Through these conversations, we identify and elevate effective governance in action—sharing best practices, connecting leaders, and advancing our mission to strengthen trust in public institutions across the nation.
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Keep City Business in the City
“We stay in our lane and we focus on what cities do, and that allows the economy and the population around us to flourish.”
In the city of El Segundo, California the mayor has a pretty simple plan for government. Keep your eye on city business, just city business and don’t get distracted by issues you can’t control. More
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We Can Fix That
“A lot of times our culture finds it a lot easier to throw things away and buy new ones.”
We all do it, something breaks, you just get a new one. Why bother to repair it. But in Thurston County, Washington they have a better idea, a Fix-It Fair where you can repair your old items and keep them… More
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Are we ready for Good Government?
Joel Spangenberg is the former acting director of the U.S. Selective Service System. Yes, this is still an active government agency and their mission is to make sure the U.S. is ready…just in case. More
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Small Loans, a Big Help
In the city of San Leandro, California, the city is giving out small “micro-loans.” But the small loans are having a big impact and that’s good government. More
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Department of Agriculture, it’s more than Farms
“USDA touches almost every aspect of our lives across the country here in the United States.”
Did you know the Department of Agriculture helps millions of Americans get their own house. Housing, food security, banking, just so many things the USDA does. Listen to undersecretary Basil Gooden talk about the They do and they do so… More
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Retired, not yet says former Lehigh County Executive
“I can’t say to somebody, you have a crisis. We’re not going to help you.”
Phil Armstrong served eight years as Lehigh County Commissioner. Among other projects, he expanded a senior home and he kept the Iron Pigs, a popular minor league team to stay. And he’s not done yet. More
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One Dynamic Mayor in Missouri
“Good government is government that is responsive to you and is a good steward of the resources that they’ve been entrusted…”
Barbara Buffaloe is a dynamo. She might be short, but she’s powerful and a force of nature. Listen to her talk about how she’s working for Columbia, MO. More
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Part of the Solution, A career in Public Service
“…wanting to be a part of something bigger than myself. Part of the solution…”
9/11 changed Kshemendra Paul’s career. He wanted to help, he wanted to be a part of the solution. And he walked away from a career in technology companies and became a public servant. As he sees it, a higher calling. More
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Environmental Protection with Big Oil in Texas
“I’ve been working to make people’s lives, safer and better as a cop. I think I can do it as an elected official.”
In the energy capital of the world, one leader proves you don’t have to choose between jobs and the environment—you can fight for both. More
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The Future of Democracy
“Anything that lasts a long time needs to be fixed along the way.”
The Constitution is a living document. It was written to be changed, updated and amended. Making sure the Constitution and democracy is still working in 2076 is the goal of the organization Democracy 2076. Listen to Cecili Wake discuss the… More
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Water and Taxes on the Beach in Florida
“I love my job. I think it’s the most interesting, rewarding job in the world.”
Hallandale Beach Florida is a small town between Miami and Ft Lauderdale. Joy Cooper has been mayor for 26 years and can talk like an engineer, especially when it comes to water infrastructure projects. More
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Lawyers for Good Government
“making the federal government work better for all Americans for the next 250 years.”
Advancing democracy and advocating for good government, that’s the mission of Democracy Forward, a legal non-profit organization. On this episode we talk with Rob Shriver who heads up their Civil Service Strong program and the Good Government Initiative. Now that… More