Local Matters Podcast

Why is homelessness increasing? Have federal, state, and local policies contributed to the problem? Are current efforts sufficient to truly address the problem? Or just too little, too late?

Joe Edge, President of Sherman and Hemstreet, discusses the boom in downtown apartments. After years of small-scale redevelopment, we now see large apartment complexes in and near downtown Augusta. He discusses why, and the impact these units can have on eliminating the food desert, and on electoral politics.

Augusta District 2 Commissioner Dennis Williams discusses the rise of homelessness in Augusta, the city's plans to address it, and how to deal with panhandlers. He also explains why he is working to develop a veterans cemetery in South Augusta.

Gabi Dukes, Executive Vice President, and Kathi Snipes, Senior Vice President, discuss how to take control of your financial future. We touch on how building personal relationships with your bank can improve your credit score, strategies to deal with student loan debt, and how to figure out whether you can afford a new purchase.

Exploring why Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has decided not to run again despite polls saying she can win again, why Georgians are vaccinated at one of the lowest rates in the USA, and our sad history with 401 Walton Way.

Local and state governments often face litigation in the course of their daily affairs, but in particular when they take steps outside of the norm. The media has sued Augusta based upon their refusal to disclose information related to the fire chief search, and the state and other counties related to the creation of the Columbia County Judicial Circuit. Three current elected officials are vying for Mayor of Augusta in 2022. The Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition and the Coalition for the People's Agenda are doing it big for you!

Local Matters covers a variety of topics, to include an explanation of the Georgia Open Records Act, encouraging women to strive for elected and executive positions, and what the American Rescue Act means for local communities.

Lynn Bailey, long time Director of Voter Registration and Elections in Richmond County, sets the record straight regarding which changes the Georgia legislature approved. Learn what you have to do to ensure that your vote counts the next time we go to the polls. Also hear what is now a felony.

Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot, talks about the intersection of technology and trust in local government. Technology has transformed society, and local government is no exception.

The Director of the East Central Georgia Health District discusses the role of public health in combatting infectious disease, how far the Augusta area has come in decreasing COVID infection rates, and the best place to go to sign up for a vaccine.