GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

Dr. Elizabeth Linos, Professor of Public Policy and Management at the Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Director at The People Lab, joined the podcast to discuss the Public Servant Project an effort to collect and analyze data about the people of government. She talked about the Public Service Pulse a survey for local and state government employees to understand their experience and perspective. She shared how the results will be shared and what kinds of analysis she's hoping to do. She also discussed a recent report on how government workers are viewed by the public, including the differences between different roles.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Michael Baskin, Chief Innovation Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland joined the podcast to discuss the future of local government innovation and understanding organizational culture. He talked about the importance of process improvement and what our processes tell government employees. He discussed his perspective on the importance of people in local government and creating a culture where ideas can be challenged. He also shared how the County prioritizes leadership development and coaching.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about managing growth and a two-career local government household. Dianne Miller is the City Administrator at City of Eagan, Minnesota and Justin is the City Administrator for the City of Lakeville, Minnesota. They shared the impact of Operation Metro Surge, moratoriums on housing and data centers, and potential career changes.

This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN. 

Host: Lauren Palmer

James Childers, Town Manager for the Town of Flower Mound, Texas joined the podcast to discuss building an empowering organizational culture. He talked about his career path in local government and shared his family history in the city management profession. He discussed getting to know and then setting the culture as a new Town Manager. He also talked about the Town's  strategic plan and how the Town approaches community engagement.

Host: Ben Kittelson

Scott Neal, City Manager for the City of Edina, Minnesota, rejoined the podcast to share his insights on local government leadership and the future of the profession before retirement. He discussed changes he has seen in local government over his career including how technology has changed community engagement and policing. He talked about his focus on developing talent and the importance of giving staff leadership opportunities. He also shared mistakes he's made along the way and learned from.

This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN. 

Host: Lauren Palmer