A New 911. Gabriela Solis, a Project Leader for the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab, joined the podcast to talk about alternative 911 responses. She shared the work of the Government Performance Lab, the current initiative surrounding alternative 911 responses, and some case studies involved with the initiative. Gabriela discussed how data is used in the program and how local governments can get involved.

Host: Kirsten Wyatt

Balancing new ideas with institutional knowledge. Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, Florida, joined the podcast to talk about local government strategy and employees. She shared how employee needs by department differ, her work in strategy and intergovernmental affairs, and the importance of succession planning.

Host: Ben Kittelson

The s'more-iest season on record. Greg LeBlanc, Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Snowmass, Colorado, joined the podcast to talk about small town management and tourism. He discussed preparing for the role of Assistant Town Manager and the challenges unique to resort communities. He also shared how the work of the Town changes around the tourism cycle and how the Town pursues communication and engagement.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Putting people first. Four guests joined the podcast to talk about human centered design in Chicago Public Schools. They discussed the CPS community toolkit, building strong design teams, and gaining leadership buy-in. They also shared how other local governments can implement human centered design. Adrian Segura is the Chief Officer for Family and Community Engagement at Chicago Public Schools. Kathleen Carlson works on special projects for Bloomberg Philanthropies. Laura Biltz is a Design Consultant and Manager at Conic. Ruben Ocampo is the Founder of Conic.

Host: Kirsten Wyatt

Stories of Public Servants. Brian Whittaker, Founder of Humans of Public Service and the Chief Innovation Officer for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, joined the podcast to talk about Humans of Public Service, which shares the stories of public servants that reflect the diversity in America in an effort to humanize public servants and create a more positive perception of government. He discussed starting and launching Humans of Public Service, lifting up others in public service, and how to nominate someone in public service.

Host: Kirsten Wyatt

Texas Two Step. Onyinye Akujo, Chief Operating Officer for the Houston-Galveston Area Council, joined the podcast to talk about her work with the Houston-Galveston Council and being in a local government relationship with her partner, William Johnson, Assistant City Manager for the City of Fort Worth.

Host: Lauren Palmer

Embrace the uncertainty. Santi Garces, Chief Information Officer for the City of Boston, Massachusetts, joined the podcast to talk about improving technology in local government. He shared insights on balancing technology projects, shrinking the digital divide, and data use as a platform and product.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Building a sustainable and equitable city. Oliver Kroner, Director of Environment and Sustainability for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, joined the podcast to talk about implementing the Green Cincinnati Plan. He shared the work of the Office of Environment and Sustainability, measuring environmental impacts, and community activation and equity around the Green Cincinnati Plan.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Infrastructure feedback in real-time. Barkha Patel, Director of Infrastructure for the City of Jersey City, New Jersey, joined the podcast to talk about infrastructure and vision zero. She shared how the City implements tactical urbanism, the creation of the Department of Infrastructure, equity work in infrastructure, and the City's Vision Zero plan.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Human-centered local government. Alex Lawrence, Chief People Officer for the City of Boston, Massachusetts, joined the podcast to talk about hiring a 21st-century workforce. She discussed new recruitment strategies, managing change, updating personnel policies, and innovative benefits.

Host: Kirsten Wyatt