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An Honorable Profession — Government & Organizations
An Honorable Profession

Restore your faith in government with An Honorable Profession. Every Thursday, co-hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bultan sit down with rising state and local Democrats, policy experts, and the nation’s top political minds for empowering and candid conversations about life in public service and government. Together with their guests – which include members of the Biden Administration, state legislators nationwide, and mayors from America’s top cities – Ryan and Debbie discuss the biggest issues facing Americans today and the decisive role that state and local leaders play in catalyzing progressive, pragmatic solutions.

An Honorable Profession is produced by the NewDEAL. For more AHP and NewDEAL content, visit https://newdealleaders.org/ and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewDEALLeaders
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewDEALLeaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NewdealleadersOrg

An Honorable Profession is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Copyright: © The NewDEAL 2018

Latest Episodes:

How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Jennifer Pahlka on Modernizing Technology and Reforming Civil Service Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Faith in our government and elected officials has reached record lows in recent years. In 2023, trust in government institutions plummeted to 16%, marking one of the lowest points in history, and, in 2024, 49% of Americans – a plurality of respondents – asserted that the very foundation of our government, our democracy, was not working. This episode kicks off our limited series How Government Can Get Sh*t Done. In this series, hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty will be joined by political scientists, policy experts, authors, and elected officials as they explore how to make government more effective and responsive, delivering tangible results that improve lives.

For today's conversation, Debbie speaks with Jennifer Pahlka, who has decades of experience in civic technology. She was U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer under former President Obama and recently authored the book, Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better. Debbie and Jennifer talk about the factors that often make government slow or ineffective and what the Department of Government Efficiency is getting wrong about cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. Jennifer shares her advice for elected officials from prioritizing civil service reform to investing in digital and data infrastructure and the importance of measuring results. Tune in to hear how Democrats can go on offense against DOGE by championing thoughtful and lawful systemic improvements.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:05] Introducing An Honorable Profession's new series: How Government Can Get Sh*t Done.

• [02:17] Welcome to Jennifer Pahlka who served as US Deputy Chief Technology Officer under President Obama.

• [04:53] How to not lose sight of the real problems that need evolving.

• [09:40] Why efficiency is a byproduct of government rather than a goal.

• [11:17] Differentiating between creating regulations and making government work.

• [16:24] Four things government officials can do to facilitate interaction.

• [18:12] How LLMs can support efficiency.

• [21:56] What it might look like to care more about the outcome than the bill.

• [25:41] How to know the true status of your bureaucracy.

• [28:10] Understanding why bureaucracy is risk adverse.

• [30:28] Jennifer's journey to public service.

• [32:20] How tech can build a better world for those who most need it.

How Democrats Can Change Their Message on Homelessness and Public Safety Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

This week, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with San José, CA, Mayor Matt Mahan, who was elected two years ago on his promise to tackle the city's most intractable problems like homelessness, crime, and traffic. Mayor Mahan talks about his recently announced "Responsibility to Shelter" initiative, which makes historic investments in intermittent housing and supportive shelters while creating accountability for homeless residents to go indoors. Debbie and the mayor also discuss his advocacy for California's Proposition 36, which increases penalties for petty theft and public drug use and which passed as a ballot measure with over 68% of the vote last November. Mahan reflects on the opposition he faced from Democratic colleagues on the issue and the lessons he learned from that experience on how Democrats can strengthen their message on crime, homelessness, and the role of good governance. And, as the mayor of the capital of Silicon Valley, and co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force, he explains how the city is utilizing artificial intelligence to improve government services, including by optimizing bus routes and detecting and repairing potholes. Tune in to hear about Mayor Mahan's journey from his rural hometown to his career in tech startups and what inspired him to run for elected office.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:21] Responsibility to Shelter: holding unhoused individuals accountable.

• [06:07] Expanding low-barrier housing with dignity and support in the face of controversy.

• [08:40] Addressing addiction and mental health as public health crises.

• [10:32] Proposition 36 and the need for more inpatient mental health and addiction treatment.

• [14:54] A political perspective: why Democrats must prioritize results-driven governance.

• [18:34] Using AI to make government better by improving transit, city services, and efficiency.

• [22:38] How San Jose uses performance-based budgeting to drive its four key priorities.

• [26:26] Mayor Mahan's theory of change and the role of government in delivering real results.

• [29:19] His journey from small farming town to tech entrepreneur to public servant.

How to Bring a 500-Year-Old City into the Future with Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Albany, NY, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who is approaching the end of a 12 year tenure in which she has guided her city out of bankruptcy, spearheaded pivotal redevelopment projects, and cut childhood poverty rates. She reflects on the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving world to modernize city services and the importance of work that is not initially visible to most residents. Sheehan also shares her approach to integrating new technologies into City Hall to efficiently respond to the needs of community members, the bright economic future of Albany, and how she faced off against her own brother-in-law on a key workforce housing project. Tune in to hear Mayor Sheehan's advice for fellow elected officials and public servants on how to bring a citizen-first approach to policymaking.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] Introduction and welcome to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

• [02:03] Advice for other cities that want to see transformation in a changing world.

• [04:34] Getting funding in place to transform the technical and adaptive aspects of Albany's infrastructure.

• [08:20] Tracking concerns and creating accountability through technology.

• [09:35] Upgrading and preserving a city that originated in the 1600s.

• [14:12] Economic opportunities in Albany and Mayor Sheehan's predictions for the city's future.

• [18:08] The impact of market-rate housing on the affordable market.

• [22:20] How Mayor Kathy's background has impacted her experience of working in leadership.

• [25:50] Her journey to running for office and advice to those who might want to follow suit.

• [31:10] Sticking with her plan to prioritize redevelopment despite opposition.

How the States are Doing DOGE with TX Representative Salman Bhojani Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

This week, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani, as he navigates his newest role as Vice Chair of the House DOGE Committee. The conversation digs into the contentious election of Texas's new Speaker of the House and why Democrats backed moderate Representative Dustin Burrows against more conservative options, as well as how Bhojani has successfully navigated the legislature's political dynamics to pass legislation on religious freedom and higher education funding as a member of the Democratic minority. Bhojani also talks about his work in Texas's newly formed DOGE Committee, his goal to leverage technology to make government work better, and how he hopes to work with colleagues across the aisle to focus the committee's work on government efficiency and creating better policy outcomes in contrast to the arbitrary and reckless approach on display in Washington. Tune in to hear Representative Bhojani's inspiring path to elected office as the first-ever Muslim and South Asian in the Texas state legislature.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani describes his work as Vice-Chair of the Texas House DOGE Committee.

• [05:40] Electing the new Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives – how it happened.

• [08:32] How politics differs from policy – bipartisan efforts in a time of great divisions.

• [10:17] The bills/laws Salman has passed and how he's done it as a minority in a red state.

• [13:05] Unpacking the bill that got away and how he prevents future vetoes.

• [14:03] The work that the TXH DODGE Committee is prioritizing for the immediate future.

• [19:00] Salman's stance on technology, and whether his colleagues share his optimism.

• [22:17] Oversight committees, and how to measure the success of enacted bills.

• [25:07] DOGE at the Federal level versus DOGE at the State level.

• [26:17] Salman's path to becoming the first Muslim, South-Asian State Legislature in Texas.

• [32:46] Whether Islamophobia is better or worse since Salman took office.

What Real Government Efficiency Looks Like With Xay Khamsyvoravong Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Newport, RI, City Councilmember Xay Khamsyvoravong. With a background in public finance, Khamsyvoravong talks about the importance of understanding where the money goes in public policy, reflecting on his own successes modernizing utilities, improving school attendance, and strengthening infrastructure at a low cost for residents. The conversation digs into the challenges facing his coastal city, the importance of financial literacy in policymaking, and what it takes for communities to be resilient in the face of economic, environmental, and political uncertainty. The city councilmember also talks about the impact of federal policies on Newport's immigrant population, the rise of political apathy, and his personal commitment to public service. Tune in to hear Khamsyvoravong's campaign advice for aspiring politicians.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:01:51] What it means for governments to put their money where their mouth is.
[0:03:39] Using public finance expertise to modernize utilities and keep costs low.
[0:06:00] Why local governments must prepare for potential funding gaps in federal infrastructure investments under the new administration.
[0:06:59] Newport's deep history of religious independence and its modern day diversity.
[0:08:41] The importance of listening to all socioeconomic groups in policymaking in such a small city, driven by tourism.
[0:09:54] How personal experience and community service led Khamsyvoravong into politics.
[0:12:14] Advice for first-time candidates on fundraising and campaign strategy.
[0:13:20] The difference between state-level and local government decision-making.
[0:14:30] Growing political apathy and the need for sustained community engagement.
[0:17:19] Innovative strategies for improving school attendance and academic outcomes.
[0:19:49] Supporting Newport's immigrant population amid national policy shifts.
[0:22:53] Personal reflections on the rise of xenophobia in political discourse.
[0:24:15] Restructuring city government to prioritize resilience and sustainability.
[0:27:55] The role of personal hobbies, like frostbite sailing, in maintaining work-life balance.

How Tariffs Could Exacerbate the Housing Crisis with City Councilmember Tom Beckius Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Lincoln, NE, City Councilmember Tom Beckius. In addition to serving as an elected official, Beckius is a business owner and a housing developer. He talks with Ryan about why it's important for Democrats to take an aggressive stance in support of small businesses, especially in the face of potentially disastrous economic policies from the Trump Administration. Beckius also explains the current challenges when it comes to building more homes, how tariffs and immigration restrictions from the federal government could worsen conditions, and his suggestion for broadening the definition of "affordable housing" to expand options across price points. He also shares some advice for small business owners who want to get involved in their communities. Tune in to learn more about Beckius' life as a business-owner-turned-politician and what it means to him to serve his hometown.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] Background on Lincoln City Council Member and small business owner Tom Beckius.

• [02:11] Opportunities and challenges for small business owners in 2025.

• [04:27] Initiatives to support small business in Lincoln, Nebraska.

• [06:28] Thoughts on the impact of changing laws on immigration and building tariffs may impact the housing crisis.

• [08:30] Opportunities to provide affordable housing in Nebraska.

• [12:00] The impact of today's politics on Lincoln's economy.

• [15:30] Innovations in small and starter homes.

• [18:06] Advice for shaping local policy when federal policy might be in conflic.

• [20:31] Opportunities for Nebraska to move purple or blue in the coming years.

• [22:50] Tom's path to public service through volunteering.

How City Councils Can Improve Youth Wellbeing and Health with Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Santa Cruz, CA, City Councilmember and Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. On the city council, she uses her background in social services and public health to integrate the values of wellbeing, sustainability, and equity into all of Santa Cruz's policies. Kalantari-Johnson shares her path to service, starting with her early memories of her childhood in Iran, including a pivotal interaction with Iranian "morality police" that prompted her family to move to the United States to pursue brighter futures for her and her sister. Ryan and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson discuss her policy work, which has included fighting childhood obesity and tooth decay with efforts like a soda tax, and they emphasize the need to remain optimistic through dark times, particularly as the Trump Administration targets the immigrant and refugee communities close to the vice mayor's heart. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation and how Kalantari-Johnson balances her day job and motherhood with her service in city government.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:06] Welcome and introduction to Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson.

• [02:25] The experiences that put health front and center of Shebreh's priorities.

• [05:45] Background on the policy and fight around the sugar-sweet beverage tax in Santa Cruz.

• [11:41] How City Councilmember Shebreh first arrived in Santa Cruz from Iran.

• [15:35] The role of her lived experience in addressing equity and inclusion

• [19:38] Her experience as an elected official balancing other responsibilities.

• [21:44] Choosing focus points amidst so many other issues.

• [25:43] Advice on finding optimism during trying times.

How to Fix the Housing Crisis with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton, who is working alongside Governor Phil Murphy and his legislative colleagues to address the housing crisis. New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in our union, which poses unique challenges and unique opportunities to increase housing. Ryan and Senator Singleton explore misconceptions about what affordable housing is and who it serves, and they discuss why the senator believes it's more effective to market affordable housing as workforce housing. Singleton also talks about New Jersey's November elections, which along with results in Virginia, will be seen as a barometer of the national mood in the first year of the Trump Administration. Tune in to learn about Singleton's career path from intern to senator and how he manages his time to ensure he doesn't get burnt out while serving his neighbors.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] The foundational role of housing in light of the affordable housing crisis.

• [02:23] Senator Troy Singleton's perspective on the status of affordable housing in New Jersey.

• [05:00] Housing initiatives in New Jersey.

• [08:24] Challenging dynamics around affordable housing.

• [12:38] His journey into working in government.

• [16:33] What changed for Senator Troy when he moved into a leadership position.

• [18:26] Two tips to manage time and balance responsibilities.

• [22:46] How people are feeling in New Jersey following the recent elections.

• [25:40] Interests of different demographics.

Pete Buttigieg Looks Towards the Future Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

With a new administration beginning in Washington this week, the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials is clearer than ever. That was the message from former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and NewDEAL alum Pete Buttigieg when he spoke at our 2024 Leaders Conference. His remarks are a vital reminder of the key role state and local policymakers play in delivering results and making everyday life better for the American people. After his opening remarks, Buttigieg, who was then appearing in his official capacity as Secretary of Transportation, joined MSNBC's Symone Sanders Townsend to look towards the future, sharing advice for how the country can move forward into a new, brighter future. This conversation is an excellent reminder of the type of leadership the country so desperately needs at this moment.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:04] The former secretary's insights on the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials.
[01:55] Why our work is not done and some key areas to consider.
[03:10] "The Big Deal" from the Biden-Harris Administration.
[06:50] Why former Secretary Buttigieg believes that local leaders are so important for the present moment.
[07:30] Staying abreast of the different ways that people get their information.
[10:30] Understanding the nature of infrastructure work.
[14:25] Buttigieg's posture towards his successor.
[17:00] What a new administration might mean for federal infrastructure funds.
[19:27] Insight into former Secretary Buttigieg's journey to the Department of Transportation.
[22:35] Why a lot of his work in infrastructure and transportation has been nonpartisan in nature.
[24:13] The term middle class and why it has become largely meaningless.
[29:08] What is most important: making the lives of everyday people better.

Efficiency & Economics Will Dominate State Legislatures in 2025 Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Georgia Democratic Caucus Chair Representative Tanya Miller. These three NewDEAL Leaders reflect on their 2024 accomplishments – from lowering prescription costs for Pennsylvania seniors to passing landmark, bipartisan bills addressing Oregon's housing shortage. They then look towards the year ahead and discuss their top priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which include improving government oversight to ensure that states can serve constituents effectively, developing new strategies to better communicate with voters and the press, and focusing on economic issues from jobs to housing to healthcare. Tune in to hear which bills Bowman, McClinton, and Miller think will become laws in 2025 and what issues need policymakers' attention.

IN THIS EPISODE

[01:04] Introduction to today's episode, a preview of what to expect in 2025 state legislative sessions.
[02:11] House Speaker Joanna McClinton tells us what things are looking like in Pennsylvania.
[04:48] House Majority Leader Ben Bowman shares how he and his team have held onto their majority in Oregon.
[08:08] What's on Representative Tanya Miller's mind with Democrats still in the minority this session.
[13:06] Speaker McClinton shares where there are opportunities to bring parties together to drive results.
[16:03] How Representative Bowman is going to follow up on messaging to get tangible results for Oregonians.
[20:11] Representative Miller overviews her strategies for reaching people with Democrat messages.
[24:41] Speaker McClinton discusses aligning with other party members to speak to issues in her state.
[27:27] How Representative Bowman thinks about the relationship between the state legislature and the federal government in the new Trump Administration.
[30:11] Representative Miller talks about 'playing defense' and her focus for this term.
[33:54] Our guests speak about their hopes for positives in 2025.

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