Local Gov Life

By ICMA

What's Local Gov Life about?

ICMA is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing professional local government management throughout the world. Local Gov Life is a mix of stories, insights, and advice from local government leaders.

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Local Gov Life episodes:

11.02.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 09 - A Fireside Chat with Ernie and Joe
In this fireside chat, our featured guest was Joe Smarro, who co-stars with Ernie Stevens in Jenifer McShane’s Emmy Award winning HBO documentary “Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops.” Joe spoke powerfully about his experience as a Mental Health Peace Officer...
10.28.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 08 - Improving Equity with the Right Tools
This webinar highlights tools local governments can implement to address and improve internal and external inequities. Participants will understand why equity tools are important, learn about the tools some of local governments are using, and how to right-size them to...
10.28.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 07 - Policing, Public Safety, and Equity: Evidence and Insight for Better Policymaking
Public Agenda’s Hidden Common Ground on Race and Police Reform examined public opinion on many of the most pressing questions prompted by the tragic murder of George Floyd and the ensuing protests, including policing bias, use of force, and militarization...
10.22.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 23 - COVID-19 Mass Vaccination: Preliminary Guidance for Local Government Leaders and Managers
On September 16, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), released the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations. With this publication’s release the clock is ticking for state and local entities to prepare for the rollout...
08.06.2020
Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 05: Building Trust During Divisive Times
This episode comes at a critical moment as divisiveness within our communities seems to be at an all time high. Though this episode was recorded before the most recent crises, our speakers provide examples of the importance of trust...
08.05.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 22 - The Accelerated Shift to Cloud Software in Local Government
This webinar focused on how local governments need to go digital with modern strategies, processes, and technology.
07.27.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 21 - City Health Dashboard: Using Data to Guide Your Jurisdiction's COVID-19 Response
This webinar’s focus is on the City Health Dashboard's new COVID Local Risk Index, a new measure of COVID risk and severity for cities - and neighborhoods within them-that provides this needed granular data.
07.21.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 06 - The Two Pandemics: Systemic Racism and COVID-19
This 90-minute webinar featured subject matter experts from local government who shared Information on the disparate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and the longstanding racial disparities that have led to systemic and structural...
07.21.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 05 - Transforming Law Enforcement to Address Public Health
During this webinar, a panel of national experts looked at the history which led up to the 21st Policing report and covered highlights that remain applicable today. But for communities that want to look at reforming, improving, or “defunding”...
07.16.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 04 - Conversation with Valerie Lemmie
Valerie Lemmie gives us more insight into her time as Cincinnati city manager during the aftermath of the 2001 Timothy Thomas shooting, her lessons learned during that time of social unrest, and what she envisions as the path forward.
07.07.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 20 - From Relief to Resilience: Supporting Small Businesses During & After COVID-19
This webinar discussed, how to define your relief program’s criteria, best practices in ensuring your approach is flexible, equitable, and reportable, and share lessons learned in serving others when they need it most.
07.07.2020
Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 01 - New Executive Order on Law Enforcement
National experts explain the implications of President Trump’s New Executive Order on Law Enforcement and how it relates to local government police reform efforts.
06.23.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 19 - The Public Health Crisis and Racial Inequities
This webinar’s focus is on the pandemic, economic crisis, and racial justice protests and how these events highlight the larger public health disparities in our communities of color.
06.15.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 18 - Recreation Leading Recovery: Strategic Planning For the Rebound
This episode addresses the key considerations and factors for re-opening and utilizing community assets as a piece of your community recovery strategy.
06.12.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 17 - Sharpening the Focus on Social Equity to Make Strategic Budget Decisions
This presentation focused on the key factors, best practices, and tools for maintaining and improving equity as a piece of your budget strategy.
06.04.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 16 - Working Differently in a Post-COVID-19 World
Two experts in the fields of online training and human resources, Tim Rahschulte, PhD, chief executive officer at The Professional Development Academy and chief architect of the NACo High Performance Leadership Program and Erika Philpot, Human Resources Director, Coconino County,...
06.02.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 15 - Extraordinary Resilience
Nicole Lance, CEO of Lance Strategies and Eric M. Bailey, CEO of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group led this webinar that focused on tactical, action-oriented strategies to help individuals and teams enhance their resilience, providing beneficial skills for dealing with the...
05.26.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 14 - Prioritizing Emotional Strength During Difficult Times
Cigna, ICMA Presidential Level Strategic Partner, provides guidance to help you learn more about how to manage stress, anxiety, loneliness and grief surrounding the pandemic and ways you can manage competing priorities and cope with distress.
05.19.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 13 - Planning and Preparing for Your Local Government's Return to Work
JLL Commercial Real Estate and Property Investments and Stantec, a design firm, presented this webinar covering the short term and long term issues of bringing employees back to work and how to manage your real estate and workplaces and serve...
05.19.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 12 - Engagement During a Crisis: Local Government's Response to COVID-19
Zencity, an ICMA Strategic Partner, with city leaders from Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Winthrop, Massachusetts, discussed best practices for engaging with residents during a crisis. Each shared their community's story and strategies for managing through this pandemic.
05.12.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 11 - Fiscal and Organizational Strategies During a Pandemic
Local governments have been tapping their reserves and spending whatever has been required to meet the immediate public health demands of this COVID-19 crisis. City and county managers recognize that even as their costs have increased, their revenues are declining....
05.05.2020
Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 04: Professional Growth at Every Career Stage
In local government, professionals have a multitude of growth opportunities. This episode features Don Maruska, former director of ICMA’s Coaching Program and, chief development officer for Take Charge of Your Talent; Pam Davis, assistant city manager for the City of...
05.04.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 10 - Employment Law and COVID-19
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) have created new rights such as expanded family and medical leave and emergency paid sick leave that local governments need to comply...
04.23.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 09 - Managing Crisis Communications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While many jurisdictions have a crisis communications plan in place to deal with all manner of emergencies and disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic is stretching these plans to the limit, forcing local governments to get creative with their engagement efforts. In...
04.21.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 08 - Budgeting During a Crisis
This webinar, led by Andy Belknap, Senior Vice President, Management Partners, covered the first principles of cutback budgeting, lessons from real-world experience during the Great Recession, and exploration of how simulation software can be used to frame the fact-based trade-off...
04.16.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 07 - The Role of EMS in Local COVID-19 Responses
The Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) and the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI) teamed up to bring insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting EMS delivery, and some of the top challenges facing local EMS agencies...
04.10.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 06 - Moving Beyond the Current Crisis: A Plan to Re-Open Our Communities
Richard Florida joins us to share his thoughts on the path forward, which will feature a 10-point plan to re-open our communities after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this 90-minute webinar, we will shift our thinking to what comes next and...
04.09.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 05 - Understanding the CARES Act and Other Recent Federal Legislation for Local Governments
In response to the difficulties faced by cities, counties and other municipalities due to the public health and economic emergency brought on by the COVID-19 virus, the U.S. Congress and President have enacted three pieces of legislation to provide relief...
04.06.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 04 - Dealing with Your Own Stress: Coping Strategies in the COVID-19 World
When a disaster hits, local government managers have the challenging task of providing leadership to the community – often while dealing with the crisis in their own home. Now, more than ever, local government managers must safeguard their emotional well-being...
04.03.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 03 - Tools and Techniques for Managing COVID-19 Recovery Costs
ICMA Weekly Community Conversations on the Coronavirus In this webinar Mark O’Mara, director of recovery for Hagerty Consulting, and ICMA Strategic Partner, discusses federal funding opportunities related to COVID-19, and the many puzzle pieces, including the CARES Act, FEMA Public Assistance,...
03.30.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 02 - Economic Recovery
ICMA Weekly Community Conversations on the Coronavirus Jeff Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), provides an update on COVID-19. He describes lessons learned from past experiences in emerging from economic disasters and shares important information...
03.23.2020
Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 03: Complex Issues Require Effective Communication Skills
Local governments have a duty to keep their community informed, especially during trying times. In this episode we look at how top local government leaders effectively communicate-- especially around challenging topics. Our speakers, Greg Hermann, deputy city manager San Luis...
03.23.2020
Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 01 - Impact on Public Health
In this 30-minute recorded teleconference, Dr. E. Oscar Alleyne, chief of programs and services, National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), provides an update on COVID-19 and the impact that community mitigation can have on the spread of...
02.27.2020
Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 02: Developing Successful Leaders
Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned expert, you can always learn more about how to develop your staff. In this episode, we feature three motivational local government leaders: Mark Peterson, vice president, Gov HR and former city...
02.07.2020
Local Gove Life – S06 Episode 01: Try an International Experience
Episode 1 – Try an International Experience To gain a new perspective, while also developing skills you can use in your community, consider an international experience. In this episode, we hear from two ICMA members--Chris Gerry an early-career professional from Palm...
12.11.2019
Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 04: Customer Service in the Local Government Space
People remember local government interactions for two primary reasons: they had a great experience, or they had a terrible one. But how do you foster a customer service mindset?
11.18.2019
Local Gov Life - Special Episode: Diversity & Inclusion at ICMA
ICMA members will vote in January on three changes to our constitution to increase diversity and inclusion on our Executive Board. In this episode, past president Karen Pinkos explains the proposed changes and what they mean to the future of...
11.04.2019
Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 03: Cannabis Regulation
Cannabis law is constantly changing. Is your community ready? In this episode, city managers and planners from Santa Rosa, California; Durango, Colorado, and Battle Creek, Michigan explain how they approach marijuana regulation.
09.06.2019
Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 02: Human Trafficking
Human trafficking could be happening in your community. Local government workers are uniquely positioned to identify and investigate indicators of human trafficking. Our experts explain what you need to know.
08.12.2019
Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 01: Strategic Planning
Every community needs a strategic plan. It can be hard to zero in on the right process and follow through on what you learn. Our experts explain how to get it done.
06.04.2019
Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 03: How to Best Your Budget
Budget season can be intimidating for local government. In this episode, ICMA Members share stories of personal resilience while maneuvering the budgeting process.
05.22.2019
Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 03: How to Best Your Budget
Budget season can be intimidating for local government. In this episode, ICMA Members share stories of personal resilience while maneuvering the budgeting process.
04.09.2019
Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 02: Civic Service: A Love Story
Local governments and volunteers are a match made in heaven. In this episode of Local Gov Life, ICMA Members discuss the benefits of getting residents involved in volunteering programs.
01.29.2019
Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 01: Learn as a Mentee, Be a Mentor, and Pay It Forward
We caught up with some ICMA members at our Annual Conference in Baltimore to learn what it means to be a good mentor, and some of the most valuable ways that you can pay it forward.
11.07.2018
Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 05: A Relationship Built on Trust
In this episode of “Making a Difference”, Chris Clark, a city council member from Mountain View, California, shares his views on the importance of professional local government management.
08.01.2018
Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 04: Bertha Henry Believes There is Nothing More Rewarding Than Public Service
In this Episode, Bertha Henry talks about the challenges her community faces and has faced—from natural disasters to the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida—and how it has brought people together.
07.12.2018
Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 03: The Rewards of Adopting the Council-Manager Form of Government
In this episode of “Making a Difference," we sit down with Dr. Robert Fortner, community stakeholder and activist for the council-manager form of government.
06.15.2018
Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 02: Local Government - It's a Rewarding Profession
We sit down with Carl Valente and discuss the current state of the local government management profession and why it feels great to make a difference in people’s lives.
06.15.2018
Local Gov Life - Season 3, Episode 1 - Making A Difference. Local Government - It's a Rewarding Profession
ICMA is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing professional local government management throughout the world. Local Gov Life is a mix of stories, insights, and advice from local government leaders.
05.31.2018
Local Gov Life - United Front Episode 06: Julie Underwood Won’t Let Fear Get in the Way
In this final episode of LocalGov Life “United Front,” Julie Underwood, city manager of Mercer Island, Washington describes her career, her philosophy on finding mentors, and how she manages the “second shift.”

What's Local Gov Life about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Local Gov Life episodes:

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 09 - A Fireside Chat with Ernie and Joe

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 08 - Improving Equity with the Right Tools

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 07 - Policing, Public Safety, and Equity: Evidence and Insight for Better Policymaking

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 23 - COVID-19 Mass Vaccination: Preliminary Guidance for Local Government Leaders and Managers

Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 05: Building Trust During Divisive Times

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 22 - The Accelerated Shift to Cloud Software in Local Government

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 21 - City Health Dashboard: Using Data to Guide Your Jurisdiction's COVID-19 Response

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 06 - The Two Pandemics: Systemic Racism and COVID-19

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 05 - Transforming Law Enforcement to Address Public Health

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 04 - Conversation with Valerie Lemmie

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 20 - From Relief to Resilience: Supporting Small Businesses During & After COVID-19

Local Gov Life - Racial Equity and Social Justice Episode 01 - New Executive Order on Law Enforcement

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 19 - The Public Health Crisis and Racial Inequities

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 18 - Recreation Leading Recovery: Strategic Planning For the Rebound

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 17 - Sharpening the Focus on Social Equity to Make Strategic Budget Decisions

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 16 - Working Differently in a Post-COVID-19 World

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 15 - Extraordinary Resilience

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 14 - Prioritizing Emotional Strength During Difficult Times

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 13 - Planning and Preparing for Your Local Government's Return to Work

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 12 - Engagement During a Crisis: Local Government's Response to COVID-19

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 11 - Fiscal and Organizational Strategies During a Pandemic

Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 04: Professional Growth at Every Career Stage

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 10 - Employment Law and COVID-19

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 09 - Managing Crisis Communications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 08 - Budgeting During a Crisis

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 07 - The Role of EMS in Local COVID-19 Responses

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 06 - Moving Beyond the Current Crisis: A Plan to Re-Open Our Communities

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 05 - Understanding the CARES Act and Other Recent Federal Legislation for Local Governments

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 04 - Dealing with Your Own Stress: Coping Strategies in the COVID-19 World

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 03 - Tools and Techniques for Managing COVID-19 Recovery Costs

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 02 - Economic Recovery

Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 03: Complex Issues Require Effective Communication Skills

Local Gov Life - SCV19 Episode 01 - Impact on Public Health

Local Gov Life – S06 Episode 02: Developing Successful Leaders

Local Gove Life – S06 Episode 01: Try an International Experience

Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 04: Customer Service in the Local Government Space

Local Gov Life - Special Episode: Diversity & Inclusion at ICMA

Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 03: Cannabis Regulation

Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 02: Human Trafficking

Local Gov Life - S05 Episode 01: Strategic Planning

Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 03: How to Best Your Budget

Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 03: How to Best Your Budget

Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 02: Civic Service: A Love Story

Local Gov Life - S04 Episode 01: Learn as a Mentee, Be a Mentor, and Pay It Forward

Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 05: A Relationship Built on Trust

Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 04: Bertha Henry Believes There is Nothing More Rewarding Than Public Service

Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 03: The Rewards of Adopting the Council-Manager Form of Government

Local Gov Life - S03 Episode 02: Local Government - It's a Rewarding Profession

Local Gov Life - Season 3, Episode 1 - Making A Difference. Local Government - It's a Rewarding Profession

Local Gov Life - United Front Episode 06: Julie Underwood Won’t Let Fear Get in the Way