The water we drink, the streets we drive on, the police and fire protection we rely on – local governments provide these and other services every day. They set the parameters for quality of life in your community. Local Governments are close to you, but how much do you really know about how they work? What happens behind the scenes, what are everyday tasks of public officials and what you can do to shape the way your community is governed? From taxes to zoning, from waste management to equitable representation, from voters to public officials: This podcast covers the many facets of local government in North Carolina. You will hear from diverse people: public administration experts and lawyers, school children, elected and appointed public officials, students, community organizers and more. Everyone will have a different story about what local government means to them. Hear North Carolinians voice their opinions, ideas, visions, views and experiences. Stories from this podcast are not official statements by the School of Government, yet, taken together, all of them represent local government in North Carolina.