GovLove - A Podcast About Local Government

Alyssa Dinberg, former GovLove Co-Host and Director of Strategic Federal Funding Coordination for the State of Colorado, joined the podcast to talk about her transition into leadership after the passing of a colleague. She shared her work regarding federal funding coordination, how she processes grief in the workplace, and the importance of strong relationships between state and local governments.
Host: Lauren Palmer

The First Lady of Water returns. Cathy Bailey, Assistant City Manager for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, joined the podcast to talk about her transition from Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water works to the City Manager's Office. She discussed highlights from her time leading the utility, how her background informs how she approaches the job as an Assistant City Manager, and the importance of community engagement. Cathy shared how she shifted the culture of the utilities department from customer-first to employee-first and why that was important. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years.
Host: Ben Kittelson

Jake the Dog, Mayor, and Shani Leichter, Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff for Mayor Jake joined the podcast to talk about their work in the community. They shared how they campaigned, duties of a canine mayor, and important issues to the community.
Host: Lauren Palmer

Three legal expert jointed the podcast to discuss the Land Use Cases of the Year. Reed Asselbaye is a Law Clerk at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Craig Notte is a Partner at Borah, Goldstein, Altschuler, Nahins & Goidel, P.C., and Scott Hazelton is the Owner of Sunflower Peak Planning. They discussed impactful land use cases related to the National Environmental Policy Act, rent control, eminent domain, and affordable housing.
Host: Dan Bolin

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.
Hosts: Lauren Palmer, Dan Bolin, Meredith Reynolds, & Ben Kittelson
 
The 2025 GovieLovies
Lauren
The Scenic Route to City Hall with Peggy Flynn, Petaluma, CA
Leading ICMA and the Roots of Professional Government with Julia Novak, ICMA
Sparks Pilot Program with Grace Hanne, Johnson County KS
Dan
Leadership and Change Management with Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara, CA
Land Use Planning and Residential Segregation with Scott Markley, National Zoning Atlas
Development and Customer Service with JC Hudgison, Tampa, FL
Meredith
Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX
Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA
The Real Ice Town with Tim Blakeslee, Plymouth, WI
Ben
From the Fire House to the City Manager's Office with Bryan Dehner and Donna Lake
Change Management and Implementing a New Form of Government with Michael Jordan, Portland, OR
An ICMA Conference Recap, Leadership, Urban Revitalization, and Hot Wings - GovLove Island
Pizza Mike Producer Pick
Public Service and Responsive Government with Brooks Williams, Ferris, TX