GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government - Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)

Latest Episodes:

#697 Leadership and Change Management with Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara, CA Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Kelly McAdoo, the City Administrator for the City of Santa Barbara, California, joined the podcast to talk about her leadership and change management approach. She discussed transitioning transitioning to a new city and getting to know a new organization. She talked about navigating challenges like a budget shortfall, homelessness, and new State laws related to land use and housing. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years.

Host: Ben Kittelson

#696 Pouring into Public Service with Lesley Milton, St. Helena, CA Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Lesley Milton, Deputy City Manager for the City of St. Helena, California, joined the podcast to talk about her passion for public service. She discussed her prior positions as a City Clerk and her experience working in small cities. She also discussed recent projects and initiatives and the City St. Helena's Community Academy.

Host: Meredith Reynolds

#695 Dream Play Build - Hands On Community Engagement in Clackamas County, OR Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about play based engagement and how it can be a meaningful way to create change. Leah Fisher is a Built and Natural Environment Analyst for Clackamas County, Oregon. John Kamp is Urban and Landscape Designer for Prairieform and the co-author of the book Dream Play Build. They discussed when to use this form of engagement, how to make it successful, and how to measure success.

Host: Lauren Palmer

#694 Democracy and City Management with Valerie Lemmie, Charles F. Kettering Foundation Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Valerie Lemmie, Senior Advisor for State and Local Government for the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, joined the podcast to talk about her career in city management and the state of democracy. She shared how she navigated difficult situations during her city management career, including as City Manager of Cincinnati, Ohio when there were protests against the Police Department. She also discussed meaningful citizen engagement and how the profession needs to evolve in our current democracy.

Host: Ben Kittelson

#693 Form of Government Change and Elected to City Manager with Deb Mohlenhoff, Ithaca, NY Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Deb Mohlenhoff, City Manager for the City of Ithaca, New York, joined the podcast to talk about her role transitioning from an elected official to a City Manager and changing the City's form of government. She shared why the city decided to transition forms of government, her role in the transition, and challenges faced during the transition. She also discussed her career path and how her experience as an elected official informs her approach to city management.

Host: Ben Kittelson

#692 Sustainable Libraries Initiative with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Mid-Hudson Library System Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director for the Mid-Hudson Library System joined the podcast to discuss the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. She shared how the initiative was created, how libraries can earn the certification, and the importance of adapting sustainability language.

Host: Lauren Palmer

#691 The Scenic Route to City Hall with Peggy Flynn, Petaluma, CA Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Peggy Flynn, City Manager for the City of Petaluma, California, joined the podcast to talk about fostering a culture of innovation, transparency, and engagement. She also discussed delivering effective and efficient public services. She shared how the City of Petaluma has evolved, projects her team is working on, and similarities between cattle ranching and city management,

Host: Meredith Reynolds

#690 Finance, Innovation, and Emerging Trends with Chris Morrill and Shayne Kavanagh, GFOA Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Two guests rejoined the podcast to discuss finance and innovation. Chris Morrill, Executive Director, and Shayne Kavanagh, Senior Manager of Research, at the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) discussed their work. They talked about GFOA's research initiatives and how they are helping organizations deal with recent changes in federal funding. They shared why GFOA is changing its membership structure. They talked about a new finance innovation lab effort and their upcoming Innovator in Residence position. They also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years.

Host: Ben Kittelson

#689 Communications in a Growing Town with Angela Wilson, Frederick, CO Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Angela Wilson, the Deputy Public Information Officer for the Town of Frederick, Colorado, joined the podcast to talk about communications in a fast-growing community. She shared strategies the Town uses to stay engaged with residents and how to provide honest and transparent communications to residents. She also discussed the importance of setting expectations with new employees and her approach to onboarding new staff.

Host: Ben Kittelson

#688 Navigating a Career Path and Capital Projects with Ariana Adame, West Sacramento, CA Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Ariana Adame, Assistant City Manager for the City of West Sacramento, California, joined the podcast talk about her career path and capital projects. She discussed the pros and cons of career paths working for one or many jurisdictions. She talked about her time leading the City's capital program and how they incorporate equity into the work. She also shared the pro and cons of leaving an organization, how to leverage new hires from outside your organization, and her involvement in the Local Government Hispanic Network.

Host: Ben Kittelson

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