Municipal Equation Podcast

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Government
**Municipal Equation Podcast**

Municipal Equation is a podcast about cities and towns in changing times. Created by the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Producer/host: Ben Brown.

Latest Episodes:

Preview of Episode 31: The Plant Aug 07, 2017

Show notes

A preview of Episode 31, out on Aug. 15.

EP 30: State of the Cities, Eclipse and Turbo Growth Aug 01, 2017

Show notes

If we gather up a bunch of "State of the City" addresses from mayors across the U.S. and rub them together, what happens? Well, the National League of Cities does that kind of work, and it's enlightening. We talk with NLC about its latest examination to find out what today's mayors are saying in chorus and why -- after a chat about a rare total solar eclipse over a gem-studded mountain town. Show notes: Franklin Mayor Bob Scott - http://www.franklinnc.com/mayor-bob-scott.html NASA's online hub for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse - https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/ Mike Jones' Pumpkin Roll footage - https://youtu.be/Ep7jvMVOfrc NLC report, "State of the Cities 2017" - http://nlc.org/SOTC NLC resource, "How to Deliver an Effective State of the City Address" - http://nlc.org/resource/how-to-deliver-an-effective-state-of-the-city-address

Preview of Episode 30: What Mayors Want Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

A preview of Episode 30

EP 29: Into the Alley Jul 18, 2017

Show notes

When you think of downtown alleys, what comes to mind? Bad associations, maybe? The place to avoid at night? Ever since childhood, Americans have had the general impression that alleyways are dark, dirty, dangerous -- the right setting for noir crime stories. And that might often be the case. But some U.S. cities are starting to embrace their alleys like assets -- as places to be -- with art, lighting, planters, seating and cleanliness. Inviting spaces that pedestrians can use to cut from block to block. Some alleyway owners even hold weekend events in them. There's a lot you can do to sweep out the bad associations and boost charm and use, if you want to. What could you do with your downtown alleys? You'll hear tons of ideas and considerations on this intercontinental episode. Show notes: Peter Gorman, "A Guide to Value Added Alleys" - https://ced.sog.unc.edu/a-guide-to-value-added-alleys-for-small-towns-and-cities/ Allison Meier, Hyperallergic, "LED Street Art Lights Up a Dark, Dodgy Alley in Philadelphia" - https://hyperallergic.com/320309/led-street-art-lights-up-a-dark-dodgy-alley-in-philadelphia/ Wilson, Artsy Alleys - https://www.ioby.org/project/wilson-artsy-alleys Wilson Times, "Project adds color to downtown alleys" - http://www.wilsontimes.com/stories/project-adds-color-to-downtown-alleys,88759 Shelby Star, "Local scout takes on alley beautification for Eagle Scout Project" - http://www.shelbystar.com/news/20170206/local-scout-takes-on-alley-beautification-for-eagle-scout-project "Alleys in Urban Design: History and Application" - http://www.canin.com/alleys-in-urban-design-history-application/ Public art episode followups (thanks for sending these!): Monroe, La., News Star "'Wish you were here'! Artists paint postcard-style murals in the Twin Cities," http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2017/07/06/greetings-twin-cities-artists-paint-postcard-style-murals-monroe-west-monroe/452275001/ Wilmington, N.C., Star-News, "Public art in New Hanover Co. spurs both aesthetic and economic activity, backers say" - http://www.starnewsonline.com/entertainment/20170707/public-art-in-new-hanover-co-spurs-both-aesthetic-and-economic-activity-backers-say Durham, N.C., Herald-Sun, "New public art in Durham coming to a corner near you?" http://www.heraldsun.com/news/local/counties/durham-county/article160722269.html And some vintage stranger-danger vids: "Don't Talk to Strangers" - https://youtu.be/jCJRaLWitTc "Dangerous Stranger" - https://youtu.be/eAy2oTIZ38g "Never Be A Victim" - https://youtu.be/t21QskbOl9Y

Preview of Episode 29: Alley Stigma Jul 11, 2017

Show notes

A preview of Episode 29.

EP 28: Government and Art Jul 04, 2017

Show notes

Why does government feel inclined to support or invest in local arts? We ask the director of a municipal government arts office and talk with a notable public artist who together paint a picture of beautification, community pride, connection, attraction, inclusion, dialogue and big economic returns. They say public art also brings about an important conversation for growing municipalities whose identities may be changing or as new public challenges emerge. Can art be an outlet for government itself? Or a culturally significant communications tool? A lot to consider on this episode. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'New Data Showcase Economic Impact of Arts and Culture in U.S. and States' - https://blog.bea.gov/2017/04/19/new-data-showcase-economic-impact-of-arts-and-culture-in-u-s-and-states/ Matt McConnell, McConnell Studios - http://www.mattmcconnell.com Office of Raleigh Arts - https://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/Arts/Articles/RaleighArts.html Chicago public art initiative - https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/yopa/yopa0.html CitiesSpeak, '8 Ways the Arts Can Boost Your Local Economy & Strengthen Your Community' - https://citiesspeak.org/2017/06/09/8-ways-the-arts-can-boost-your-local-economy-strengthen-your-community/ News & Observer, 'Arts play big art in local economy, study shows,' http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article157663339.html Americans for the Arts' Raleigh study - file:///C:/Users/bbrown/Downloads/AFTARaleighReport.pdf CityLab piece, 'Where Are America's Real Arts Capitals?' - https://www.citylab.com/life/2017/06/where-are-americas-real-arts-capitals/530304/?utm_source=SFTwitter Mayor Rahm Emanuel's podcast - https://soundcloud.com/chicagosmayor

Preview of Episode 28: Inside Local Arts Jun 27, 2017

Show notes

A preview of Episode 28.

EP 27: The Skatepark Solution Jun 20, 2017

Show notes

Local governments are always looking for ways to get kids involved. Meanwhile, millions of skaters across the U.S. are doing their thing -- often to the irritation of business owners and law enforcement. On this episode, we look at the big things that happen when kids and government get together to develop public skateparks, a solution that takes away tension, encourages civic involvement and celebrates freedom and creativity. It's no wonder they often end up being the most popular feature of the local parks system. Listen in for practical advice from the Tony Hawk Foundation, lessons from a police captain who did an about-face with the local skating community, progress from a city currently developing a skatepark, and unquestionable testimony from kids who've benefited from the free, 24-hour public skatepark in their town. Show notes: UPDATE 12/7/17 Curbed article featuring this episode - https://www.curbed.com/2017/12/7/16746468/design-parks-skateboarding-teens Skatepark advice and financial help - http://tonyhawkfoundation.org Public Skatepark Development Guide - http://publicskateparkguide.org Rodgers Family Skate Plaza, Apex, N.C. - https://www.apexnc.org/485/Trackside-Skate-Plaza News story from the Skate Plaza's opening in 2015 - http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/southwest-wake-news/article30160455.html Morganton, N.C., skatepark in the works - http://www.morgantonnc.gov/index.php/government/city-manager/public-information-office/news-releases/2579-skate-park-moves-forward

Preview of Episode 27: Public Skateparks Jun 13, 2017

Show notes

A preview of Episode 27.

EP 26: Bee in the City Jun 06, 2017

Show notes

We've all heard about the hard times that honeybees are going through and the huge implications for us all. But how do cities fit into all this? There's a surprising compatibility between cities and bees, and a role local governments can play. This episode comes just ahead of National Pollinator Week (June 19-25, though some honor it all month). To celebrate, we're joined by Bee Downtown, Bee City USA, and other voices covering the North Carolina cities of West Jefferson, Davidson, Asheville, Durham and beyond. Loads of trivia and insights on this one. Show notes: Bee Downtown - http://beedowntown.org Bee City USA - http://www.beecityusa.org The Town of Davidson Becomes the 37th Bee City USA in the Nation - http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message?id=33089 USDA Colony Collapse Disorder and Honey Bee Health Action Plan - https://www.ree.usda.gov/ree/news/CCD-HBH_Action_Plan_05-19-2015-Dated-FINAL.pdf Agriculture Research Service info on honeybee health - https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/br/ccd/index/#public Skeptoid episode and transcript, "Colony Collapse Disorder: Science and Pseudoscience" - https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4524 Pollinator Week - http://pollinator.org/pollinatorweek/ News story, "A third of the nation's honeybee colonies died last year. Why you should care." - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/05/26/third-nations-honeybee-colonies-died-last-year-why-you-should-care/348418001/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Municipal Equation Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected