The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast

Building Stronger Communities Through Leadership and Civic Engagement with Kayce Ataiyero

The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast | Hosted by Jim Hunt

What does it take to build stronger communities, encourage civic participation, and restore connections between people and the places they call home?

In this episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, host Jim Hunt welcomes Kayce Ataiyero, Chief External Affairs Officer at The Joyce Foundation, for a conversation centered on community leadership, civic engagement, and the importance of bringing people together.

Kayce brings a unique perspective shaped by her career in journalism, government communications, and philanthropy. She and Jim also served as jurors for the 2026 All-America City Awards, recognizing communities making meaningful progress through civic engagement and collaboration.

This episode offers valuable perspective for mayors, city council members, city managers, community leaders, and anyone interested in making their city or town an even better place to live.

About Our Guest: Kayce Ataiyero

Kayce Ataiyero serves as Chief External Affairs Officer at The Joyce Foundation, where she oversees strategic communications, the Journalism Program, and the Lend A Hand community grants fund. She is also a member of the Foundation's leadership team.

Before joining the Joyce Foundation in 2018, Kayce served as Director of External Affairs for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and held communications leadership positions with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, the Illinois Governor's Office, and the Illinois State Treasurer's Office.

An award-winning journalist, Kayce previously worked for the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The News & Observer.

She currently serves as Board Chair of Media Impact Funders and on the board of the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. Her leadership has earned numerous recognitions, including the Chicago Titan 100 and recognition as one of Illinois' top women leaders.

Connect with Kayce and The Joyce Foundation:

Kayce's Official Bio: https://www.joycefdn.org/staff/kayce-ataiyero

The Joyce Foundation: https://www.joycefdn.org

2026 All-America City Awards Jury: https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/2026-all-america-city-award-jury/

About Your Host: Jim Hunt

Jim Hunt is a nationally recognized local government leader, author, speaker, and former President of the National League of Cities.

With 27 years of experience serving as a mayor and city council member in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Jim understands the challenges facing local government leaders. He was named Municipal Leader of the Year in 2006 by American City & County Magazine and has worked with thousands of local government officials across the country.

As the founder of Amazing Cities, Jim helps cities and towns embrace innovation, strengthen leadership, and create communities where residents and businesses thrive.

Jim is the author of three books designed to help local government leaders make a lasting difference.

Amazing Cities Resources

Visit Jim Hunt's Website

https://www.AmazingCities.org

Get Jim's Books

The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments Through Entrepreneurial Thinking

https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-entrepreneurial-city

The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City

https://www.amazingcities.org/shopThe Amazing City | Amazing Cities

Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities Are Saving the Planet (And Money Too!)

https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

Book Jim Hunt to Speak at Your Next Event

https://www.amazingcities.org/speaking

Work with Jim to Build an Amazing City

https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting

About the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast

The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast is the podcast for mayors, city council members, city managers, municipal staff, and anyone passionate about building better communities.

Hosted by Jim Hunt, each episode features conversations with local government leaders, innovators, authors, and experts sharing ideas, experiences, and strategies to help cities and towns succeed.

Thanks for listening! Join us for the next episode as we continue exploring what it takes to build an Amazing City.

Visit https://www.AmazingCities.org for more resources and information.

Are We Getting Plastics Wrong? Dr. Chris DeArmitt on Microplastics, Environmental Science and Better Public Policy

In this episode of the Amazing Cities & Towns Podcast, host Jim Hunt sits down with materials scientist Dr. Chris DeArmitt, PhD, FRSC, FIMMM, for a provocative conversation about plastics, microplastics, environmental science, and what happens when public policy gets ahead of the evidence.

Much of what we hear about plastics sounds simple: plastics are bad, alternatives are better, recycling is always beneficial, and microplastics represent a growing environmental and health threat.

Dr. DeArmitt argues that the actual scientific literature tells a much more complicated story.

After spending thousands of unpaid hours reviewing primary scientific research, he has become an outspoken critic of environmental claims that he believes are unsupported, exaggerated, or presented without the proper context.

Jim and Chris discuss why elected officials, city managers, sustainability professionals, and policymakers should be especially careful about accepting popular environmental narratives without examining the underlying evidence.

In This Episode

Jim and Dr. DeArmitt discuss:

• Why Chris began investigating claims about plastics and the environment rather than simply accepting the conventional narrative.

• The difference between scientific evidence, media headlines, advocacy, and public perception.

• Why finding a substance or particle somewhere does not automatically establish that it creates a meaningful health risk.

• How dose, exposure, methodology, and real-world conditions matter when evaluating research on microplastics.

• Why Chris believes some widely repeated claims about microplastics are not supported by high-quality evidence.

• The importance of comparing plastics with the materials that would actually replace them rather than evaluating plastics in isolation.

• How life-cycle analysis can produce very different conclusions than assumptions based simply on whether something is made from plastic, paper, glass, metal, or another material.

• The unintended environmental consequences that can occur when governments replace one material without evaluating the complete impact of the alternative.

• Why recycling, waste reduction, litter, carbon emissions, and material use are separate environmental issues that shouldn't automatically be treated as the same problem.

• How emotionally compelling environmental policies can sometimes attract support even when their measurable environmental benefit is small.

• Why local governments should establish clear evidence standards before adopting bans, mandates, purchasing requirements, or environmental programs.

• The importance of asking a simple question before taking action: What does the best available evidence actually show?

• How city leaders can focus limited resources on environmental initiatives that generate the greatest measurable benefit.

A Key Question for Local Leaders

Cities and towns make decisions every day involving recycling, waste management, purchasing, packaging, sustainability initiatives, and environmental regulation.

Dr. DeArmitt's message isn't simply that leaders should be "for" or "against" plastics.

His argument is that policy should begin with evidence rather than assumptions.

Before banning a material or replacing it with something that appears greener, policymakers should ask:

What is the complete environmental impact of the current option, what will replace it, and does the evidence show that the change actually makes things better?

It's an important distinction for any leader trying to turn good environmental intentions into policies that produce measurable results.

About Dr. Chris DeArmitt

Chris DeArmitt, PhD, FRSC, FIMMM, is a materials scientist with 30+ years of industry experience and the world's most cited independent authority on plastics, microplastics, and environmental science. Unlike industry lobbyists or activist groups, he has no funding agenda, only thousands of unpaid hours spent tracing claims back to the primary literature.

What he found contradicts nearly everything the public has been told.

He is the founder of the Plastics Research Council, an expert witness, and the author of two books endorsed by scientists and professors worldwide. His work has been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, BBC News, Sky News, and the Washington Post, among dozens of other outlets.

He speaks to corporate leaders, policymakers, legal teams, health professionals, and anyone whose decisions depend on getting the science right.

Learn More About Dr. Chris DeArmitt

Plastics Research Council: Visit the Plastics Research Council

The Plastics Paradox: Explore The Plastics Paradox

Download The Plastics Paradox free: Download the free e-book

Chris DeArmitt on LinkedIn: Connect with Chris DeArmitt

Phantom Plastics: Learn more about Dr. DeArmitt's consulting work

7 Steps to an Amazing City

1. Attitude

2. Motivation

3. Attention to Detail

4. Zing

5. Inclusiveness

6. Neighborhood Empowerment

7. Green Awareness

Thanks for listening, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode of the Amazing Cities & Towns Podcast.

About Your Host, Jim Hunt

Jim Hunt is an author, speaker, advisor, former President of the National League of Cities, and a 27-year veteran of local elected office.

Through Amazing Cities, Jim works with mayors, council members, city managers, staff, and organizations serving local government to help communities build trust, align priorities, embrace innovation, and deliver better results for residents.

He is the author of The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments Through Entrepreneurial Thinking, The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City, and Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities Are Saving the Planet (and Money Too).

Amazing City Resources

Explore Amazing Cities: Amazing Cities

Listen to more episodes of the Amazing Cities & Towns Podcast: Amazing Cities & Towns Podcast

Hire Jim to speak at your next event: Speaking information

Bring Jim in to work with your city or organization: Consulting information

Sophie Tipper on Youth Voice, Local Government, and the All-America City Experience Host Jim Hunt interviews Sophie Tipper about serving as a juror at the 2026 All-America City competition and how the cities used creative presentations and strong community teamwork to share their programs, which made her feel hopeful about politics. Sophie explains how her youth perspective helped her judge whether youth councils had real power or were just for show, and she talks about the fear and importance of speaking up as the youngest person in the room. She shares how COVID-era school problems led her to push for compostable cafeteria trays and solar panels, and how that work led her to the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, formed in 2008 and later expanded to present proposals to lawmakers. She discusses barriers for youth like transportation, school schedules, and internet access, encourages testifying to legislators at any age, and says she is heading to Vanderbilt to study political science and environmental science. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:56 All-America Cities Recap 02:37 Youth Voice on Jury 05:06 Finding Local Government 07:14 Inside Colorado Youth Council 09:38 Retreats and Divides 13:22 Genuine Youth Engagement 15:22 Barriers to Participation 18:03 Schools and City Hall 19:57 College and Future Plans 23:54 Citizenship Beyond Office 26:20 Advice for Young Leaders 30:42 Closing All-America Moment 35:01 Final Reflections and Goodbye

Doug Linkhart on All-America Cities, Civic Engagement, and Building Trust in Local Government Host Jim Hunt interviews Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League, about the All-America City competition and what it shows about communities working together. Linkhart shares his background in Colorado state and local government and says the All-America City event is an uplifting celebration of what is good in America. He says he is encouraged by people's courage and by large numbers of residents showing up to help, sharing examples from Montgomery, Alabama (changing a flag with Confederate symbols) and Franklin, Tennessee (strong community turnout). They discuss building trust through listening, follow-through, transparency, and more ways for people to give input beyond council meetings. Linkhart also describes the League's "Better Public Meetings" program and a democracy ecosystem map of 12,000+ groups on the League's website. He announces he will retire in November. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:35 Meet Doug Linkhart 01:36 Doug's Public Service 03:34 All-America City Uplift 05:05 Hope Stories Winners 08:27 Culture of Engagement 10:21 Building Trust Locally 12:35 Anger Safety Meetings 17:51 Healing Through Crisis 23:43 Better Public Meetings 25:51 Civic League Beyond Awards 28:49 Welcoming Immigrants 31:21 Retirement Reflections 34:45 How Any City Applies 35:54 Final Closing Thanks

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Michael Pollack

· A candid conversation about sidewalks in cities

· And, much more

7 Steps to an Amazing City:

1. Attitude
2. Motivation
3. Attention to Detail
4. Zing
5. Inclusiveness
6. Neighborhood Empowerment
7. Green Awareness

Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.

Links Mentions During Show:

· www.AmazingCities.org

· www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast

About Michael Pollack

Michael Pollack is a business leader, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the power of community, connection, and the places we share. Through his work and conversations, Michael brings a fresh perspective to the overlooked resources that shape everyday American life—from sidewalks and public spaces to the people and ideas that make communities thrive.

As the host of Sidewalk Nation, Michael explores the stories, challenges, and opportunities hiding in plain sight, engaging with thought leaders, innovators, and community builders to ask a simple but important question: What are we overlooking that could help make America stronger?

With curiosity, insight, and a focus on practical ideas, Michael invites listeners to look at their communities—and the country—with fresh eyes.

About Your Host, Jim Hunt:

Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.

Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"

Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.

Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.

Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.

Amazing City Resources:

Buy Jim's Popular Books:

· The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city

· Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

FREE White Paper:

· "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown" www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps

Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:

· Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking

Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:

· Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting

Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:

· Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development

A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the supp

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Jannet Walker Ford

· A candid conversation about making transit work in your city.

· And, much more

7 Steps to an Amazing City:

1. Attitude
2. Motivation
3. Attention to Detail
4. Zing
5. Inclusiveness
6. Neighborhood Empowerment
7. Green Awareness

Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.

Links Mentions During Show:

• https://www.wsp.com/en-us/profiles/jannet-walker-ford

· www.AmazingCities.org

· www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast

About Jannet Walker Ford:

Jannet Walker-Ford is the Advisory and Planning Business Line Executive at WSP in the U.S. In this role, she is responsible for business performance, and integrating the firm's technical expertise in planning, engineering, program/construction management and operations with the strategic problem-solving and communications needed by owners, developers and operators to assess, fund, and organize around successful delivery of infrastructure programs and projects across all business lines.

Previously, she served as National Transit and Rail Leader, responsible for leading and growing the firm's business in national transit and rail markets including the national practices for transit and rail, freight delivery, passenger rail, systems, technical project delivery, bus rapid transit and zero emissions.

Jannet is a nationally recognized transportation industry executive, and a tireless advocate for equity in transportation and the power of public transit to transform communities. She has more than two decades of diverse expertise including management consulting, technology, mobility, and transportation systems.

Jannet is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in management information systems and Central Michigan University with a Master of Business Administration degree. Recognized by WTS International with the inaugural Jannet Walker-Ford Breaking Barriers Award in 2024, Jannet has received numerous awards and serves on multiple national boards. She is the Immediate Past Chair of WTS International, the APTA Executive Committee, the Eno Center for Transportation and Jacksonville Board of Trustees. The broad range of recognition for her success and advocacy includes 2023 Railway Age Women in Rail, 2022 American Public Transportation Association's Business Member of the Year, 2021 WTS Northeast Florida Woman of the Year, 2019 Transportation Diversity Council/Massachusetts Institute of Technology honoree for Services to the Transportation Industry, 2019 Women of Color STEM Technology All-Star Award, and a 2019 Conference of Minority Transportation Officials' Women Who Move the Nation honoree.

About Your Host, Jim Hunt:

Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.

Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"

Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.

Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.

Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.

Amazing City Resources:

Buy Jim's Popular Books:

· The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city

· Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

FREE White Paper:

· "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown" www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps

Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:

· Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking

Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:

· Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting

Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:

· Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development

A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast: www.BearingAdvisors.Net

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews

· A candid conversation about the Prevent and Protect Program with Mike Conduff

· And, much more

7 Steps to an Amazing City:

1. Attitude
2. Motivation
3. Attention to Detail
4. Zing
5. Inclusiveness
6. Neighborhood Empowerment
7. Green Awareness

Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.

Links Mentions During Show:

https://bearingadvisors.net/wellness-done-well/

· www.AmazingCities.org

· www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast

About Mike Conduff

Mike Conduff is one of the nation's leading experts on leadership, governance, and organizational performance. As President and CEO of The Elim Group, based in Denton, Texas, he has spent decades helping boards, executives, and elected officials build high-performing organizations through better governance and leadership practices.

Before founding The Elim Group, Mike served for more than 30 years in local government, including as city manager for four university communities across Kansas and Texas. He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and has served on the executive board of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He has also served as Chairman of the International Policy Governance Association and continues to advise organizations around the world on governance excellence.

Mike is a multiple-time bestselling author and internationally recognized speaker whose books—including The On Target Board Member: 8 Indisputable Behaviors—have become go-to resources for boards, executives, and community leaders seeking to improve decision-making, accountability, and organizational results. His practical, real-world approach has made him a trusted advisor to corporations, nonprofits, utilities, municipalities, and governing boards across North America.

Today, Mike continues to coach leaders, facilitate strategic planning sessions, and help organizations create cultures of trust, clarity, and exceptional performance.

About Your Host, Jim Hunt:

Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.

Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"

Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.

Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.

Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.

Amazing City Resources:

Buy Jim's Popular Books:

· The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking: https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city

· The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city

· Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

FREE White Paper:

· "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown" www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps

Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:

· Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking

Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:

· Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting

Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:

· Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development

A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast: www.BearingAdvisors.Net

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Dana D'Orazio, Director of Leadership Development at the National League of Cities (NLC)

· A candid conversation about leadership in local government

· And, much more

7 Steps to an Amazing City:

1. Attitude
2. Motivation
3. Attention to Detail
4. Zing
5. Inclusiveness
6. Neighborhood Empowerment
7. Green Awareness

Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.

Links Mentions During Show:

https://www.goodhustle.org/

· www.AmazingCities.org

· www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast

About Dana D'Orazio:

Dana D'Orazio is an executive leadership coach and workforce development strategist. She is the Director of Leadership Development and Continuing Education at the National League of Cities , where she leads training for public officials through NLC University. She is also the founder of The Good Hustle, an advisory practice that integrates organizational strategy with mindful leadership and mental wellbeing. Her career includes roles as Director of Workforce Solutions at Merit and Director of National Strategy & Operations for The Graduate! Network. Additionally, she teaches leadership as an adjunct instructor at the University of Denver. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a certified mindfulness teacher.

About Your Host, Jim Hunt:

Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.

Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"

Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.

Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.

Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.

Amazing City Resources:

Buy Jim's Popular Books:

· The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking: https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city

· The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city

· Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

FREE White Paper:

· "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown" www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps

Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:

· Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking

Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:

· Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting

Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:

· Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development

A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast: www.BearingAdvisors.Net

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Donnavan Pepper of the National Strategic Partnership at Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies.

· A candid conversation about building bridges in local government

· And, much more

7 Steps to an Amazing City:

1. Attitude
2. Motivation
3. Attention to Detail
4. Zing
5. Inclusiveness
6. Neighborhood Empowerment
7. Green Awareness

Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.

Links Mentions During Show:

www.AmazingCities.org

· www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast

About Donovan Pepper:

Donovan W. Pepper is Principal and Director of National Strategic Partnerships at Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies , where he leads multi-jurisdictional government relations and builds nationwide advocacy coalitions. Prior to this role, he spent nearly 18 years as Senior Director of Government Relations and Civic Engagement at Walgreens, directing legislative and public health protection strategies across all 50 states. His deep public policy background also includes leadership positions with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Restaurant Association, AT&T, and Amtrak, following an early career as an Illinois House of Representatives staffer. A dedicated civic leader, Mr. Pepper is a trustee of Knox College, a member of the University of Illinois System presidential search committee, and the former Chairman of the Board for The Civic Federation. Recognized by President Barack Obama for national and community service, he holds a master's degree in political studies from the University of Illinois Springfield.

About Your Host, Jim Hunt:

Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.

Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"

Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.

Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.

Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.

Amazing City Resources:

Buy Jim's Popular Books:

· The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking: https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city

· The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city

· Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

FREE White Paper:

· "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown" www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps

Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:

· Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking

Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:

· Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting

Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:

· Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development

A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast: www.BearingAdvisors.Net

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast featured Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good, an organization focused on improving local government operations, particularly procurement processes. Brent shared his background in public policy and government effectiveness, including his work at Harvard Kennedy School and his current role helping cities plan, procure, and deliver infrastructure projects. The discussion covered how procurement systems can be strategic levers rather than just compliance functions, with Brent providing examples from his work in Jackson, Mississippi, where they reformed payment systems and created a vendor self-service portal to improve contractor relationships. They explored the tension between elected officials and staff regarding budget priorities, and discussed how local government's importance continues to grow despite challenges in smaller communities. The conversation concluded with reflections on the future of local government and the role of professional city management in addressing operational challenges.

Introducing Partners for the Public Good

The transcript shows the beginning of a podcast interview between host Jim Hunt and guest Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good. The conversation focused on introducing Brent and his background before diving into the organization's work. Jim expressed interest in hearing about Brent's journey that led him to work in local government, but the specific details of Brent's background were not captured in this transcript portion. The interview was just starting, with plans to discuss Partners for the Public Good and its role in local government in future segments.

https://partnersforpublicgood.org/

Federal Funding and DEI Challenges

Jim and Brent discussed the upcoming National League of Cities Conference in DC, where Jim will be attending. They reflected on how federal funding priorities have changed over time, particularly comparing the current focus on larger budget items to the previous emphasis on CDBG programs. The conversation concluded with Jim sharing a concerning example of a young employee's limited understanding of DEI requirements, highlighting broader concerns about implementation and oversight in government programs.

Improving Government Procurement Systems

Jim and Brent discussed the importance of effective government systems, particularly procurement processes. Brent explained that Partners for Public Good works to improve these systems in local governments across the country, focusing on back-office functions like procurement, finance, and budgeting. They highlighted how streamlined processes can make a significant impact on both government workers and residents. The conversation touched on the challenges of navigating complex procurement rules, which Brent described as often being viewed as a compliance function rather than a strategic tool for government leaders.

Strategic Procurement and Vendor Relations

Brent discussed how procurement can be used strategically rather than just as a compliance function, using the example of purchasing police cars. He shared his experience working with Jackson, Mississippi, where the city owed $10 million to vendors. The team reworked workflows, streamlined systems, and created a new online vendor self-service portal to address payment issues and improve vendor relationships. As a result, Jackson has established stronger partnerships with local businesses and improved its financial trajectory.

Aligning Staff and Elected Priorities

Brent and Jim discussed the challenges in aligning the priorities of elected officials and city staff, particularly regarding budgeting and project implementation. Jim highlighted a common issue where staff initiatives, like increasing sewage rates, may face resistance from elected officials. Brent emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the city's goals and using data and stakeholder input to align arguments with officials' priorities. Both agreed on the need to find common ground between staff needs and city objectives to ensure effective governance.

Effective Communication in Local Government

Brent and Jim discussed the importance of effective communication between elected officials and staff in local government, particularly regarding budget decisions and public services. They emphasized that providing accurate information to officials helps them make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, such as sewage and water rates, while also maintaining operational systems that residents don't have to think about. Jim shared a quote from Brent's COO, Niha Gupta, highlighting the importance of local government in addressing fundamental community needs like 911 response times, water services, and housing.

Government Innovation and Efficiency Strategies

Brent discussed the challenges in government operations, particularly in areas like emergency response and procurement processes. He highlighted that while governments may not operate like the private sector, they can still be entrepreneurial and innovative in delivering services effectively and efficiently. Brent emphasized the importance of strategic procurement processes and working with contractors to achieve high-quality services within budget constraints. Jim noted the difference between private sector operations and local government budgets, prompting a discussion on how local governments can adopt more efficient practices while working within their financial limitations.

Local Government's Critical Role

Jim and Brent discussed the future of local government and its importance in the coming years. Brent emphasized that city government will remain crucial, with 80% of public infrastructure dollars being spent by state, county, and local governments. They explored challenges facing smaller towns and the role of professional city management in addressing these issues. The conversation also touched on the need for effective procurement processes and the importance of understanding operational deficiencies rather than attributing problems to individuals.