LMC City Speak
73 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsA look at issues important to Minnesota cities.
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Episodes
You Can Accomplish Big Things in a Small City
January 26, 2024 06:01 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MBEvan Vogel worked in state government before shifting to city administrator in Cambridge. Hear how he strives to make big things happen in his small city and creates a culture of appreciation for the hard work and talent of his city’s staff. Episode transcript (pdf)
Holy Mackerel I Need to Plan for This
January 12, 2024 06:01 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBDianne Miller has worked in Eagan for 20 years — first as an intern now as city administrator. She shares her leadership journey and how being curious helped build her expertise and how setting boundaries brought balance to her life. Episode transcript (pdf).
Balancing My Core Values
December 22, 2023 06:01 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBLaurie Hokkanen worked for Chanhassen and moved on to several other roles and cities before returning to Chanhassen as the current city manager. Hear how those experiences helped build her confidence, understand the difference between formal and informal leadership, and reinforce the importance of staying true to her core values. Episode transcript (pdf).
From 545 Bosses to 5
December 08, 2023 06:01 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBElizabeth Torkelson shares her career transition from working in the Library of Congress to her new role as city administrator in Olivia. Hear how her experience at the federal level taught her the importance of being a resource and building relationships at the local level, and also how to distinguish between an ear and a cob of corn. Episode transcript (pdf)
I Felt Like I Could Do More in Public Service
November 17, 2023 15:57 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBSharon Hanson shares how she took on the first county coordinator position with Pipestone County and after 13 years there decided to make the leap to become the Marshall city administrator. Hear why she made the switch, and how good communication, teamwork, and strong connections have helped her in her leadership journey. Episode transcript (pdf).
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Showing Up
October 31, 2023 05:01 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MBFaith Jackson, Bloomington’s first chief equity and inclusion officer, is a realist who has had some great successes in her work while also understanding she won’t achieve all her goals during her job tenure. Hear how her work in Bloomington is making progress in advancing racial equity and helping all residents feel they belong. Learn ways leaders can contribute by being visible in the work and making connections in their community. Episode transcript (pdf).
Life Taught Me That I Have to Be Strong
October 13, 2023 05:00 - 11 minutes - 13.7 MBMankato Mayor Najwa Massad shares how her experiences as an immigrant and small business owner shaped her outlook on life and her role as mayor. Hear how living in a war zone, starting over in Mankato, and working in hospitality helped her learn to be strong, to lead by example, and realize nothing is impossible. Episode transcript (pdf).
Bringing Fresh Eyes to the White Bear Way
September 29, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBWhen Lindy Crawford became the city manager of White Bear Lake two years ago, she shifted from being an expert on many things to managing and leading the experts. Hear how she handled that transition and allowed staff and officials time to adapt to change while bringing a fresh set of ideas and opportunities for growth. Episode transcript (pdf).
Learning to Get Out of the Way
September 15, 2023 05:01 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBBrad Martens transitioned from working in a small community where he wore many hats to being the city manager in Shoreview with long-tenured department heads. Hear how he learned to get out of the way and let the experts do their jobs, honor their work as they retire, and thoughtfully choreograph how to move forward. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Grateful for Guidance
September 01, 2023 05:01 - 11 minutes - 16.5 MBDuluth Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman shares how having a network of city leaders was instrumental in helping him when starting out in his career in city government and when he made an unconventional career shift. Learn how he cracked the code on the importance of getting and giving guidance and the impact it's had on his city leadership journey. Episode Transcript (pdf)
New Season: Focusing on Leadership
August 25, 2023 05:01 - 42 seconds - 993 KBWe're kicking off a new season of the City Speak podcast starting Sept. 1! Join host Luke Fischer, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities, as he talks with city stafe and elected officials who are new to leadership roles or who are going through a leadership transition in their community. Episode Transcript (pdf)
I Wish I Could Say I’ve Never Made That Mistake
December 24, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 19.7 MBCrystal City Manager Anne Norris recalls how a budget process gone wrong provided a painful lesson on the importance of clear communication. She shares how owning the mistake helped rebuild trust with city officials and the community. Episode Transcript (pdf)
I Wasn’t Engaging the Community
December 10, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 26.5 MBBuffalo Mayor Teri Lachermeier shares how a city redevelopment project taught her the importance of getting community input. She also describes her method to ensure people feel their opinion is heard. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Staying Plugged In
November 26, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 23.4 MBChatfield Clerk Joel Young shares how seeing others become downtrodden and cynical reinforced the importance of maintaining connections and relationships with others in local government. He also reveals the one word that has helped him through some stressful times. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Mistakes Are Just Part of the Job
November 12, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 21.5 MBBiwabik Mayor Jim Weikum shares how a mistake he made taught him the importance of doing your homework and anticipating the perspectives of others. He also talks with us about a simple practice that can help elected leaders work successfully with each other. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Yeah, That Probably Wasn’t the Best Way to Handle It
October 29, 2021 10:00 - 11 minutes - 26.1 MBMelrose City Administrator Colleen Winter talks with us about leadership lessons the pandemic has taught her. She shares how these experiences reinforced the importance of active listening and ensuring people feel heard along the way. Episode Transcript (pdf)
The Importance of Words
October 15, 2021 10:00 - 11 minutes - 25.3 MBWyoming Mayor Lisa Iverson shares how a ride-along in a squad car gave her a new perspective on decision-making, and how the words she chooses in her city leadership role can help the public understand council action. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Everyone Needs a Buddy
October 01, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 24 MBWadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz talks with us about the big role that mentors played in her leadership journey, and why we all need to have a buddy to support us and help do the hard things together. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Not Every Idea Is a Good Idea
September 17, 2021 10:00 - 9 minutes - 18.1 MBMarshall Mayor Bob Byrnes chats with us about a leadership lesson that taught him the importance of embracing community input, and shares what keeps him going after nearly 30 years of serving his city. Episode transcript (pdf)
Failing Forward
September 03, 2021 10:00 - 9 minutes - 20.9 MBBaudette Clerk-Treasurer Tina Rennemo chats with us about lessons she’s learned in her career. She shares the importance of learning by making mistakes, and explains how focusing on the great things happening in her city helps her stay positive. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Don’t Lose Sight of the Things That Aren’t on Fire
August 20, 2021 05:30 - 12 minutes - 27.6 MBBrooklyn Park Fire Chief and President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association T. John Cunningham shares stories from his experiences as a public sector leader and some of the valuable lessons he’s learned. Cunningham also shares his advice on surrounding yourself with supportive peers and keeping your focus on the important things even when the metaphorical fires are all around you. Episode Transcript (pdf)
My First Leadership Test and I Didn’t Even Know It
July 30, 2021 11:00 - 13 minutes - 30.3 MBThis teaser episode for season four of The City Speak features League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director Dave Unmacht. Dave shares a story about a surprise meeting early in his career where he learned that his transition to a new role was not going well. Hear how that feedback helped to shape his approach to managing and leading in what he considers to be a true “aha” moment in life and leadership. Episode transcript (pdf)
2021 Legislative Series: Responding to COVID-19
January 15, 2021 15:56 - 15 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode — one of three in a legislative series — League intergovernmental relations (IGR) representatives Daniel Lightfoot and Ann Lindstrom address federal support for cities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the need for any future aid to be disbursed directly to cities with more flexibility and clear direction from the Treasury; the careful coordination needed among federal, state, and local government partners; and the importance of sharing your experiences with s...
2021 Legislative Series: Responding to Economic Challenges
January 15, 2021 06:30 - 16 minutes - 36.9 MBIn this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you’ll hear about economic issues affecting cities that will likely be discussed in the 2021 legislative session. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Director Gary Carlson and Assistant IGR Director Anne Finn share updates on the state budget deficit, transportation funding, and duty disability for first responders. They also emphasize the importance of sharing your local stories. For more legislative information, check out the L...
2021 Legislative Series: Addressing Racial Inequities
January 15, 2021 06:30 - 15 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you’ll hear about the League’s new racial equity legislative policy. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Counsel Irene Kao and IGR Representative Craig Johnson explain how the policy was developed, and how it can be used to address equity in policy areas ranging from housing to less obvious topics like energy. For more legislative information, check out the League’s legislative policies, subscribe to the Cities Bulletin e-newsle...
Two League Interns Talk Race Equity
January 08, 2021 06:30 - 11 minutes - 25.2 MBLeague of Minnesota Cities intern and college senior Laurel Poole takes over the hosting duties in this bonus episode, interviewing fellow intern and classmate Elijah Henderson. Henderson spent the summer focusing on research for the League’s race equity initiatives, including conducting interviews with city officials of color. Elijah shares some of the themes he heard in their experiences, and explains how this work has inspired him to become a part of local government. Episode Transcript ...
Focus on the Windshield, Not the Rearview Mirror
October 30, 2020 05:30 - 23 minutes - 53.6 MBAs we approach the general election and the end of 2020, we check in with Brad Wiersum, president of the League of Minnesota Cities and mayor of Minnetonka. Wiersum shares valuable lessons he’s learned while in office and offers practical advice for newly elected officials just starting out on their city leadership journey. He serves up some nuggets of wisdom we can all use, including focusing on the future, not taking yourself too seriously, and being kind to yourself and others. Episode ...
Talking Elections with David Maeda
October 16, 2020 05:30 - 28 minutes - 66.4 MBWe talk with David Maeda, director of elections for the Minnesota Office of Secretary of State, who gives us the lowdown on all things elections – including safety and security of the voting process, absentee voting and naked ballots, and when we can expect final election results. David reveals what keeps him up at night during this unique election year, and shares how impressed he is by the enthusiasm and integrity of those who help run elections in Minnesota. Sign up for weekly emails wit...
Partner Podcast: Center of Everywhere with Dave Unmacht
October 09, 2020 05:30 - 46 minutes - 106 MBWe wanted to share with our listeners this Center of Everywhere podcast episode from our partners at the Center for Rural Policy and Development and featuring our own Dave Unmacht, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities. Dave discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota’s small cities, how uncertainty will be the defining characteristic of the next five years, and why getting involved in local government may just be the best thing you ever do in life. Podcast Tr...
Protecting the Mental Health of First Responders
October 02, 2020 05:30 - 29 minutes - 66.7 MBCommunity first responders are repeatedly exposed to trauma, and that trauma can take its toll. Dan Willis, retired police captain and author of Bulletproof Spirit, talks with us about proactive wellness strategies for first responders. He explains the cultural shift needed to emphasize emotional survival as well as physical survival, and how promoting a heart-centered approach to work can help keep those in public safety motivated, inspired, and connected to the true nobility of what it mea...
We’ve Got You Covered
September 18, 2020 05:30 - 26 minutes - 59.9 MBDan Greensweig, administrator of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, shares some interesting takes on how the Trust partners with cities on managing risk and solving problems. Dan explains how preventing claims is just as important as providing coverage protection, and talks about Trust efforts to help cities deal with some of the bigger challenges and issues they are facing these days. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Two Mayors Talk City Budgets
September 04, 2020 05:30 - 30 minutes - 69.6 MBIt’s that time again — budget season is here, and this year there’s the added twist of factoring in the impacts of a global pandemic. Carver Mayor Courtney Johnson and Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse share the challenges their cities face as they make difficult decisions on spending and city services. Hear about the importance of transparency and educating others on the budgeting process, and how tenacity and creative approaches are helping these mayors tackle complex budget issues this year. E...
Women in City Government
August 21, 2020 07:00 - 32 minutes - 74.5 MBAs we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, we talk with three city leaders about the opportunities, challenges, and impact of women in city government today. Maplewood Assistant City Manager Michael Sable, Sartell City Administrator Anna Gruber, and Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez share their experiences and insights on the importance of listening to understand, making space for others, and mentoring to encourage th...
Bridging Social Capital Across Multicultural Communities
August 07, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 56.1 MBMahnomen City Administrator Mitchell Berg shares the results of his doctoral research on tribal and municipal relations. Even if your city doesn’t have the opportunity to work with a tribal nation, his findings on the trust, purposeful engagement, and skills needed to build intergovernmental collaborations can be applied to strengthen relationships with partners of any background. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Everything’s Better with Better Broadband
July 24, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 48.6 MBAccess to reliable, high-speed internet is vital to the economic success of a community — a big reason why Minnesota has a goal of border-to-border broadband by 2026. But building a broadband infrastructure in a community takes more than technical know-how. Blandin Foundation’s Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy & engagement, and Bill Coleman, community broadband coach, talk about how technology is just a small piece of the broadband puzzle and how hope, tenacity (gird your loins!)...
Finding Silver Linings: Brainerd’s Reopening Story
July 10, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 55.3 MBBrainerd City Administrator Jennifer Bergman and Human Resources Director Kris Schubert share the unique challenges their city faced (including a fire at City Hall) while working to reopen the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear how their preparedness plan, a priority on safety, pride in their city, and ability to find the positives during a crisis helped them get their City Hall up and running again. Episode Transcript (pdf)
Jump-Starting Main Street
June 26, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 60.1 MBDiscover how the City of Watertown created its own economic stimulus package to help Main Street businesses and residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Watertown Mayor Steve Washburn shares how partnerships, innovative thinking, and quick work got $96,000 worth of “Chamber Checks” into residents’ hands to help boost the local economy and morale in the community. Episode Transcript (pdf)
A Conversation With U.S. Representatives Craig and Stauber
June 09, 2020 16:42 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MBHear from two members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation as we talk with Rep. Angie Craig (2nd Congressional District) and Rep. Pete Stauber (8th Congressional District). They share their opinions about direct federal aid to cities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the role of federal government should be as we look toward meaningful change to address the racial injustices in our country.
#WeGotThis Series: Mark Ruff
April 17, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 55.3 MBIn this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Minneapolis Interim City Coordinator Mark Ruff, a public finance expert, shares his thoughts on basic actions cities can take now to help weather economic uncertainty, where cities can find opportunity in a down market, and what financial changes will most impact cities. He also offers advice for communicating with the public about city finances (be honest, be direct, be bold), and reminds us that cities are forever — we have liv...
#WeGotThis Series: Mike Goldstein
April 13, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 55.1 MBIn this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Plymouth Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Mike Goldstein shares how his city’s emergency management planning prepared them for the pandemic (including a stockpile of PPEs), and how creative scheduling and staffing plans help to ensure the safety of their officers. He also discusses the challenge of providing the level of service they take pride in while shifting away from direct interactions, and the encouragement he ge...
#WeGotThis Series: Jenny Max
April 09, 2020 16:20 - 18 minutes - 42.8 MBIn this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Nisswa City Administrator Jenny Max discusses the steps her city has taken to keep things running and the positive relationships they’ve forged with other entities as they work together to do what’s right and keep everyone safe. She also shares her concerns for the local tourism economy and the challenges of moving everyone forward as a team. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-19 from the League at www.lmc.org/cov...
#WeGotThis Series: Tracy Bertram
April 06, 2020 06:00 - 19 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, we talk with Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram, whose city dealt with a large fire just prior to the current COVID-19 crisis. Hear how that first incident helped to build the leadership team and trust that are so crucial today. She also shares how she makes decisions (including the toughest decision she’s made so far), what lessons the city has learned, and how impressed she is with the positivity of the people in her community and thei...
#WeGotThis Series: Andrea Lauer
April 03, 2020 16:53 - 22 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Royalton Mayor Andrea Lauer shares the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on her community and what it’s like to lead a city in times like these. Hear about the challenges of using technology for meetings (sound familiar?), her concerns about the safety of city staff and the survival of local businesses, and how the actions of the wonderful people in her city bring her hope and assurance that they’ll get through this together. Ge...
#WeGotThis Series: David Unmacht
March 25, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 44.9 MBMinnesota cities are facing the challenge of pandemic response, but working together, #WeGotThis! In this first episode of the #WeGotThis Series, we talk with League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director David Unmacht about how the League has responded during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares advice he has for city leaders (be human!), what he has learned, what has surprised him, and what gives him hope during these rapidly changing times. Get more information and resources regarding COVID-1...
2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Gary Carlson
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 31.6 MBPrep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Director Gary Carlson shares what’s on his radar for this session, including the process to impose a local sales tax; streamlining of the sales tax exemption for public project construction materials; local government aid; employer aid restoratio...
2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Gary Carlson and Anne Finn
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MBPrep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Director Gary Carlson and Assistant Director Anne Finn share updates on elections and data collection; paid family leave and earned sick time for employees; massage therapist licensure and background checks; how the state biennium works; and the ...
2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Irene Kao
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 9 minutes - 21.5 MBPrep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Counsel Irene Kao dives into the topics of street improvement fees and the need for legislation that supports residential development while protecting the interests of current taxpayers. She also provides an update on the League’s #BuildItRight c...
2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Daniel Lightfoot
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 8 minutes - 20.5 MBPrep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Representative Daniel Lightfoot discusses resources and tools for affordable and workforce housing; city authority for land use planning, zoning, and assessing fees associated with residential development; and funding for reliable broadband acces...
2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Anne Finn
February 07, 2020 05:00 - 11 minutes - 26 MBPrep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affecting cities at the Capitol this year. In this episode, IGR Assistant Director Anne Finn explains the process around the bonding bill — which will include projects like transportation and water infrastructure — and also provides a preview on city street funding issues. Check out the other episodes in this...
Joys and Challenges of Our First Year in Office
January 17, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 76.5 MBHow did your first year go as an elected city official, what did you learn, and what advice would you give others? We check in with two elected officials as they wrap up their first year in office. Warren Mayor Mara Hanel and Oak Park Heights Councilmember Carly Johnson share what they found rewarding, challenging, and surprising this past year, and offer advice to the newbies out there as they start on their new adventure in public service.