Want to help guide your city into the future, be a city manager. That's how Matthew Schmitz, city manager of Independence, sees his job. Tim Kasparek of Tiffin, says as mayor, he realized that his vision for his city may not be shared by everyone. But he says, as long as you just do your best for your community, the city will move forward.

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Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Listen twice as much as you talk, that's good advice from Mount Vernon Mayor Tom Wieseler. The mayor talked about how collaboration makes a city stronger and that "no" sometimes is the right answer.

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Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

LaVern Dirkx is a city councilman in Carroll, his best advice for someone who is thinking about running for office, do your homework. Do research, find out about issues and study them. Pam Henderson, a city councilwoman in Alta says you have to be open minded, even when you have someone on the council you may not always agree with.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Make a plan. That's the message from Mickey Shields, Deputy Director of the Iowa League of Cities as he joins the podcast. It can be short list of city priorities or a comprehensive strategic plan. As long as you plan, he says, your city is moving in the right direction.

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Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Steve Dodson is the mayor of Hiawatha. On Tuesday mornings, he sits at his table in his local coffee shop and meets the people. Listening, he says is vital to being a good mayor. Vince Jurgena, city councilman in Riverdale agrees you must listen, but sometimes you have to explain why one person's priorities may not be the city's top issue. Listen to what these city leaders have to say about listening.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Jefferson was named a League of Cities All Star City for their massive downtown renovation. The multi-year project is continuing, listen to how they used partnership to transform their downtown, including art on the roof.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Karen Clemens is the city clerk for New Hampton. She says be prepared for comments on how you do your job, anywhere and at any time. Marc Elcock is a city attorney for both Woodburn and Lorimor. He says cities need more voices, especially young voices. He says if you want to work for a city, do it, but learn as much as you can about the city you served.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Chelsea Hoye, Director of Government Affairs and Cody Carlson, Manager of Government Affairs with the Iowa League of Cities stop by to talk with Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh for a spirited discussion of the 2026 Iowa Legislative agenda. Yep, we talk taxes. Just listen.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Andy Lent, finance director of Altoona was surprised at how well government runs. Jim Nelson, mayor of Britt, isn't surprised at all, he says to have good government you just have to be prepared.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Mayors David Mast of Colfax and John Westergaard of Lake View agree, getting everyone on board is the hardest part of being a mayor. You do it one step at a time and by learning what you can do and almost as important, what you can't do.

IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic