Municipal Equation Podcast

On this episode, we journey into the psychology of moving from place to place and searching for the perfect town or city to settle down in -- if there is such a thing. Sometimes it comes with finding creative ways to build a relationship with your locale -- a conversation with huge insights not only for residents of any town but for local government as well. Our guest is Melody Warnick, author of a new book, "This is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live." You can listen

Preview of Episode Four: Place Attachment! (The 'Art & Science' of...) by NC League of Municipalities

If a city or town is intentional enough, it can foster a local innovation ecosystem -- which isn't just a game reserved for major metros. Christopher Gergen, leader of learning collaborative Forward Cities and entrepreneurship group Forward Impact, tells us how he's seen his town and others of varying sizes become thriving, colorful hubs of creativity and innovation. How? It starts with understanding five specific levers, and the role of local government in pulling them. Gergen offers big takeaways

Preview of Episode Three: Innovation! (And Where Local Gov't Fits In) by NC League of Municipalities

It's no secret that infrastructure across the nation has gotten to ragged condition. What you maybe didn't know was that the burden of paying for it keeps sliding to local government. Why? And, more importantly, is there anything we can do? We dig in with guests national, state and local to talk about the infrastructure deficit and the tools municipalities can explore to trim it down. A recent report from the National League of Cities served as inspiration for this episode. Show notes: NLC report:

A preview of Episode Two: Infrastructure!

We kick off Municipal Equation with one of the toughest local leaders around -- Winston-Salem City Council Member Denise D. Adams, who crashed through a sudden series of mysterious and deadly health problems all while ramping up a contested re-election campaign. How in the world did she pull through? And how did it change her perspective on life and public service? Huge takeaways here.