GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

It's moment you have been waiting for all year! From new forms of government, interesting case studies, and tales from local government leaders our episodes covered a wide array of all that goes into local government. To celebrate 2025 and look forward to 2026, the GovLove co-hosts teamed up to give out the most prestigious award in local government podcasting. Lauren, Dan, Meredith, and Ben each selected three of their favorite episodes to award a GovieLovie.

The 2025 GovieLovies

Lauren

1. The Scenic Route to City Hall with Peggy Flynn, Petaluma, CA
2. Leading ICMA and the Roots of Professional Government with Julia Novak, ICMA
3. Sparks Pilot Program with Grace Hanne, Johnson County KS

Dan

1. Leadership and Change Management with Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara, CA
2. Land Use Planning and Residential Segregation with Scott Markley, National Zoning Atlas
3. Development and Customer Service with JC Hudgison, Tampa, FL

Meredith

1. Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX
2. Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA
3. The Real Ice Town with Tim Blakeslee, Plymouth, WI

Ben

1. From the Fire House to the City Manager's Office with Bryan Dehner and Donna Lake
2. Change Management and Implementing a New Form of Government with Michael Jordan, Portland, OR
3. An ICMA Conference Recap, Leadership, Urban Revitalization, and Hot Wings - GovLove Island

Pizza Mike Producer Pick

1. Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX

AI meets local government. Jorge Valens, Innovation Manager for Miami-Dade County, FL, joined the podcast to talk about the opportunities artificial intelligence represents for local government organizations and his recent article on the topic. He talked about how these tools can improve the efficiency of subject matter experts and allow organizations to test ideas quickly. He shared examples of how they use AI and human centered design together in Miami-Dade County. He also discussed the skills needed and the importance of skepticism and ethics in using AI. 

Host: Ben Kittelson 

Jessica Carrero, Operations Project Manager for the Town of East Hartford, Connecticut joined the podcast to discuss project management and ensuring operations continue when organizations go through changes. She shared her experience during mayoral transitions, how standard operating procedures helped her succeed during those transitions, and how to navigate tension between new ideas and current practices.

Host: Marissa Baum

Amber Cabrera. Senior Assistant to the City Manager for City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Maylee De Jesús, City Clerk for the City of Boynton Beach, Florida joined to podcast to discuss increasing representation in local government. They shared recent efforts they have worked on for Latinos in Florida Local Government, advice for the next generation, and how to get involved with the Local Government Hispanic Network.

This episode was recorded at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa, FL.

Host: Meredith Reynolds

JC Hudgison, Chief Building Official for the City of Tampa, Florida rejoined the podcast to discuss development, technology, and process improvement. He talked about how the City responded to and has been recovering from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. He shared how the City has worked to improve customer service through process improvement and how they are carefully integrate artificial intelligence into their plan review workflow. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years.

This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL.