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: Lauren Palmer

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: Dan Bolin

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.

The 2025 GovieLovies

Lauren

1. The Scenic Route to City Hall with Peggy Flynn, Petaluma, CA
2. Leading ICMA and the Roots of Professional Government with Julia Novak, ICMA
3. Sparks Pilot Program with Grace Hanne, Johnson County KS

Dan

1. Leadership and Change Management with Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara, CA
2. Land Use Planning and Residential Segregation with Scott Markley, National Zoning Atlas
3. Development and Customer Service with JC Hudgison, Tampa, FL

Meredith

1. Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX
2. Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA
3. The Real Ice Town with Tim Blakeslee, Plymouth, WI

Ben

1. From the Fire House to the City Manager's Office with Bryan Dehner and Donna Lake
2. Change Management and Implementing a New Form of Government with Michael Jordan, Portland, OR
3. An ICMA Conference Recap, Leadership, Urban Revitalization, and Hot Wings - GovLove Island

Pizza Mike Producer Pick

1. Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX

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 article 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: Ben Kittelson 

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: Marissa Baum