Podcasts by LMC City Speak
A look at issues important to Minnesota cities.
Further podcasts by podcast@lmc.org (podcast@lmc.org)
Podcast on the topic Regierung
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From 545 Bosses to 5 from 2023-12-08T06:01
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I Felt Like I Could Do More in Public Service from 2023-11-17T15:57
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Don’t Underestimate the Value of Showing Up from 2023-10-31T05:01
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Life Taught Me That I Have to Be Strong from 2023-10-13T05:00
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Bringing Fresh Eyes to the White Bear Way from 2023-09-29T05:00
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Learning to Get Out of the Way from 2023-09-15T05:01
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Grateful for Guidance from 2023-09-01T05:01
Duluth Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman shares how having a network of city leaders was instrumental in helping him when starting out in his career in city government and when he made...
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New Season: Focusing on Leadership from 2023-08-25T05:01
We're kicking off a new season of the City Speak podcast starting Sept. 1! Join host Luke Fischer, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities, as he talks with city stafe and elected o...
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I Wish I Could Say I’ve Never Made That Mistake from 2021-12-24T11:00
Crystal City Manager Anne Norris recalls how a budget process gone wrong provided a painful lesson on the importance of clear communication. She shares how owning the mistake helped rebuild trus...
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I Wasn’t Engaging the Community from 2021-12-10T11:00
Buffalo Mayor Teri Lachermeier shares how a city redevelopment project taught her the importance of getting community input. She also describes her method to ensure people feel their opinion is ...
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Staying Plugged In from 2021-11-26T11:00
Chatfield Clerk Joel Young shares how seeing others become downtrodden and cynical reinforced the importance of maintaining connections and relationships with others in local government. He also...
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Mistakes Are Just Part of the Job from 2021-11-12T11:00
Biwabik Mayor Jim Weikum shares how a mistake he made taught him the importance of doing your homework and anticipating the perspectives of others. He also talks with us about a simple practice ...
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Yeah, That Probably Wasn’t the Best Way to Handle It from 2021-10-29T10:00
Melrose City Administrator Colleen Winter talks with us about leadership lessons the pandemic has taught her. She shares how these experiences reinforced the importance of active listening and e...
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The Importance of Words from 2021-10-15T10:00
Wyoming Mayor Lisa Iverson shares how a ride-along in a squad car gave her a new perspective on decision-making, and how the words she chooses in her city leadership role can help the public und...
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Everyone Needs a Buddy from 2021-10-01T10:00
Wadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz talks with us about the big role that mentors played in her leadership journey, and why we all need to have a buddy to support us and help do the hard things tog...
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Not Every Idea Is a Good Idea from 2021-09-17T10:00
Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes chats with us about a leadership lesson that taught him the importance of embracing community input, and shares what keeps him going after nearly 30 years of serving hi...
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Failing Forward from 2021-09-03T10:00
Baudette Clerk-Treasurer Tina Rennemo chats with us about lessons she’s learned in her career. She shares the importance of learning by making mistakes, and explains how focusing on the great th...
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Don’t Lose Sight of the Things That Aren’t on Fire from 2021-08-20T05:30
Brooklyn Park Fire Chief and President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association T. John Cunningham shares stories from his experiences as a public sector leader and some of the valuable le...
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My First Leadership Test and I Didn’t Even Know It from 2021-07-30T11:00
This teaser episode for season four of The City Speak features League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director Dave Unmacht. Dave shares a story about a surprise meeting early in his career where ...
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2021 Legislative Series: Responding to COVID-19 from 2021-01-15T15:56:03
In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — League intergovernmental relations (IGR) representatives Daniel Lightfoot and Ann Lindstrom address federal support for cities responding...
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2021 Legislative Series: Responding to Economic Challenges from 2021-01-15T06:30
In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you’ll hear about economic issues affecting cities that will likely be discussed in the 2021 legislative session. League Intergovernmenta...
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2021 Legislative Series: Addressing Racial Inequities from 2021-01-15T06:30
In this episode — one of three in a legislative series — you’ll hear about the League’s new racial equity legislative policy. League Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Counsel Irene Kao and IGR R...
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Two League Interns Talk Race Equity from 2021-01-08T06:30
League of Minnesota Cities intern and college senior Laurel Poole takes over the hosting duties in this bonus episode, interviewing fellow intern and classmate Elijah Henderson. Henderson spent ...
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Focus on the Windshield, Not the Rearview Mirror from 2020-10-30T05:30
As we approach the general election and the end of 2020, we check in with Brad Wiersum, president of the League of Minnesota Cities and mayor of Minnetonka. Wiersum shares valuable lessons he’s ...
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Talking Elections with David Maeda from 2020-10-16T05:30
We talk with David Maeda, director of elections for the Minnesota Office of Secretary of State, who gives us the lowdown on all things elections – including safety and security of the voting pro...
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Partner Podcast: Center of Everywhere with Dave Unmacht from 2020-10-09T05:30
We wanted to share with our listeners this Center of Everywhere podcast episode from our partners at the Listen
Protecting the Mental Health of First Responders from 2020-10-02T05:30
Community first responders are repeatedly exposed to trauma, and that trauma can take its toll. Dan Willis, retired police captain and author of Bulletproof Spirit, talks with us about ...
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We’ve Got You Covered from 2020-09-18T05:30
Dan Greensweig, administrator of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, shares some interesting takes on how the Trust partners with cities on managing risk and solving problems. Dan ex...
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Two Mayors Talk City Budgets from 2020-09-04T05:30
It’s that time again — budget season is here, and this year there’s the added twist of factoring in the impacts of a global pandemic. Carver Mayor Courtney Johnson and Bloomington Mayor Tim Buss...
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Women in City Government from 2020-08-21T07:00
As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, we talk with three city leaders about the opportunities, challenges, and impact...
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Bridging Social Capital Across Multicultural Communities from 2020-08-07T04:00
Mahnomen City Administrator Mitchell Berg shares the results of his doctoral research on tribal and municipal relations. Even if your city doesn’t have ...
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Everything’s Better with Better Broadband from 2020-07-24T04:00
Access to reliable, high-speed internet is vital to the economic success of a community — a big reason why Minnesota has a goal of border-to-border broadband by 2026. But building a broadband in...
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Finding Silver Linings: Brainerd’s Reopening Story from 2020-07-10T04:00
Brainerd City Administrator Jennifer Bergman and Human Resources Director Kris Schubert share the unique challenges their city faced (including a fire at City Hall) while working to reopen the c...
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Jump-Starting Main Street from 2020-06-26T04:00
Discover how the City of Watertown created its own economic stimulus package to help Main Street businesses and residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Watertown Mayor Steve Washburn shares how...
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A Conversation With U.S. Representatives Craig and Stauber from 2020-06-09T16:42:57
Hear from two members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation as we talk with Rep. Angie Craig (2nd Congressional District) and Rep. Pete Stauber (8th Congressional District). They share their o...
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#WeGotThis Series: Mark Ruff from 2020-04-17T04:00
In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Minneapolis Interim City Coordinator Mark Ruff, a public finance expert, shares his thoughts on basic actions cities can take now t...
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#WeGotThis Series: Mike Goldstein from 2020-04-13T04:00
In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Plymouth Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Mike Goldstein shares how his city’s emergency management planning prepared the...
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#WeGotThis Series: Jenny Max from 2020-04-09T16:20:27
In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Nisswa City Administrator Jenny Max discusses the steps her city has taken to keep things running and the positive relationships th...
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#WeGotThis Series: Tracy Bertram from 2020-04-06T06:00
In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, we talk with Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram, whose city dealt with a large fire just prior to the current COVID-19 crisis. Hear how tha...
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#WeGotThis Series: Andrea Lauer from 2020-04-03T16:53:58
In this episode of the #WeGotThis Series on pandemic response, Royalton Mayor Andrea Lauer shares the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on her community and what it’s like to lead a city in tim...
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#WeGotThis Series: David Unmacht from 2020-03-25T04:00
Minnesota cities are facing the challenge of pandemic response, but working together, #WeGotThis! In this first episode of the #WeGotThis Series, we talk with League of Minnesota Cities Executiv...
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2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Irene Kao from 2020-02-07T05:00
Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affectin...
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2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Daniel Lightfoot from 2020-02-07T05:00
Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affectin...
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2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Gary Carlson and Anne Finn from 2020-02-07T05:00
Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affectin...
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2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Anne Finn from 2020-02-07T05:00
Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affectin...
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2020 Session Preview: Legislative Short Takes with Gary Carlson from 2020-02-07T05:00
Prep for the 2020 legislative session with this episode — one of five in a special series with League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff covering the top issues affectin...
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Joys and Challenges of Our First Year in Office from 2020-01-17T05:00
How did your first year go as an elected city official, what did you learn, and what advice would you give others? We check in with two elected officials as they wrap up their first year in offi...
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Go Big So Minnesotans Can Go Home from 2020-01-03T05:00
Housing is a critical infrastructure issue in cities across Minnesota, and it intersects with many other basic needs and services. One of the partners working to solve this complex problem is Mi...
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The Ballet of the Snow Plows from 2019-12-20T05:00
We live in a winter wonderland in Minnesota, which is great until you need to drive in it. In this episode, we talk about a crucial city service — snow plowing and clearance — and the policies t...
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2020 Census: Why a Complete Count Matters from 2019-12-06T05:00
Is your city ready for the 2020 census? Minnesota State Demographer Susan Brower explains why the census is so important and how it’s used at the local level (including the distribution of billi...
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Mental Health Crises and How Police Respond from 2019-11-22T05:00
Across Minnesota, police are responding to an increasing number of calls for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. We talk with Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering to find ou...
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Collaboration in Scott County from 2019-11-08T05:00
SCALE, the Scott County Association for Leadership & Efficiency, is helping local governments forge innovative ways to collaborate. Learn how this collaboration leads to providing superior serv...
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How We Lead Starts with Who We Are from 2019-10-25T04:00
What does leadership in race equity look like in other organizations and what does it take to be a leader in this area? In this episode, Damon Shoholm, director of the James P. Shannon Leadersh...
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Greater Minnesota Cities: We Can Lead in Achieving Race Equity from 2019-10-11T04:00
When we talk about race equity in city government, we’re talking about city services, policies, and practices that work for everyone in a community, regardless of their race. Cities — even small...
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My Word Is My Bond: Award-Winning Mayor Shares Sage Advice from 2019-09-27T15:08:50
Mayor Jerry Faust’s long career in public service for the City of St. Anthony Village has taught him a lot about how best to govern his city. The recipient of the League of Minnesota Cities 2019...
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Engineering City Success from 2019-09-13T04:00
When Steve Bot became St. Michael city administrator in 2012, he was assigned the goal of expanding the number of lanes on I-94 near his community. Winner of the League of Minnesota Cities 2019 ...
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Do Well by Doing Good: Thoughts on a 40+-Year Career in City Government from 2019-08-16T04:00
If you’ve been involved in Minnesota city government in the last several decades, you’ve likely heard of or met Kevin Frazell, director of member services at the League of Minnesota Cities. As K...
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Your Stories Make a Difference at the Capitol from 2019-08-02T04:00
More than 150 city officials are volunteering this summer to help shape the League of Minnesota Cities’ legislative agenda for the next year by participating in the League’s legislative policy c...
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LMC Year in Review With David Unmacht from 2019-07-19T04:00
Just as resident engagement is the “holy grail” of city services, member outreach and engagement is key to the League of Minnesota Cities’ ability to provide the most relevant resources to Minne...
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What I Learned Over 100 Cups of Coffee from 2019-06-21T04:00
Duluth Councilmember Noah Hobbs wanted to get feedback from his constituents in a different way. So, he set a goal to have 100 cups of coffee with residents! Listen in as host Adriana Temali-Smi...
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I’ll Drink to That! Turning Wastewater (and Beer) Into Energy from 2019-06-07T04:00
When you flush your toilet or run water down the drain, where does it go? Well, in most cases it ends up at your municipal wastewater treatment facility, where it is cleaned and returned for the...
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Legislative Check-In: End of Regular Session from 2019-05-22T11:44:16
Gov. Walz and legislative leaders announced the framework of a two-year budget agreement that would require a short special session in the coming week or so. Tune in as LMC lobbyists Gary Carlso...
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Inspiring the Next Generation of City Leaders from 2019-05-10T04:00
Young people are the city leaders of the future—but how can we recruit and retain them for city careers? Tune in to this episode to find out what cities have done to encourage young people to ge...
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Staff-Council Relationships: Understanding Roles&Developing Collective Wisdom from 2019-04-26T04:00
A good working relationship between a city’s staff and council will help ensure the success of the city. In this episode, Mayor Rita Albrecht and City Manager Nate Mathews of Bemidji talk about ...
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Legislative Check-In: How Are Cities Faring at the Capitol? from 2019-04-19T04:00
With about a month left in the 2019 legislative session, what kind of outcomes can cities expect? Tune in as LMC lobbyists Gary Carlson and Ann Lindstrom give an update of Capitol happenings and...
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Tips for Building Council Collaboration, Part II from 2019-04-12T04:00
Join City Speak Host Adriana Temali-Smith, LMC education manager, for a conversation with Clint Gridley, city administrator of Woodbury about how to acclimate new councilmembers and mayors to th...
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Tips for Building Council Collaboration, Part 1 from 2019-03-29T04:00
Everyone can learn to interact more productively, whether you’ve been a mayor or councilmember for two decades or two months. During this episode, LMCIT Collaboration & Mediation Services Manage...
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Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Public Finance from 2019-03-15T04:30
Whether you are a new councilmember, mayor, or city clerk, managing a city budget is a big responsibility and comes with a lot to learn. In this episode, we hear from Merrill King, finance direc...
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You’re Elected, Now What? from 2019-03-01T05:30
Winning an election is a huge accomplishment. Now, there is much to learn about your new role as a mayor or councilmember. Tune in as League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director David Unmacht ...
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What’s Ahead for Cities in the 2019 Legislative Session? from 2019-02-06T20:40:07
Two of the League’s lobbyists, Gary Carlson, Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Director, and Ann Lindstrom, IGR Representative, join podcast hosts Ed Cadman and Phil Trebatoski to discuss what m...
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