GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
1,112 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 208 ratingsGovLove is a podcast about the people, policies and profession of local government. From Mayors and City Managers to interns and everyone in between, we interview the people making a difference in their communities to learn about the great work being done at the local level. GovLove is brought to you by Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL).
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Episodes
#247 A 9-year-old talks Parks with Bobbi Nance, Recreation Results
February 05, 2019 20:20 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBCool things about parks. To celebrate the start of the #ELGLKnope Award contest for the best Park facility in the country we have an interview between Eleanor Wyatt and Bobbi Nance. Eleanor is a 9-year-old that has strong opinions about parks and Bobbi is the President of Recreation Results, a company that uses data and strategy to advise local governments in the parks and recreation sector.
#229 A 9-year-old talks Parks with Bobbi Nance, Recreation Results
February 05, 2019 20:20 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBCool things about parks. To celebrate the start of the #ELGLKnope Award contest for the best Park facility in the country we have an interview between Eleanor Wyatt and Bobbi Nance. Eleanor is a 9-year-old that has strong opinions about parks and Bobbi is the President of Recreation Results, a company that uses data and strategy to advise local governments in the parks and recreation sector.
#228 Innovation & Using Scrum with Michelle Thong, San Jose, CA
February 01, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 29.3 MBUsing scrum in local government. Michelle Thong, the Digital Services Lead at the City of San Jose, CA, joined the podcast to talk innovation, iteration and engaging the tech community. She shared the three innovation behaviors her office works to encourage in the organization and how she works to be a multiplier. Michelle also talked about starting the Code for San Jose brigade and how the City works with volunteers.
#246 Innovation & Using Scrum with Michelle Thong, San Jose, CA
February 01, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 29.3 MBUsing scrum in local government. Michelle Thong, the Digital Services Lead at the City of San Jose, CA, joined the podcast to talk innovation, iteration and engaging the tech community. She shared the three innovation behaviors her office works to encourage in the organization and how she works to be a multiplier. Michelle also talked about starting the Code for San Jose brigade and how the City works with volunteers.
#245 Data-Driven Innovation in Los Angeles, CA with Miguel Sangalang & Amanda Daflos
January 25, 2019 16:31 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBTransforming data into action. Miguel Sangalang, Deputy Mayor for Budget & Innovation, and Amanda Daflos, Innovation Team Director, joined GovLove to talk about their work at the City of Los Angeles, California. They discussed earning the top level of the What Works Cities Certification and how they are pairing budget with innovation. They also shared why they think data is important and how the City uses data to make decisions.
#227 Data-Driven Innovation in Los Angeles, CA with Miguel Sangalang & Amanda Daflos
January 25, 2019 16:31 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBTransforming data into action. Miguel Sangalang, Deputy Mayor for Budget & Innovation, and Amanda Daflos, Innovation Team Director, joined GovLove to talk about their work at the City of Los Angeles, California. They discussed earning the top level of the What Works Cities Certification and how they are pairing budget with innovation. They also shared why they think data is important and how the City uses data to make decisions.
#244 The Business Case for Employee Engagement with Bob Lavigna
January 18, 2019 13:28 - 55 minutes - 25.4 MBMeasuring employee engagement. Bob Lavigna the Director of the Institute for Public Sector Employee Engagement at CPS HR joined the podcast to talk about why organizations should take employee engagement seriously. He argues that there is a business case to keeping employees engaged at the workplace and that the best organizations have recognized this. He also shared his path into working with governments and the value of employee surveys.
#226 The Business Case for Employee Engagement with Bob Lavigna
January 18, 2019 13:28 - 55 minutes - 25.4 MBMeasuring employee engagement. Bob Lavigna the Director of the Institute for Public Sector Employee Engagement at CPS HR joined the podcast to talk about why organizations should take employee engagement seriously. He argues that there is a business case to keeping employees engaged at the workplace and that the best organizations have recognized this. He also shared his path into working with governments and the value of employee surveys.
#243 Why Local Governments need PIOs with Chris Floore, Macon-Bibb, GA
January 11, 2019 14:11 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBCommunications and media relations. Chris Floore, the Assistant to the County Manager for Public Affairs in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, joined the podcast to talk about his work and building relationships with the media. Chris discussed the importance of the public information officer role and how he prepares staff to work with the media. He also responded to a report from the Society of Professional Journalists says public information officers are making it more difficult to get access to i...
#225 Why Local Governments need PIOs with Chris Floore, Macon-Bibb, GA
January 11, 2019 14:11 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBCommunications and media relations. Chris Floore, the Assistant to the County Manager for Public Affairs in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, joined the podcast to talk about his work and building relationships with the media. Chris discussed the importance of the public information officer role and how he prepares staff to work with the media. He also responded to a report from the Society of Professional Journalists says public information officers are making it more difficult to get access to i...
#242 Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan with Heather Worthington & Paul Mogush
January 04, 2019 14:28 - 1 hour - 27.5 MBBattling disparities through planning. Two people from the City of Minneapolis, MN join the podcast to talk about the hottest comprehensive plan in the country, Minneapolis 2040. Heather Worthington is the Director of Long Range Planning and Paul Mogush is the Manager of Community Planning for Minneapolis. Heather and Paul discussed the goals of the new comprehensive plan, which put dealing with racial disparities at the center of their work, and how they engaged the public throughout the pr...
#224 Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan with Heather Worthington & Paul Mogush
January 04, 2019 14:28 - 1 hour - 27.5 MBBattling disparities through planning. Two people from the City of Minneapolis, MN join the podcast to talk about the hottest comprehensive plan in the country, Minneapolis 2040. Heather Worthington is the Director of Long Range Planning and Paul Mogush is the Manager of Community Planning for Minneapolis. Heather and Paul discussed the goals of the new comprehensive plan, which put dealing with racial disparities at the center of their work, and how they engaged the public throughout the pr...
#241 The GovieLovies - 2018 Year in Review
December 28, 2018 13:35 - 1 hour - 33.8 MBThe best episodes of the year. All five regular GovLove hosts teamed up to hand out awards and recap the year of GovLove. Kirsten, Alyssa, Javon, Kent and Ben all selected four of their favorite episodes to honor with the most prestigious award in local government podcasting, a GovieLovie. In addition to handing out awards, the hosts shared what they hope to cover on the podcast in the future, their favorite holiday food and highlights from ELGL’s 2018. The Top Episodes of the Year: Kirs...
#223 The GovieLovies - 2018 Year in Review
December 28, 2018 13:35 - 1 hour - 33.8 MBThe best episodes of the year. All five regular GovLove hosts teamed up to hand out awards and recap the year of GovLove. Kirsten, Alyssa, Javon, Kent and Ben all selected four of their favorite episodes to honor with the most prestigious award in local government podcasting, a GovieLovie. In addition to handing out awards, the hosts shared what they hope to cover on the podcast in the future, their favorite holiday food and highlights from ELGL’s 2018. The Top Episodes of the Year: Kirs...
#222 A New Way of Doing Things in Jersey City with Brian Platt
December 21, 2018 14:55 - 1 hour - 28.9 MBProblem solving in government. Brian Platt the Business Administrator of Jersey City, New Jersey joined the podcast to talk about managing the day to day operations of the city, innovation in local government and being named a babe of Jersey City. Brian previously served as the Chief Innovation Officer and he shared the work of the city's i-Team and how they've approached problem solving.
#240 A New Way of Doing Things in Jersey City with Brian Platt
December 21, 2018 14:55 - 1 hour - 28.9 MBProblem solving in government. Brian Platt the Business Administrator of Jersey City, New Jersey joined the podcast to talk about managing the day to day operations of the city, innovation in local government and being named a babe of Jersey City. Brian previously served as the Chief Innovation Officer and he shared the work of the city's i-Team and how they've approached problem solving.
#221 Pizza to the Polls with Scott Duncombe
December 19, 2018 00:40 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBHungry for democracy. The national non-profit, Pizza to the Polls, tries to make waiting in line to vote a little better. They take reports of long lines from people around the country and then find local pizza places to deliver slices to voters. Scott Duncombe is one of the founders of Pizza to the Polls, he tells the story of how it started and how they delivered over 10,000 pizzas in the 2018 election.
#239 Pizza to the Polls with Scott Duncombe
December 19, 2018 00:40 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBHungry for democracy. The national non-profit, Pizza to the Polls, tries to make waiting in line to vote a little better. They take reports of long lines from people around the country and then find local pizza places to deliver slices to voters. Scott Duncombe is one of the founders of Pizza to the Polls, he tells the story of how it started and how they delivered over 10,000 pizzas in the 2018 election.
#238 PennDOT Connects with Secretary Leslie Richards & Brian Hare
December 14, 2018 13:48 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBTransportation & engagement. The Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, Leslie Richards, and the PennDOT Planning Chief, Brian Hare, join the podcast to talk engagement and the future of transportation. They shared their PennDOT Connects initiative which works to engage Pennsylvania residents before they implement transportation projects. Secretary Richards and Brian also talked about their career paths and how the State works with local governments.
#220 PennDOT Connects with Secretary Leslie Richards & Brian Hare
December 14, 2018 13:48 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBTransportation & engagement. The Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, Leslie Richards, and the PennDOT Planning Chief, Brian Hare, join the podcast to talk engagement and the future of transportation. They shared their PennDOT Connects initiative which works to engage Pennsylvania residents before they implement transportation projects. Secretary Richards and Brian also talked about their career paths and how the State works with local governments.
#219 Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor
December 07, 2018 13:34 - 28 minutes - 13.1 MBEconomic development at the state level. Stefan Pryor, the Secretary of Commerce for the State of Rhode Island, joins the podcast to talk about his work attracting companies to the state. Stefan discussed the policies they've used to turn around Rhode Island's economy. He also shared his career path to the position, which included a stint as Deputy Mayor in Newark, NJ.
#237 Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor
December 07, 2018 13:34 - 28 minutes - 13.1 MBEconomic development at the state level. Stefan Pryor, the Secretary of Commerce for the State of Rhode Island, joins the podcast to talk about his work attracting companies to the state. Stefan discussed the policies they've used to turn around Rhode Island's economy. He also shared his career path to the position, which included a stint as Deputy Mayor in Newark, NJ.
#236 Local Reporting in San Antonio with Iris Dimmick, The Rivard Report
November 30, 2018 14:17 - 1 hour - 30.8 MBThe City Hall beat. Iris Dimmick, Senior Reporter at The Rivard Report, talks covering local government in the City of San Antonio, Texas. She talked about the non-profit journalism that The Rivard Report conducts, her path to becoming a reporter and the future of local journalism. Then Iris discussed three propositions that were voted on by residents in November, each had a different impact on the City of San Antonio, including one that targeted the City Manager.
#218 Local Reporting in San Antonio with Iris Dimmick, The Rivard Report
November 30, 2018 14:17 - 1 hour - 30.8 MBThe City Hall beat. Iris Dimmick, Senior Reporter at The Rivard Report, talks covering local government in the City of San Antonio, Texas. She talked about the non-profit journalism that The Rivard Report conducts, her path to becoming a reporter and the future of local journalism. Then Iris discussed three propositions that were voted on by residents in November, each had a different impact on the City of San Antonio, including one that targeted the City Manager.
#217 Technology and Permitting in Shrewsbury, MA with John Covey
November 28, 2018 02:58 - 25 minutes - 11.5 MBApplying technology to make things better. John Covey, Chief Information Office of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, joined the podcast to talk about software, local government IT and improving processes. John shared his career path to working at the Town of Shrewsbury, his definition of a technologist and what he sees as trends in the field. He also shared their experience working with ViewPoint Cloud to improve the permitting process.
#235 Technology and Permitting in Shrewsbury, MA with John Covey
November 28, 2018 02:58 - 25 minutes - 11.5 MBApplying technology to make things better. John Covey, Chief Information Office of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, joined the podcast to talk about software, local government IT and improving processes. John shared his career path to working at the Town of Shrewsbury, his definition of a technologist and what he sees as trends in the field. He also shared their experience working with ViewPoint Cloud to improve the permitting process.
#216 Digital Services & Process Improvement with Mike Sarasti, Miami, Florida
November 22, 2018 13:05 - 1 hour - 27.6 MBPutting people first. Mike Sarasti, the Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Innovation & Technology for the City of Miami, Florida, joined the podcast to talk about his role driving innovation and scaling solutions throughout the organization. He discussed his path to becoming a CIO, how they put users first through process design and working with Code for Miami. He also talked about how adding IT to his portfolio has impacted the innovation work in Miami, from training his employees on...
#234 Digital Services & Process Improvement with Mike Sarasti, Miami, Florida
November 22, 2018 13:05 - 1 hour - 27.6 MBPutting people first. Mike Sarasti, the Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Innovation & Technology for the City of Miami, Florida, joined the podcast to talk about his role driving innovation and scaling solutions throughout the organization. He discussed his path to becoming a CIO, how they put users first through process design and working with Code for Miami. He also talked about how adding IT to his portfolio has impacted the innovation work in Miami, from training his employees on...
#215 What Government Innovation Really Looks Like with Hana Schank
November 16, 2018 11:00 - 56 minutes - 25.9 MBGetting the work done. Hana Schank, Public Interest Technology Fellow for New America, joined the podcast to talk about her recently published report on innovation in government. She interviewed problem solvers working across Federal, State and local governments to learn how they are trying to make government services better for residents. From what this field of innovation should be called, what teams across the country look like and common projects that teams are working on, Hana gave more...
#233 What Government Innovation Really Looks Like with Hana Schank
November 16, 2018 11:00 - 56 minutes - 25.9 MBGetting the work done. Hana Schank, Public Interest Technology Fellow for New America, joined the podcast to talk about her recently published report on innovation in government. She interviewed problem solvers working across Federal, State and local governments to learn how they are trying to make government services better for residents. From what this field of innovation should be called, what teams across the country look like and common projects that teams are working on, Hana gave more...
#232 The Best of Nextdoor with Jenn Takahashi
November 13, 2018 14:26 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBQuality neighborhood drama. Jenn Takahashi, the chief lurker and founder of the parody account Best of Nextdoor, joined the podcast to talk about sharing the entertaining drama that happens on Nextdoor. Jenn shares what caused her to start the account, what the Nextdoor CEO thinks of it and what it's been like to have the account get so popular.
#214 The Best of Nextdoor with Jenn Takahashi
November 13, 2018 14:26 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBQuality neighborhood drama. Jenn Takahashi, the chief lurker and founder of the parody account Best of Nextdoor, joined the podcast to talk about sharing the entertaining drama that happens on Nextdoor. Jenn shares what caused her to start the account, what the Nextdoor CEO thinks of it and what it's been like to have the account get so popular.
#213 City on the Line: Outcome Budgeting with Andrew Kleine
November 09, 2018 11:00 - 57 minutes - 26.5 MBBudgeting for Outcomes. In his new book Andrew Kleine, the former Budget Director for the City of Baltimore, MD, challenges how local governments budget. He writes about how he changed budgeting in Baltimore to focus on outcomes rather than line items. He joined the podcast to talk about how he learned about outcome budgeting, the process of writing a book, and his career path in government.
#231 City on the Line: Outcome Budgeting with Andrew Kleine
November 09, 2018 11:00 - 57 minutes - 26.5 MBBudgeting for Outcomes. In his new book Andrew Kleine, the former Budget Director for the City of Baltimore, MD, challenges how local governments budget. He writes about how he changed budgeting in Baltimore to focus on outcomes rather than line items. He joined the podcast to talk about how he learned about outcome budgeting, the process of writing a book, and his career path in government.
#212 Data and Continuous Improvement in Louisville, KY with Daro Mott
November 06, 2018 13:17 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBLouieStat and changing culture. Daro Mott, the Chief of Performance Improvement for the City of Louisville, Kentucky, joined the podcast to talk about their use of data and focus on process improvement. Daro described Louisville's particular focus on professional development and training employees to change culture. He also shared his path into local government and their work to earn the What Works Cities Certification.
#230 Data and Continuous Improvement in Louisville, KY with Daro Mott
November 06, 2018 13:17 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBLouieStat and changing culture. Daro Mott, the Chief of Performance Improvement for the City of Louisville, Kentucky, joined the podcast to talk about their use of data and focus on process improvement. Daro described Louisville's particular focus on professional development and training employees to change culture. He also shared his path into local government and their work to earn the What Works Cities Certification.
#211 Local Government Law: Unions and the Janus Decision
November 02, 2018 11:52 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBNavigating the Supreme Court decision. Earlier this year the case of Janus v. AFSCME changed part of the relationship between local governments and unions. No longer can cities and counties collect union dues for non-union employees that benefit from union negotiations. Matthew DiCianni from the Chicago based law firm, Ancel Glink, joined the podcast to talk about the role of unions and the impact of the Janus decision.
#229 Local Government Law: Unions and the Janus Decision
November 02, 2018 11:52 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBNavigating the Supreme Court decision. Earlier this year the case of Janus v. AFSCME changed part of the relationship between local governments and unions. No longer can cities and counties collect union dues for non-union employees that benefit from union negotiations. Matthew DiCianni from the Chicago based law firm, Ancel Glink, joined the podcast to talk about the role of unions and the impact of the Janus decision.
#228 Crisis Ready, Building an Invincible Brand with Melissa Agnes
October 30, 2018 10:00 - 40 minutes - 18.4 MBTalking crisis management and communication. Melissa Agnes, the author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, joined the podcast to talk handling crises. Melissa shared her perspective on plans versus programs and the importance of communication.
#210 Crisis Ready, Building an Invincible Brand with Melissa Agnes
October 30, 2018 10:00 - 40 minutes - 18.4 MBTalking crisis management and communication. Melissa Agnes, the author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, joined the podcast to talk handling crises. Melissa shared her perspective on plans versus programs and the importance of communication.
#209 Government Communications for Super Bowl Sunday in Minneapolis, MN
October 26, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 30.3 MBA lot of preparation and work goes into hosting a Super Bowl. Two communications professionals from the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota shared their story of hosting Super Bowl 52 in their city. Greta Bergstrom is the Communications Director and Jordan Gilgenbach is the Digital Media Relations Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis. They talked about the working with dozens of partners to keep residents and guests informed, how they prepared for cold weather and all the rowdy fans, plus they...
#227 Government Communications for Super Bowl Sunday in Minneapolis, MN
October 26, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 30.3 MBA lot of preparation and work goes into hosting a Super Bowl. Two communications professionals from the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota shared their story of hosting Super Bowl 52 in their city. Greta Bergstrom is the Communications Director and Jordan Gilgenbach is the Digital Media Relations Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis. They talked about the working with dozens of partners to keep residents and guests informed, how they prepared for cold weather and all the rowdy fans, plus they...
#226 Economic Development in Providence, RI with Laurie White, Chamber of Commerce President
October 23, 2018 22:00 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MBThe President of the Greater Providence, Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Laurie White, joined the podcast to share how Providence works to attract businesses and entrepreneurs. She talks about how important it is to know your workforce, what businesses are looking for and how she works together with the State Secretary of Commerce.
#208 Economic Development in Providence, RI with Laurie White, Chamber of Commerce President
October 23, 2018 22:00 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MBThe President of the Greater Providence, Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Laurie White, joined the podcast to share how Providence works to attract businesses and entrepreneurs. She talks about how important it is to know your workforce, what businesses are looking for and how she works together with the State Secretary of Commerce.
#225 Evaluation & Good Government in Washington, DC with Jenny Reed
October 19, 2018 12:59 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MBGood government for the people. Jenny Reed the Director of the Office of Budget & Performance Management for the City of Washington, DC joined the podcast to talk about how they use evaluation and performance management. She shared the work of the Lab @ DC, how they want to make a more data driven budget process and their use of low cost evaluations. Jenny also shared the process of earning the What Works Cities Certification and how that process helped her office and the City improve.
#207 Evaluation & Good Government in Washington, DC with Jenny Reed
October 19, 2018 12:59 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MBGood government for the people. Jenny Reed the Director of the Office of Budget & Performance Management for the City of Washington, DC joined the podcast to talk about how they use evaluation and performance management. She shared the work of the Lab @ DC, how they want to make a more data driven budget process and their use of low cost evaluations. Jenny also shared the process of earning the What Works Cities Certification and how that process helped her office and the City improve.
#224 University of Nebraska Game Day in Lincoln with Tom Casady, Public Safety Director
October 12, 2018 10:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBCollege Football and Local Government. We continue our series on the relationship between local governments and universities. Tom Casady, Director of Public Safety, joined the podcast to talk about the game day atmosphere in Lincoln, the preparation it takes to get ready for the influx of fans and his favorite memories. On Saturdays enough people come to Lincoln to make it the third largest city in the state. Prior to being named Public Safety Director, Tom was the Lincoln Police Chief from ...
#206 University of Nebraska Game Day in Lincoln with Tom Casady, Public Safety Director
October 12, 2018 10:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBCollege Football and Local Government. We continue our series on the relationship between local governments and universities. Tom Casady, Director of Public Safety, joined the podcast to talk about the game day atmosphere in Lincoln, the preparation it takes to get ready for the influx of fans and his favorite memories. On Saturdays enough people come to Lincoln to make it the third largest city in the state. Prior to being named Public Safety Director, Tom was the Lincoln Police Chief from ...
#205 Changing the Local Government Workplace
October 09, 2018 12:40 - 1 hour - 34.8 MBA panel of local government staff, an elected official and a tech company staffer discussed the changing workplace. They shared their opinions on what they want to see from their employers, how government can better engage with residents and how local government needs to deal with diversity and inclusion. The group also took questions from the audience that hit on the urban-rural divide, the role of elected officials and white male privilege. The panel included: Lacey Beaty, City Council Pre...
#223 Changing the Local Government Workplace
October 09, 2018 12:40 - 1 hour - 34.8 MBA panel of local government staff, an elected official and a tech company staffer discussed the changing workplace. They shared their opinions on what they want to see from their employers, how government can better engage with residents and how local government needs to deal with diversity and inclusion. The group also took questions from the audience that hit on the urban-rural divide, the role of elected officials and white male privilege. The panel included: Lacey Beaty, City Council Pre...