Through these conversations, we identify and elevate effective governance in action—sharing best practices, connecting leaders, and advancing our mission to strengthen trust in public institutions across the nation.
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Talking Snow in Anchorage, Alaska
We don’t have a whole lot of roads, so we’ve got a lot of pilots.
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance joined the conversation. Our first guest from Alaska so naturally we started talking about snow. But Anchorage is a true American city with some of the same challenges other mayors face. Give a listen. More
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Wine and Baseball in California
I don’t really like politics. It’s the price that you have to pay for good governance.
When you’re talking to someone from Northern California you have to talk about wine. And Mayor John Marchand of Livermore started the conversation with a good wine discussion. Then we talked about baseball and good government. More
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Hialeah, Florida’s New and Young Mayor
People are kind of ready for a generational shift in politics.
When I met Bryan Calvo he had served all of three weeks as the newest and youngest Mayor of Hialeah, Florida. He got off to a fast start. I always like talking to young people in office and Mayor Calvo… More
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Profile of a Public Servant
“We don’t believe in just meeting the standard. We go above and beyond.”
A career in public service is not something many people automatically think about. Kelli Bentley, HR director for a city in Alabama is trying to change that. Listen to how she recruits people to work in her city’s water and… More
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Slow Down in Allentown, PA
“We have to give people an opportunity to trust us.”
Mayor Matt Turek is trying to make Allentown, PA the slowest city in America. Not because he drives slow, because slower traffic increases pedestrian safety. We also cover housing, police and fire fighter retention and baseball. More
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Good Ideas Win in Grand Rapids
“a proxy for what the real business of government is, and that is human flourishing.”
Mayor David LaGrand loves good ideas and big ideas. He says what keeps him up is not getting to all the things he wants to do in his city. Listen to his big ideas about improving Grand Rapids. More
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Driverless Cars, Look Out, One Might be in the next Lane
“We through government can make this country better and people’s lives better.”
There’s a lot of talk about driverless cars, they improve traffic, they impede traffic, they’re safe, they aren’t safe at all. I sat down with Daniel Greene Senior Director of consumer protection and product safety for the National Consumers League. More
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On being a good Listener
“Most things that are worthwhile take time.”
Christian Leinbach is a commissioner in Berks County, PA. He’s been on the show more than any other guest. On this episode we got to dig on what makes a good commissioner and a good elected official. More
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Mayor of Bankrupt City
“I’m the only bankrupt city in America.”
Stefan Roots is the mayor of Chester, PA. His city is the only bankrupt city in America. Listen to how the city’s mayor manages a city with, well no money. More
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The First Year as Mayor of Raleigh
“The mayor is a really special job.”
Janet Cowell is well into her second year as mayor of Raleigh. I got to catch up with her and talk about her first year in office. More
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Sports and Mac and Cheese in DC
“Government work is underappreciated.”
Big changes are underway in Washington DC. As the USA celebrates its 250th, it’s evolving. Nina Albert is the deputy mayor for planning and economic development and there’s a lot of both in the Capitol City. More
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Talking sports with the Mayor of Orlando
“The mark of a good mayor is being able to shop in the local grocery store.”
Buddy Dyer is the mayor of Orlando and he sees sports as a big part of his city. Listen to how he has built up his sports city and thoughts for other cities. More