LMC City Speak

A look at issues important to Minnesota cities.

You Can Accomplish Big Things in a Small City 01/26/2024

You Can Accomplish Big Things in a Small City Evan Vogel worked in state government before shifting to city administrator in Cambridge. Hear how he strives to make big things happen in his small city and creates a culture of appreciation for the hard work and talent of his city’s staff. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/29647428

Holy Mackerel I Need to Plan for This 01/12/2024

Holy Mackerel I Need to Plan for This Dianne Miller has worked in Eagan for 20 years — first as an intern now as city administrator. She shares her leadership journey and how being curious helped build her expertise and how setting boundaries brought balance to her life. . /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/29445018

Balancing My Core Values 12/22/2023

Balancing My Core Values Laurie Hokkanen worked for Chanhassen and moved on to several other roles and cities before returning to Chanhassen as the current city manager. Hear how those experiences helped build her confidence, understand the difference between formal and informal leadership, and reinforce the importance of staying true to her core values. . /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/29190473

From 545 Bosses to 5 12/08/2023

From 545 Bosses to 5 Elizabeth Torkelson shares her career transition from working in the Library of Congress to her new role as city administrator in Olivia. Hear how her experience at the federal level taught her the importance of being a resource and building relationships at the local level, and also how to distinguish between an ear and a cob of corn. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/28979343

I Felt Like I Could Do More in Public Service 11/17/2023

I Felt Like I Could Do More in Public Service Sharon Hanson shares how she took on the first county coordinator position with Pipestone County and after 13 years there decided to make the leap to become the Marshall city administrator. Hear why she made the switch, and how good communication, teamwork, and strong connections have helped her in her leadership journey. . /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/28689573

Don’t Underestimate the Value of Showing Up 10/31/2023

Don’t Underestimate the Value of Showing Up Faith Jackson, Bloomington’s first chief equity and inclusion officer, is a realist who has had some great successes in her work while also understanding she won’t achieve all her goals during her job tenure. Hear how her work in Bloomington is making progress in advancing racial equity and helping all residents feel they belong. Learn ways leaders can contribute by being visible in the work and making connections in their community. . /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/28469258

Life Taught Me That I Have to Be Strong 10/13/2023

Life Taught Me That I Have to Be Strong Mankato Mayor Najwa Massad shares how her experiences as an immigrant and small business owner shaped her outlook on life and her role as mayor. Hear how living in a war zone, starting over in Mankato, and working in hospitality helped her learn to be strong, to lead by example, and realize nothing is impossible. . /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/28300499

Bringing Fresh Eyes to the White Bear Way 09/29/2023

Bringing Fresh Eyes to the White Bear Way When Lindy Crawford became the city manager of White Bear Lake two years ago, she shifted from being an expert on many things to managing and leading the experts. Hear how she handled that transition and allowed staff and officials time to adapt to change while bringing a fresh set of ideas and opportunities for growth. . /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/28169807

Learning to Get Out of the Way 09/15/2023

Learning to Get Out of the Way Brad Martens transitioned from working in a small community where he wore many hats to being the city manager in Shoreview with long-tenured department heads. Hear how he learned to get out of the way and let the experts do their jobs, honor their work as they retire, and thoughtfully choreograph how to move forward. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/28024701

Grateful for Guidance 09/01/2023

Grateful for Guidance Duluth Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman shares how having a network of city leaders was instrumental in helping him when starting out in his career in city government and when he made an unconventional career shift. Learn how he cracked the code on the importance of getting and giving guidance and the impact it's had on his city leadership journey. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/27902928

New Season: Focusing on Leadership 08/25/2023

New Season: Focusing on Leadership We're kicking off a new season of the City Speak podcast starting Sept. 1! Join host Luke Fischer, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities, as he talks with city stafe and elected officials who are new to leadership roles or who are going through a leadership transition in their community. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/27842370

I Wish I Could Say I’ve Never Made That Mistake 12/24/2021

I Wish I Could Say I’ve Never Made That Mistake Crystal City Manager Anne Norris recalls how a budget process gone wrong provided a painful lesson on the importance of clear communication. She shares how owning the mistake helped rebuild trust with city officials and the community. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/21582914

I Wasn’t Engaging the Community 12/10/2021

I Wasn’t Engaging the Community Buffalo Mayor Teri Lachermeier shares how a city redevelopment project taught her the importance of getting community input. She also describes her method to ensure people feel their opinion is heard. Episode Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/21435815

Staying Plugged In 11/26/2021

Staying Plugged In Chatfield Clerk Joel Young shares how seeing others become downtrodden and cynical reinforced the importance of maintaining connections and relationships with others in local government. He also reveals the one word that has helped him through some stressful times. Episode Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/21275192

Mistakes Are Just Part of the Job 11/12/2021

Mistakes Are Just Part of the Job Biwabik Mayor Jim Weikum shares how a mistake he made taught him the importance of doing your homework and anticipating the perspectives of others. He also talks with us about a simple practice that can help elected leaders work successfully with each other. Episode Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/21139814

Yeah, That Probably Wasn’t the Best Way to Handle It 10/29/2021

Yeah, That Probably Wasn’t the Best Way to Handle It Melrose City Administrator Colleen Winter talks with us about leadership lessons the pandemic has taught her. She shares how these experiences reinforced the importance of active listening and ensuring people feel heard along the way. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/20975141

The Importance of Words 10/15/2021

The Importance of Words Wyoming Mayor Lisa Iverson shares how a ride-along in a squad car gave her a new perspective on decision-making, and how the words she chooses in her city leadership role can help the public understand council action. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/20824466

Everyone Needs a Buddy 10/01/2021

Everyone Needs a Buddy Wadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz talks with us about the big role that mentors played in her leadership journey, and why we all need to have a buddy to support us and help do the hard things together. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/20593910

Not Every Idea Is a Good Idea 09/17/2021

Not Every Idea Is a Good Idea Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes chats with us about a leadership lesson that taught him the importance of embracing community input, and shares what keeps him going after nearly 30 years of serving his city. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/20505296

Failing Forward 09/03/2021

Failing Forward Baudette Clerk-Treasurer Tina Rennemo chats with us about lessons she’s learned in her career. She shares the importance of learning by making mistakes, and explains how focusing on the great things happening in her city helps her stay positive. Episode Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/20355629

Don’t Lose Sight of the Things That Aren’t on Fire 08/20/2021

Don’t Lose Sight of the Things That Aren’t on Fire Brooklyn Park Fire Chief and President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association T. John Cunningham shares stories from his experiences as a public sector leader and some of the valuable lessons he’s learned. Cunningham also shares his advice on surrounding yourself with supportive peers and keeping your focus on the important things even when the metaphorical fires are all around you. Episode Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/20202647

My First Leadership Test and I Didn’t Even Know It 07/30/2021

My First Leadership Test and I Didn’t Even Know It This teaser episode for season four of The City Speak features League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director Dave Unmacht. Dave shares a story about a surprise meeting early in his career where he learned that his transition to a new role was not going well. Hear how that feedback helped to shape his approach to managing and leading in what he considers to be a true “aha” moment in life and leadership. Episode transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/19969733

2021 Legislative Series: Responding to COVID-19 01/15/2021

2021 Legislative Series: Responding to COVID-19 In this episode — League intergovernmental relations (IGR) representatives Daniel Lightfoot and Ann Lindstrom address federal support for cities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the need for any future aid to be disbursed directly to cities with more flexibility and clear direction from the Treasury; the careful coordination needed among federal, state, and local government partners; and the importance of sharing your experiences with state legislators and your congressional delegation. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/17562221

2021 Legislative Series: Responding to Economic Challenges 01/15/2021

2021 Legislative Series: Responding to Economic Challenges In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you’ll hear about economic issues affecting cities that will likely be discussed in the 2021 legislative session. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Director Gary Carlson and Assistant IGR Director Anne Finn share updates on the state budget deficit, transportation funding, and duty disability for first responders. They also emphasize the importance of sharing your local stories. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/17557220

2021 Legislative Series: Addressing Racial Inequities 01/15/2021

2021 Legislative Series: Addressing Racial Inequities In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you’ll hear about the League’s new racial equity legislative policy. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Counsel Irene Kao and IGR Representative Craig Johnson explain how the policy was developed, and how it can be used to address equity in policy areas ranging from housing to less obvious topics like energy. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/17557172

Two League Interns Talk Race Equity 01/08/2021

Two League Interns Talk Race Equity League of Minnesota Cities intern and college senior Laurel Poole takes over the hosting duties in this bonus episode, interviewing fellow intern and classmate Elijah Henderson. Henderson spent the summer focusing on research for the League’s race equity initiatives, including conducting interviews with city officials of color. Elijah shares some of the themes he heard in their experiences, and explains how this work has inspired him to become a part of local government. Episode Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/17465975

Focus on the Windshield, Not the Rearview Mirror 10/30/2020

Focus on the Windshield, Not the Rearview Mirror As we approach the general election and the end of 2020, we check in with Brad Wiersum, president of the League of Minnesota Cities and mayor of Minnetonka. Wiersum shares valuable lessons he’s learned while in office and offers practical advice for newly elected officials just starting out on their city leadership journey. He serves up some nuggets of wisdom we can all use, including focusing on the future, not taking yourself too seriously, and being kind to yourself and others. Episode Transcript (pdf /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/16604654

Talking Elections with David Maeda 10/16/2020

Talking Elections with David Maeda We talk with David Maeda, director of elections for the Minnesota Office of Secretary of State, who gives us the lowdown on all things elections – including safety and security of the voting process, absentee voting and naked ballots, and when we can expect final election results. Sign up for weekly emails with election updates from David Maeda, and find election results at www.mnvotes.org. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/16420967

Partner Podcast: Center of Everywhere with Dave Unmacht 10/09/2020

Partner Podcast: Center of Everywhere with Dave Unmacht We wanted to share with our listeners this Center of Everywhere podcast episode from our partners at the Center for Rural Policy and Development and featuring our own Dave Unmacht, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities. Dave discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota’s small cities, how uncertainty will be the defining characteristic of the next five years, and why getting involved in local government may just be the best thing you ever do in life. Podcast Transcript (pdf) /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/16314935

Protecting the Mental Health of First Responders 10/02/2020

Protecting the Mental Health of First Responders Community first responders are repeatedly exposed to trauma, and that trauma can take its toll. Dan Willis, retired police captain and author of Bulletproof Spirit, talks with us about proactive wellness strategies for first responders. He explains the cultural shift needed to emphasize emotional survival as well as physical survival. /episode/index/show/cityspeak/id/16237133

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