#695 Dream Play Build - Hands On Community Engagement in Clackamas County, OR
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Release Date: 09/26/2025
#712 Leading Through Grief with Alyssa Dinberg, State of Colorado
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Alyssa Dinberg, former GovLove Co-Host and Director of Strategic Federal Funding Coordination for the State of Colorado, joined the podcast to talk about her transition into leadership after the passing of a colleague. She shared her work regarding federal funding coordination, how she processes grief in the workplace, and the importance of strong relationships between state and local governments. Host:
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#711 Utilities, Leadership, and an Employee-First Culture with Cathy Bailey, Cincinnati, OH
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
The First Lady of Water returns. Cathy Bailey, Assistant City Manager for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, joined the podcast to talk about her transition from Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water works to the City Manager's Office. She discussed highlights from her time leading the utility, how her background informs how she approaches the job as an Assistant City Manager, and the importance of community engagement. Cathy shared how she shifted the culture of the utilities department from customer-first to employee-first and why that was important. She also reflected on local...
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#710 Canine Mayor with Jake the Dog and Shani Leichter, Somerville, MA
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Jake the Dog, Mayor, and Shani Leichter, Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff for Mayor Jake joined the podcast to talk about their work in the community. They shared how they campaigned, duties of a canine mayor, and important issues to the community. Host:
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#709 Land Use Cases of the Year with the Planning and Law Division of the American Planning Association
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Three legal expert jointed the podcast to discuss the Land Use Cases of the Year. Reed Asselbaye is a Law Clerk at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Craig Notte is a Partner at Borah, Goldstein, Altschuler, Nahins & Goidel, P.C., and Scott Hazelton is the Owner of Sunflower Peak Planning. They discussed impactful land use cases related to the National Environmental Policy Act, rent control, eminent domain, and affordable housing. Host:
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#708 The 2025 GovieLovies
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
It's moment you have been waiting for all year! From new forms of government, interesting case studies, and tales from local government leaders our episodes covered a wide array of all that goes into local government. To celebrate 2025 and look forward to 2026, the GovLove co-hosts teamed up to give out the most prestigious award in local government podcasting. Lauren, Dan, Meredith, and Ben each selected three of their favorite episodes to award a GovieLovie. Hosts: , , , & The 2025 GovieLovies Lauren Dan Meredith Ben Pizza Mike Producer Pick
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#707 Using Artificial Intelligence to Empower Public Servants with Jorge Valens, Miami-Dade County, FL
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
AI meets local government. Jorge Valens, Innovation Manager for Miami-Dade County, FL, joined the podcast to talk about the opportunities artificial intelligence represents for local government organizations and his recent on the topic. He talked about how these tools can improve the efficiency of subject matter experts and allow organizations to test ideas quickly. He shared examples of how they use AI and human centered design together in Miami-Dade County. He also discussed the skills needed and the importance of skepticism and ethics in using AI. Host:
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#706 Maintaining Good Government During Transitions with Jessica Carrero, East Hartford, CT
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Jessica Carrero, Operations Project Manager for the Town of East Hartford, Connecticut joined the podcast to discuss project management and ensuring operations continue when organizations go through changes. She shared her experience during mayoral transitions, how standard operating procedures helped her succeed during those transitions, and how to navigate tension between new ideas and current practices. Host:
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#705 Increasing Representation with Amber Cabrera and Maylee De Jesús, Local Government Hispanic Network
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
Amber Cabrera. Senior Assistant to the City Manager for City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Maylee De Jesús, City Clerk for the City of Boynton Beach, Florida joined to podcast to discuss increasing representation in local government. They shared recent efforts they have worked on for Latinos in Florida Local Government, advice for the next generation, and how to get involved with the Local Government Hispanic Network. This episode was recorded at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa, FL. Host:
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#704 Development and Customer Service with JC Hudgison, Tampa, FL
GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government
JC Hudgison, Chief Building Official for the City of Tampa, Florida rejoined the podcast to discuss development, technology, and process improvement. He talked about how the City responded to and has been recovering from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. He shared how the City has worked to improve customer service through process improvement and how they are carefully integrate artificial intelligence into their plan review workflow. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL. Host:
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#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:
info_outlineTwo 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 Dream Play Build. They discussed when to use this form of engagement, how to make it successful, and how to measure success.
Host: Lauren Palmer