This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Patrick Leddin on developing leaders in local government.   ·       A candid conversation about how to build amazing leaders within local government. ·       And, much more   7 Steps to an Amazing City:   1.     Attitude 2.     Motivation 3.     Attention to Detail 4.     Zing 5.     Inclusiveness 6.     Neighborhood Empowerment 7.     Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show: The Ledding Group:  https://www.leddingroup.com ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Patrick Leddin:  I have three decades of experience leading teams and studying leadership. I led soldiers in the US Army as an airborne, infantry, ranger-qualified platoon leader and company commander. I then advised senior leaders at KPMG consulting. In 2001, I co-founded a boutique consulting firm with my wife and guided it to over 11 years of consecutive year-over-year double-digit revenue growth acquisition in 2012. We literally took our business from the room above our garage to 8 figures in revenue. Now, I'm a Professor and Director of the Practice of Managerial Studies at Vanderbilt University. Over the years, I developed a proven, repeatable leadership framework. I've spoken about it to thousands of people during hundreds of keynote addresses. I've implemented it during thousands of workshops. My books have been put into the hands of countless leaders and I earned a spot on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. Today, I write leadership articles, share leadership tools, create leadership videos, and host the Leadership Lab podcast. Everything I do is to help others to become more effective leaders. I'd be honored if I were part of your leadership journey. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim’s Popular Books: ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown”  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net    

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Carolyn Coleman, the Executive Director of the CA League of Cities. ·       A candid conversation about the housing crisis in California. ·       And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: 1.     Attitude 2.     Motivation 3.     Attention to Detail 4.     Zing 5.     Inclusiveness 6.     Neighborhood Empowerment 7.     Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Carolyn Coleman   Carolyn Coleman brings over 25 years of experience as a leader and an advocate in the public and private sectors to her role as executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, the largest and oldest organization representing California’s cities and towns and their leaders. Under her leadership, Cal Cities advances policies to expand local control through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.   She joined Cal Cities in December 2016 after a decade with the National League of Cities (NLC) in Washington, D.C., as senior executive and director of federal advocacy. A national organization, NLC advances policies at the federal level that expand local control and provide resources for local programs. During her tenure at NLC, she oversaw the organization’s advocacy efforts and worked closely with city leaders from across the country and the 49 state municipal leagues to protect and promote local interests in matters before Congress, within the White House, and in the courts.   Prior to NLC, Coleman served as deputy mayor for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, where she led the mayor’s initiatives involving public works, economic and community development, parks and recreation, and neighborhood services. She previously practiced law and held marketing leadership positions in the private sector. In addition to her professional endeavors, Coleman serves on the board of trustees of the University of Indianapolis and on the dean’s cabinet at the McGeorge School of Law. She also serves on the NLC and the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy boards of directors, as well as the Public Policy Institute of California’s Statewide Leadership Council.   She holds a law degree from Indiana University and a degree in business administration from the University of Kansas.    About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources: Buy Jim’s Popular Books: ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown”  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net   Jim Hunt of The Amazing Cities  

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Ken Duran, a long-time career in local government and economic development expert. ·       A candid conversation about economic development in towns and cities. ·7 Steps to an Amazing City: 1.     Attitude 2.     Motivation 3.     Attention to Detail 4.     Zing 5.     Inclusiveness 6.     Neighborhood Empowerment 7.     Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: About HDLCompanies:  https://www.hdlcompanies.com/services/economic-development HDL Companies Email:  [email protected] HDL Companies Phone:  (888) 861-0220 ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Ken Duran:  Mr. Duran is a Senior Economic Development Advisor for HdL Companies, the leading consulting partner for local governments seeking insight and growth. Prior to this role, he worked for 34 years for the City of San Dimas. He started his career in the recreation field and spent the last 28 years as Assistant City Manager and City Manager. His responsibilities included serving as Assistant Executive Director and Executive Director to the city’s Redevelopment Agency, Successor Agency and Housing Authority. He was responsible for several economic development and redevelopment projects and programs for the city. Ken has been a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) and League of California Cities City Managers Department. Ken holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim’s Popular Books: ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown”  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net   Jim Hunt of The Amazing Cities  

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Julia Payson. about when cities lobby.  ·       A candid conversation about how cities can and should use lobbying to advocate for their interests. ·       And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: 1.     Attitude 2.     Motivation 3.     Attention to Detail 4.     Zing 5.     Inclusiveness 6.     Neighborhood Empowerment 7.     Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show: "When Cities Lobby:  How Local Government Compete for Power in State Politics" Julia Payson's Book:   https://global.oup.com/academic/product/when-cities-lobby-9780197615270 ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Julia Payson  An Assistant Professor in the UCLA Department of Political Science. During the 2020-21 academic year, I was a Fellow at the Center for the Study of Democratic Politics at Princeton University. I study representation, political institutions, and public policy in state and local governments in the U.S. My research has appeared in outlets such as The Journal of Politics and The American Political Science Review and has received support from the National Science Foundation and the Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences. My book When Cities Lobby (Oxford University Press, 2022) documents how local officials use lobbyists to compete for power in a political environment characterized by intense urban-rural polarization and growing hostility between cities and state legislatures. ​ I received my Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford in 2017, where I was an Affiliated Researcher at the Bill Lane Center for the American West and the Thomas D. Dee II Graduate Fellow for 2016-17. In my free time, I enjoy running, practicing piano, and scuba diving. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine. Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad. Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources: Buy Jim’s Popular Books: ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown”  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net   Jim Hunt of The Amazing Cities  

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews 2023 NLC President, Victoria Woodards. ·       A candid conversation about her outlook on the 2023 year at the NLC and her city, Tacomma, WA. ·       Why she choose to work on workforce and housing. And, much more   7 Steps to an Amazing City: 1.     Attitude 2.     Motivation 3.     Attention to Detail 4.     Zing 5.     Inclusiveness 6.     Neighborhood Empowerment 7.     Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show:  www.NLC.org  ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Victoria Woodards, NLC President and Mayor of Tacoma, WA    Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington serves as the President of the National League of Cities (NLC). She was elected mayor in 2018. Woodards has called the “City of Destiny” her home for almost her entire life. She is a proud graduate of Tacoma’s Lincoln High School and has served as a soldier in the United States Army. Before becoming mayor, she served for seven years as an at-large member of the City Council. During that time, she launched the city’s Equity and Empowerment initiative which led to the establishment of its Office of Equity and Human Rights. She also brought partner organizations together for then-President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and spearheaded the city’s Project PEACE initiative which bridged community members with the Tacoma Police Department. As mayor, she continues to be a champion of these important issues while expanding her involvement in regional and national conversations on affordable housing, transportation, strengthening youth and families, public safety, growing local business, and the creation of family wage jobs. She has also worked to more fully engage the city’s youth in community decisions that impact them every day, by expanding Student Government Day and establishing the city’s first Youth Commission. Woodards has been selected to serve in a number of national leadership roles that allow her to share information with other cities across the country and bring best practices back to Tacoma. In addition to her role as President, she has served as co-chair of both NLC’s Council on Youth, Education, and Families and its Race, Equity and Leadership program. At the United States Conference of Mayors, she serves on the advisory board; as vice-chair of the Committee on Jobs, Education, and the Workforce; and as cochair of the Women Mayors Leadership Alliance. Some of her other leadership roles as Tacoma’s mayor include positions on the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, Sound Transit Board, Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board, Pierce Transit Board, Foundation for Tacoma Students Board, and the Workforce Central Board. In partnership with County Executive Bruce Dammeier and County Council Member Connie Ladenburg, she also convened elected leaders from across Pierce County for Mayoral Roundtable to explore opportunities for regional collaboration on the issue of housing attainability in the region, an initiative that formally came to be known as the ‘South Sound Housing Affordability Partners.’ Woodards has consistently reaffirmed her support for immigrant and refugee families, and Tacoma remains a welcoming city committed to providing immigrant and refugee communities with equitable access to City services. Alongside her peers on the City Council, she advocates for policies that provide safety and stability for all members of the community, and she uses her national leadership roles to join with mayors across the county in calling for federal reforms. Under her leadership, the city appointed members to its first Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. This commission was established to better engage with immigrant and refugee communities, and to work with local organizations to identify and advance positive outcomes for community members in need. Demonstrating a lifelong track record of public service, Woodards has served as president of the Tacoma Urban League and as director of community development for the Tacoma Rainiers. Her past civic engagement work has also included leadership positions with the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks Board, the Washington State History Museum, and the Washington State Commission of African American Affairs. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources: Buy Jim’s Popular Books: ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown”  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net