FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Dave Martin
646-483-5898
dave.goodgovpodcast@gmail.com
“Stealing Good Ideas”: Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe on How Cities Make Government Work
New York, NY — March 29, 2026 — In a dynamic and refreshingly candid new episode of The Good Government Show, Columbia, Missouri Mayor Barbara Buffaloe shares how local leaders across America are borrowing — and improving — each other’s best ideas to make government work better for the people they serve.
Buffaloe, a second-term mayor and former city sustainability manager, brings energy, humor, and real-world pragmatism to a conversation that spans climate action, public safety, housing, and civic engagement. Her philosophy is simple: mayors aren’t competing — they’re collaborating. “I’m stealing lots of ideas,” she says with a laugh, pointing to innovative programs from cities across the country that she’s bringing home to Columbia.
At the core of her leadership is a focus on tangible impact — making neighborhoods safer, more affordable, and more livable. From neighborhood safety walks that reduce crime and energy costs, to programs that bring city services directly to residents’ doorsteps, Buffaloe emphasizes proactive governance that meets people where they are.
She also challenges common misconceptions about government itself. “There is nobody sitting in a back room… going, how can I mess with your life today,” Buffaloe says, pushing back on the cynicism that often surrounds public service. Instead, she highlights the dedication of public servants working every day to improve their communities.