Decades of Leadership: Tom Cochran on Bipartisan Solutions and the Role of Mayors
Release Date: 10/31/2024
Lori Lightfoot on the DNC, Chicago's Revival, and Uplifting Communities
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In this episode, CEO Dan Gibbons interviews former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as she reflects on her role in bringing the Democratic National Convention back to the city. Lightfoot shares insights into the planning process, from collaborating with Senator Tammy Duckworth to developing a bid that ensured the entire city—especially its neighborhoods—benefits from the convention. She also discusses Chicago's post-pandemic revival with major events like Lollapalooza, NASCAR, and the DNC, and how the city is once again shining on a global stage. Lightfoot touches on her current work with the...
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Naomi Davis on Building Sustainable Black Communities
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In this episode, CEO Dan Gibbons interviews Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green. Naomi shares her vision of revitalizing Black communities by drawing on her childhood experiences in St. Albans, Queens, where walkable neighborhoods flourished, and African Americans owned the land and businesses. She explains how Blacks in Green was born out of her determination to restore that sense of community and close the racial wealth gap through green village building. Naomi also discusses her work on the Emmett and Mamie Till Mobley House Museum and the recent $10 million grant from the Biden-Harris...
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Senator Tammy Duckworth on National Security, Economic Growth, and Global Leadership
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In this episode, CEO Dan Gibbons sits down with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth for a dynamic conversation on the future of Illinois and the nation. Senator Duckworth shares her insights as a veteran and public servant, discussing key issues such as national security, economic growth, and global trade. She highlights the unity and energy within the Democratic Party, the importance of passing the farm bill, and her recent work with Governor Pritzker and Intersect Illinois to promote the state’s ethanol industry. Senator Duckworth also reflects on her recent trip to Vietnam, her efforts to...
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Decades of Leadership: Tom Cochran on Bipartisan Solutions and the Role of Mayors
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In this episode, City Club CEO Dan Gibbons interviews Tom Cochran, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors for over 55 years. A wealth of knowledge, Cochran shares insights on his experiences working with mayors, including the positive impact of Mayor Richard M. Daley and the 1996 Democratic National Convention. He discusses the bipartisan approach of the Conference, focusing on critical issues like affordable housing, mental health, and infrastructure. Cochran also reflects on his proudest achievements, such as the creation of the Community Development Block Grant program signed by...
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Attorneys General on Justice: Key Issues in Criminal Reform, Consumer Protection, and Democracy
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Join City Club CEO Dan Gibbons and WVON-AM Radio host Rufus Williams as they lead a powerful conversation with Attorneys General Aaron Ford (Nevada), Tish James (New York), and Kwame Raoul (Illinois). The panel discusses their shared focus on justice, addressing issues like criminal justice reform, consumer protection, social media harms, gun violence, and black maternal health. They also reflect on their collective work, from defending democracy to tackling corporate misconduct, and the significance of growing diversity among African American Attorneys General.
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Rebuilding Cities: Mayor Malik Evans on Rochester's Resilience and the Power of Local Leadership
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WVON-AM Radio Host Rufus Williams and City Club CEO Dan Gibbons sit down with Malik Evans, the Mayor of Rochester, New York, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of leading a city in a post-pandemic world. Mayor Evans shares his perspective on the pivotal role mayors play in rebuilding cities, highlighting the impact of the Biden-Harris administration and the transformative American Rescue Plan, which brought vital resources directly to urban areas. Mayor Evans delves into Rochester's success in rebounding stronger after COVID, with investments in violence prevention, healthy food access,...
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Revitalizing Bronzeville: Cecilia Cuff on Community, Culture, and Change at Bronzeville Winery
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In this episode of the City Club podcast, Dan Gibbons talks with Cecilia Cuff, owner of Bronzeville Winery, to explore the deep history and vibrant future of Bronzeville. Once known as the Black Metropolis, Bronzeville's energy faded through decades of disinvestment, but Cecilia and her team are reigniting that spark. Through Bronzeville Winery, they’re rewriting the story of the neighborhood, blending hospitality, culture, and community. Cecilia shares how she created a space that not only serves incredible wine but also drives economic impact, creates jobs, and celebrates local artists....
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Reflecting on Year One: A Conversation with Mayors Smiley, Greenberg, and Jones
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Join us for a dynamic discussion with Mayor Brett Smiley (Providence, RI), Mayor Craig Greenberg (Louisville, KY), and Mayor Philip Jones (Newport News, VA) as they reflect on their first year in office. Elected at the same time, these mayors share the challenges and rewards of public service, highlighting their work on issues like public safety, education, housing, and economic development. Mayor Jones, the youngest directly elected mayor in Virginia, brings his experience from the Marine Corps and shipbuilding industry to lead Newport News. Mayor Greenberg, new to public service after...
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From TikTok to Tours: Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas on Uplifting Chicago’s Legacy
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In this episode, City Club CEO Dan Gibbons and WVON Radio host Rufus Williams sit down with local Chicago historian and TikTok sensation Shermann "Dilla" Thomas during the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Dilla shares his journey from telling stories on TikTok to launching Chicago Mahogany Tours, where he takes visitors into the city’s neighborhoods, uncovering the rich and sometimes untold history of Chicago. Credibility is crucial to his storytelling, and Dilla, ever the curious historian, dives deep into libraries, archives, and first-person accounts to ensure the accuracy of his...
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Mayors In Action: Confronting America's Housing Crisis
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In this podcast, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria join Marisa Novarra, Vice President of Community Impact at the Chicago Community Trust, to discuss the housing crisis in America. Marisa, a national housing expert and former Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Housing, leads the conversation, focusing on how mayors across the country are grappling with housing as the most pressing issue facing their cities. Mayor Ginther, who also serves as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, highlights housing as the top priority...
info_outlineIn this episode, City Club CEO Dan Gibbons interviews Tom Cochran, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors for over 55 years. A wealth of knowledge, Cochran shares insights on his experiences working with mayors, including the positive impact of Mayor Richard M. Daley and the 1996 Democratic National Convention. He discusses the bipartisan approach of the Conference, focusing on critical issues like affordable housing, mental health, and infrastructure. Cochran also reflects on his proudest achievements, such as the creation of the Community Development Block Grant program signed by President Gerald Ford and the power of mayors in shaping national issues.