#155 The New Localism with Bruce Katz & Jeremy Nowak

01/19/18 • 60 min

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GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

The authors of a new book, The New Localism: How Cities Can Thrive in the Age of Populism, Bruce Katz and Jeremy Nowak joined the podcast to talk urbanism and cities. Bruce and Jeremy share how localism isn't just local government solving problems, but bringing different stakeholders together to tackle big issues that cities face.

Topics: Lightning round (1:40), Mt. Rushmore of Mayors (8:15), Writing "The New Localism" after the 2016 election & Brexit (19:20), Writing as co-authors & the aim of the book (23:30), The story of Pittsburgh & localism (36:20), Dealing with homelessness through localism (39:40), Diversity in the workforce (44:55), and The issues that need to be addressed in 2018 (51:50).

Previous Episode

#154 Smart City Coordinator Kate Garman, Seattle, WA

The first Smart City Coordinator for the City of Seattle, Washington, Kate Garman, joined GovLove to talk about her role and her thoughts on tech and local government. Kate revealed what a day in her job is like, what makes a city "smart" and what working in Amazon's hometown is like. She also compared working for Kansas City, MO with Seattle and her advice for those entering the profession.

Topics: Lightning round (0:45), How Kate got started in local government (5:40), Her definition of a "smart" city (7:45), A day in the life of a Smart City Coordinator (9:35), Why Seattle created her position (12:40), Comparing Seattle to Kansas City (16:30), How small cities can also be smart (18:10), Kate's work on AirBnB policies in Kansas City (20:00), Thoughts on Amazon & its new headquarters search (27:05), and Kate's advice for people starting a career in local government (34:00).

Next Episode

#156 Mayor Megan Barry, Nashville, TN

Using power to make a difference in people's lives. Nashville, Tennessee's first female Mayor, Megan Barry, joins GovLove to talk about her path into public service and her time as Mayor. Mayor Barry discusses inspiring women and girls to run for elected office, diversity in local government, and Nashville's vision zero efforts.

Topics: Lightning round (2:55), The influence of her parents on her career (9:00), Her experience as a woman in politics (13:20), Inspiring women and girls to run for elected office (15:55), Women for Tennessee's Future (17:45), Diversity and inclusion initiatives in Nashville (22:10), Working with the Metro Council on issues like transportation, housing and MLS (25:35), Her career as a politician (37:25), Balancing work and life and the death of her son (42:30), and why she takes the bus to work (51:35).