The BG Podcast

Latest Episodes:

BG Podcast Ep. 271: Preparing Cities for Air Taxis and eVTOLs with Austin Assistant City Manager Mike Rogers Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, commonly known as eVTOLs or air taxis, are moving from concept toward deployment. Recorded on March 18, 2026, Episode 271 of The BG Podcast features A.J. Bingham’s conversation with Austin Assistant City Manager Mike Rogers on a question cities increasingly need to answer: how do you prepare for a new transportation system before it arrives? The conversation followed the March announcement that Texas had been selected for the Federal Aviation Administration’s new eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, creating an early opportunity to examine what deployment could mean for local governments. Rogers focuses less on the aircraft themselves and more on what happens when new technology meets the city. The discussion covers vertiports, land use, zoning, charging and electrical infrastructure, airport connections, last-mile mobility, neighborhood impacts, and the potential for eVTOLs to reshape regional growth. Drawing lessons from the rollout of autonomous vehicles, Rogers argues that cities have more influence when they engage early, rather than waiting until technology and policy have already moved around them. That argument has only become more relevant. At an August 18 hearing, the Texas House Select Committee on General Aviation examined many of the same questions, including airport readiness, charging infrastructure, siting, zoning, land use, and community integration. The central takeaway from the episode is simple: the technology may arrive in the air, but many of its most important decisions will be made on the ground. // 🟪 The BG Podcast is produced by BG Media Group, LLC for The Bingham Group, LLC, a leading municipal lobbying and government affairs firm serving corporate, real estate and nonprofit clients across Central Texas. Learn more here: https://www.binghamgp.com/services

BG Podcast Ep. 270: Discussing the Central Texas Alliance with A.J. Rodriguez Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Episode 270 of The BG Podcast features A.J. Bingham’s conversation with A.J. Rodriguez, CEO of the newly formed Central Texas Alliance, about turning the vision of an Austin–San Antonio megaregion into coordinated regional action. Following Episode 269’s conversation with former San Antonio Mayor and HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, this episode examines why the moment calls for greater collaboration across the 13-county region and its more than 120 municipalities. Bingham and Rodriguez discuss how the Alliance plans to convene business, government, civic, academic and community leaders; work alongside local governments, chambers and economic development organizations; and develop a unified regional voice at the state and federal levels. They also explore the Alliance’s seven priority areas: transportation, water resources, housing, workforce development, energy resilience, health care, and land stewardship and planning. Listen to Episode 269: https://soundcloud.com/the-bingham-group-llc/bg-podcast-ep-269 Learn more about the Central Texas Alliance here: https://centraltexasalliance.com/ // 🟪 The BG Podcast is produced by BG Media Group, LLC for The Bingham Group, LLC, a leading municipal lobbying and government affairs firm serving corporate, real estate and nonprofit clients across Central Texas. Learn more here: https://www.binghamgp.com/services

BG Podcast Ep. 269: Discussing the Austin–San Antonio Megaregion with Henry Cisneros Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

The Austin–San Antonio corridor is becoming one of the nation’s most consequential growth regions. The question is whether Central Texas will prepare for that growth—or allow it to overwhelm the systems that support the region’s economy and quality of life. A.J. Bingham speaks with former San Antonio Mayor and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros (www.linkedin.com/in/henrycisneros) about the region’s projected growth from 5.3 million residents today to roughly 8.3 million by 2050. Cisneros discusses the need for coordinated regional leadership on transportation, passenger rail, water, electric power, data centers, workforce development and open-space preservation. He also explains why Austin, San Antonio and the communities between them must begin operating as an interconnected region rather than a collection of separate jurisdictions. The conversation comes as the new Central Texas Alliance (tinyurl.com/jtdy5cvd) seeks to build consensus across the 13-county megaregion. Cisneros is the co-author of The Austin–San Antonio Megaregion: Opportunity and Challenge in the Lone Star State (tinyurl.com/2ffe25b5). // The BG Podcast is produced by BG Media Group, LLC, for The Bingham Group, LLC—a leading municipal lobbying and government affairs firm serving corporate, real estate and nonprofit clients across Central Texas. 🟪 Learn more: https://www.binghamgp.com/services

BG Podcast Ep. 268: Managing Growth in the City of Kyle with Mayor Travis Mitchell Jan 04, 2025

Show notes

🟣 Today's episode features Mayor Travis Mitchell ( of the City of Kyle, among the fastest-growing cities in both the state and the nation. 🟣 Per the US Census Bureau last year, Kyle was ranked as the 11th fastest-growing city in the United States, with a population increase from 57,358 in July 2022 to 62,548 in July 2023, marking a 9% growth over one year. 🟣 Mayor Mitchell and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss his path to office, and the challenges and opportunities facing Kyle with its growth. 🟣 Mayor Mitchell has served as the Mayor of Kyle since November 2017. Prior to his mayoral tenure, he represented District 1 on the Kyle City Council from June 2016 to November 2017. 🟣 In November 2023, he was re-elected for a third and final term as mayor, with his term set to conclude in November 2026. 🟣 Under his leadership, Kyle has experienced significant growth and development, including the passage of a historic $294 million roads bond aimed at improving the city's infrastructure. LINKS ✅ Learn more about Mayor Mitchell here -> https://tinyurl.com/yfpe9vsf ✅ Learn more about Bingham Group here -> www.binghamgp.com/ ✅ Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: https://tinyurl.com/56h9psx6 ✅ Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 ✅ Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com

BG Podcast Ep. 267: Discussing AI Implementation at Austin Development Services Department Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 267! 🟣 On this episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Austin Development Services Director José Roig to discuss the department's implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). 🟣 Development Services Department (DSD) oversees the planning, permitting, and inspection of construction projects (residential and commercial) to ensure they meet city codes and regulations. 🟣 This episode explores how, why, and what of AI's use at DSD. 🟣 See, City of Austin Press Release (10.9.2024): City of Austin Partners with Archistar to Utilize AI for the Development Process -> https://tinyurl.com/3446bt9v LINKS ✅ Learn more about more about Director Roig here -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/josegroig/ ✅ Learn more about Bingham Group here -> https://www.binghamgp.com/ ✅ Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: https://tinyurl.com/56h9psx6 ✅ Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 ✅ Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com

BG Podcast Ep. 266: Austin Politics Weekly Recap And What's Ahead Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 266! On this episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Associate Hannah Garcia wrap up the week of August 19, 2024 in Austin politics, and discuss the week ahead. Discussion Highlights include: 🟣 Austin Council Ballot Set on 8.19 -> https://tinyurl.com/bddjwb2e 🟣 Judge temporarily halts Austin from having charter amendments on November ballot -> https://tinyurl.com/uerfsnse ➡️ See also: 13 proposed charter amendments on the November ballot -> tinyurl.com/y64m28vy 🟣 Austin Council Meeting on 8.29 -> https://tinyurl.com/4a5hw33d 🟣 Public Hearings for the week of August 26th -> https://tinyurl.com/2ypdn9bt ✅ EPISODE 266 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. ✅ A.J. Bingham -> www.binghamgp.com/ajbingham ✅ Hannah Garcia -> www.binghamgp.com/hannah-garcia 🟣 Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3WIN4yT 🟣 Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 🟣 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com www.binghamgp.com www.austinlobbyists.com

BG Podcast Ep. 265: Austin Politics Weekly Recap And What's Ahead Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 265! On this episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Associate Hannah Garcia wrap up the week of August 12, 2024 in Austin politics, and discuss the week ahead. Discussion Highlights include: 🟣 Austin City Council approves $5.9 Billion Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget -> https://tinyurl.com/2whsx4d9 🟣 13 proposed charter amendments on the November ballot -> https://tinyurl.com/y64m28vy 🟣 Public Hearings for the week of August 19th -> https://tinyurl.com/yny84cxe ✅ EPISODE 265 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. ✅ A.J. Bingham -> www.binghamgp.com/ajbingham ✅ Hannah Garcia -> www.binghamgp.com/hannah-garcia 🟣 Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3WIN4yT 🟣 Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 🟣 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com www.binghamgp.com www.austinlobbyists.com

BG Podcast Ep. 264: Austin Politics Weekly Recap And What's Ahead Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 264! On this episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Associate Hannah Garcia wrap up the week of August 5, 2024 in Austin politics, and discuss the week ahead. Discussion Highlights include: 🟣 Lisa Davis confirmed by Austin Council as city's Police Chief 🟣 City of Austin Budget Watch this week ✅ EPISODE 264 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. ✅ A.J. Bingham -> www.binghamgp.com/ajbingham ✅ Hannah Garcia -> www.binghamgp.com/hannah-garcia 🟣 Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3WIN4yT 🟣 Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 🟣 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com www.binghamgp.com www.austinlobbyists.com

BG Podcast Ep. 263: Austin Politics Weekly Recap And What's Ahead Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 263! On this episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Associate Hannah Garcia wrap up the week of July 29, 2024 in Austin politics, and discuss the week ahead. Discussion Highlights include: 🟣 Lisa Davis selected to be Austin's next Police Chief -> https://tinyurl.com/3kvf2jt9 🟣 City of Austin Budget Watch - Development Services cuts -> https://tinyurl.com/yckf98yr 🟣 Also check out this week's boards and commission meetings -> https://tinyurl.com/4brjhv6k ✅ EPISODE 263 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. ✅ A.J. Bingham -> www.binghamgp.com/ajbingham ✅ Hannah Garcia -> www.binghamgp.com/hannah-garcia 🟣 Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3WIN4yT 🟣 Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 🟣 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com www.binghamgp.com www.austinlobbyists.com

BG Podcast Ep. 262: Austin Politics Weekly Recap And What's Ahead Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to BG Podcast Episode 262! On this episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. Bingham and Associate Hannah Garcia wrap up the week of July 22, 2024 in Austin politics, and discuss the week ahead. Discussion Highlights include: 🟣 Austin's Police Chief Search Continues Finalists Announced on July 17th -> https://tinyurl.com/5bbnks8u 🎥: Austin Chief of Police Community Meet and Greet (7.23.2024) -> https://tinyurl.com/mrxfm72m 🎥: Austin Police Association - Chief Candidate Interviews (7.23.2024) (YouTube) -> https://tinyurl.com/3cwzb4ew 🟣 City of Austin Budget Watch 🎥: City Council Budget Work Session (7.24.2024) -> https://tinyurl.com/yc83emej 🟣 Former Austin City Council member, urbanist champion Chris Riley, 60, has passed -> https://tinyurl.com/3srh56ax 🟣 Also check out this week's boards and commission meetings -> https://tinyurl.com/364tubu9 ✅ EPISODE 262 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC Bingham Group works to advance the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and associations at the municipal and state level. ✅ A.J. Bingham -> www.binghamgp.com/ajbingham ✅ Hannah Garcia -> www.binghamgp.com/hannah-garcia 🟣 Follow Bingham Group on LinkedIn at: bit.ly/3WIN4yT 🟣 Subscribe to the BG Reads newsletter here -> tinyurl.com/3r7d3k96 🟣 Contact us at: info@binghamgp.com www.binghamgp.com www.austinlobbyists.com

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