Local Government Insights

Ep. 33 Host Nation: How Governments Regulate Short-Term Rentals for A Happier Community

This week on our podcast, we delve into the evolving landscape of short-term rentals (STRs). We'll discuss the challenges and opportunities these changes present for community leaders, offering strategies and tools for effective STR regulation to ensure a balance between economic benefits and community wellbeing. Join us for expert insights tailored for investors, property owners, and local stakeholders looking to navigate the complexities of STR policies.

Episode 32: Civic Transformation - AI’s Revolutionary Impact on Local Governance

In this episode, we explore how Generative AI and ChatGPT can revolutionize local government functions, featuring insights and real-world examples. Our special guests, Vidhu Shekhar, Microsoft Interim SLG Business Strategy Leader, and Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager of Maricopa, AZ, join us for an engaging discussion and live demonstration. We delve into key topics, including the automation of document generation for efficiency and personalization, leveraging AI for data analysis and visualization, providing step-by-step guidance on grant applications with ChatGPT, and examining various applications of Generative AI, including Virtual Emergency Operations Centers and Staffing Models.

Episode 31: A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF JURY MANAGEMENT

In today’s episode, we explored the evolving landscape of modern governance and its relationship with technology. We addressed the unique challenges faced by Jury Administrators in the digital age, examined New Mexico's innovative vision for its jury system, and explored cutting-edge technological innovations that are reshaping jury management.
Our guest, Adrianna Harris, the New Mexico Statewide Jury Program Manager from the New Mexico State Court, discussed the numerous benefits these advancements bring to both the courts and the public while highlighting valuable lessons from New Mexico's experience in adapting to this tech-powered transformation.

E30: How AI Will Transform State & Local Government

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in state and local government operations and services. Our guest, Vidhu Shekhar, a seasoned executive in technology and strategy with a focus on public sector digital transformation, shares insights from his book, "Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Cases in State & Local Governments."
Tune in as we discuss how AI is reshaping state and local government. Gain groundbreaking insights, understand the challenges, and discover the boundless opportunities AI brings to the public sector.

E29: Connecting Communities: The Power of Podcasting for Local Governments

Looking to modernize your government leadership and better connect with your community? In this episode, we explore the world of podcasts for local governments with special guest Ramiro Adeva, Assistant City Manager for Agoura Hills, CA. Ramiro shares how his lively podcast series has captured the attention and hearts of his community, and provides tips and tricks for local governments looking to create their own successful podcast. Don't miss out on this must-have communication tool for state and local governments!

E28: The Mayor Married Who?

In this episode host Brennan Middleton speaks with Tim Casey, a veteran City Manager and author of the book “The Mayor Married Who?, A look at the lighter side of a 40 year career in City Management." Tim shares his experiences and insights on local government, offers strategic advice for those aspiring to become City Managers.
The discussion covers a range of topics including Tim's motivation for writing the book, his experiences as an intern in Manhattan Beach, and his advice for aspiring City Managers. Tim also touches on the ICMA's Range Rider program and the common problems cities have been facing in recent years.

E27: Informing Policy Decisions Through Opinion Research

Opinion research is a powerful tool often overlooked outside of elections. Learn how opinion research can help form policy decisions in this short podcast featuring Adam Probolsky, an opinion researcher who has worked with local governments across the nation.

How to Manage a City

Managing a city is filled with complexities regardless of its size…unless you get tips from an expert. This episode features Ronald Olson who shares some of his key takeaways that have helped him successfully be a City Manager for 35 years in over 7 cities of varying sizes, including Corpus Christi, Texas.

National Economic Outlook for 2022

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Leo Feler, an Economist with the UCLA Anderson Forecast for an economic outlook for 2022.
Dr. Feler produces the UCLA Anderson Forecast U.S. macroeconomic forecast. He is an accomplished economist who received his Ph.D. in economics from Brown University; his M.A. in international policy from Stanford University; and his B.A. in economics and international relations from Stanford University.
His update includes the GDP, inflation, unemployment, manufacturing, housing trends, tourism and more. His insight into markets across the country provides a helpful tool for local governments to understand what these economic indicators mean for them.

E24: Lessons in Public Administration from the Legendary Merrett Stierheim

Merrett Stierheim started as a government intern and rose to become the Manager of what was the largest Commission/Manager government in the United States, not once but twice. As the County Manager for Miami Dade County he was responsible for running a $6 billion government with 27,000 employees.
In this episode, we find out how he did it, what advice he has for those interested in rising in the ranks of local government, and what he sees as the biggest challenges facing anyone today who serves in public administration. This episode includes his encounters with three U.S. Presidents and the Queen of England and much more.