. Helena, California, joined the podcast to talk about her passion for public service. She discussed her prior positions as a City Clerk and her experience working in small cities. She also discussed recent projects and initiatives and the City St. Helena's Community Academy. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about play based engagement and how it can be a meaningful way to create change. Leah Fisher is a Built and Natural Environment Analyst for Clackamas County, Oregon. John Kamp is Urban and Landscape Designer for Prairieform and the co-author of the book Dream Play Build. They discussed when to use this form of engagement, how to make it successful, and how to measure success. Host: Lauren Palmer

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

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

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director for the Mid-Hudson Library System joined the podcast to discuss the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. She shared how the initiative was created, how libraries can earn the certification, and the importance of adapting sustainability language. Host: Lauren Palmer

Peggy Flynn, City Manager for the City of Petaluma, California, joined the podcast to talk about fostering a culture of innovation, transparency, and engagement. She also discussed delivering effective and efficient public services. She shared how the City of Petaluma has evolved, projects her team is working on, and similarities between cattle ranching and city management, Host: Meredith Reynolds

Two guests rejoined the podcast to discuss finance and innovation. Chris Morrill, Executive Director, and Shayne Kavanagh, Senior Manager of Research, at the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) discussed their work. They talked about GFOA's research initiatives and how they are helping organizations deal with recent changes in federal funding. They shared why GFOA is changing its membership structure. They talked about a new finance innovation lab effort and their upcoming Innovator in Residence position. They also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Angela Wilson, the Deputy Public Information Officer for the Town of Frederick, Colorado, joined the podcast to talk about communications in a fast-growing community. She shared strategies the Town uses to stay engaged with residents and how to provide honest and transparent communications to residents. She also discussed the importance of setting expectations with new employees and her approach to onboarding new staff. Host: Ben Kittelson