#689 Communications in a Growing Town with Angela Wilson, Frederick, CO
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Release Date: 08/15/2025
#703 Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Aarón Zavala, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Pleasanton, California joined the podcast to discuss his role with the City. He talked about the work he does for the City and his career goals moving forward. He also shared how he remains authentic to himself as he serves the public. Host:
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#702 The Mayor Has a Hammer and Other Poetry with Jim Schutz, JMSB Strategies
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Jim Schutz, a Principal at JMSB Strategies joined the podcast to discuss his transition from a City Manager to poetry author. He shared how he decided to transition into consulting and how he got into local government poetry. Plus he talked about his favorite poem and other highlights from , a book of poetry on the everyday heroism of local government. Host:
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#701 Leading ICMA and the Roots of Professional Government with Julia Novak, ICMA
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Julia Novak, the CEO and Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), rejoined the podcast to discuss her new role at ICMA. She shared how the organization is adapting after reduced federal grants for international work. She discussed how she has engaged with members and how the Board is revamping the strategic plan. She talked about why the history of public administration is important to the profession and how the role of a Manager has evolved. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. This episode was recorded from the 2025...
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#700 An ICMA Conference Recap, Leadership, Urban Revitalization, and Hot Wings - GovLove Island
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
GovLove Co-hosts Meredith and Ben were joined by several friends of the pod to recap the 2025 ICMA Conference. Tom Modica is the City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, April Walker is the Assistant City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, Jackie Wehmeyer is the Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs at City of Parkland, FL, and Amie Hendrix is the City Manager at the City of Geneva, NY. They discussed highlights from Tampa, downtown revitalization, and navigating the challenges of partisanship and politics. Panelists also shared insights on lessons learned, their...
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#699 Parks Commissioner to City Council Member with Mitchell Silver, Raleigh, NC
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Mitchell Silver, City Council Member for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina rejoined the podcast to talk about the transition from working as a staff member in local government to becoming an elected official. He reflected on his work as Parks Commissioner for the City of New York and the decision to run for elected office. He discussed the challenges of going from a staff expert to a member of a governing body and balancing the needs of constituents with all the different needs of an organization. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host:
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#698 Cohesive Planning and Community Growth in Downers Grove, IL with with Jason Zawila and John Houseal
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Four plans in one. Jason Zawila, Planning Manager at the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois and John Houseal, Partner at Houseal Lavigne joined the podcast to discuss the Village of Downers Grove update. They discussed the concept of total community development and how the effort updated four plans at the same time, the Village's Comprehensive Plan, Active Transportation Plan, Environmental Sustainability Plan, and Downtown and Fairview Streetscapes Plan. They also talked about how the community was engaged during the process. This episode was recorded at the American Planning Association...
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#697 Leadership and Change Management with Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara, CA
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
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:
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#696 Pouring into Public Service with Lesley Milton, St. Helena, CA
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
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:
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#695 Dream Play Build - Hands On Community Engagement in Clackamas County, OR
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
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 . They discussed when to use this form of engagement, how to make it successful, and how to measure success. Host:
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#694 Democracy and City Management with Valerie Lemmie, Charles F. Kettering Foundation
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
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:
info_outlineAngela 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