GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)

GovLove 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).

  1. 4D AGO

    The 2025 GovieLovies

    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

    1h 3m

  2. DEC 19

    Using Artificial Intelligence to Empower Public Servants with Jorge Valens, Miami-Dade County, FL

    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

    51 min

  3. DEC 12

    Maintaining Good Government During Transitions with Jessica Carrero, East Hartford, CT

    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

    41 min

  4. DEC 5

    Increasing Representation with Amber Cabrera and Maylee De Jesús, Local Government Hispanic Network

    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

    57 min

  5. NOV 28

    Development and Customer Service with JC Hudgison, Tampa, FL

    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

    51 min

  6. NOV 21

    Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA

    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

    45 min

  7. NOV 14

    The Mayor Has a Hammer and Other Poetry with Jim Schutz, JMSB Strategies

    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

    59 min

  8. NOV 7

    Leading ICMA and the Roots of Professional Government with Julia Novak, ICMA

    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

    49 min
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4.8
out of 5
216 Ratings

About

GovLove 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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