As local leaders seek new ways to deeply impact their residents, many are finding inspiration in urban experiences and podcasts that explore how cities can drive global change. . And with so many options to choose from (an estimated 5 million podcasts currently exist), we're once again spotlighting the best podcasts for city leaders.
Some of our 2024 picks are brand new, while others are long-time favorites. They all promote urban progress and show local leaders how to make it happen.
Evidence in practice
Who is behind it: urban research institute
Where can you find it: apple, spotify, Amazon
This new series, hosted by Urban Institute President Sarah Rosen Wartell and Kimberly Leary, Senior Vice President and Senior Fellow at the Bloomberg Center for Cities, provides a practical guide to grounding public policy in evidence, data, and equity. It is something to explore.in the podcast Episode 2Wartel and Leary have a provocative conversation with former three-term Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin about how local solutions can address national problems. ColumbiaMr. SC currently serves as Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
Urban planning is not boring
Who is behind it: Two people who just graduated from the University of Southern California
Where can you find it: apple, spotify
This podcast is dedicated to engaging young people who are gaining a foothold in the world of city policy and government, keeping the conversation refreshingly jargon-free while informing and enriching the content. It has been extremely successful. One recent episodes Explore VMT (vehicle miles traveled), a concept familiar to many local transportation professionals, and how it serves as a useful context when working to improve walkability and accessibility .another episode look The concept of a “third place,” a physical space that is neither work nor home, offers the possibility of social cohesion in an era of polarization.
GovFuture Podcast
Who is behind it: government future
Where can you find it: apple, Google, Amazon
GovFuture takes an insightful look at the intersection of technology and the public sector in both countries and cities. For example, the December episode features Burke Attila, Director of General Services. baltimore, in a conversation about how cities are competing to modernize their IT departments. Attila reflects on his extensive experience in local government and explains how institutions like his are involved in virtually every aspect of city life.
Talking Headways: Street Blog Podcast
Who is behind it: Street blog and overhead lines
Where can you find it: apple, spotify, Deezer
As the publication's flagship podcast dedicated to urban roads, Talking Headways delves into transportation in cities across the United States and how it can be improved for residents. Key themes are the costs imposed when cities are dominated solely by cars and the need for better mass transit infrastructure. One recent episodes We feature Elaine Clegg, CEO of Valley Regional Transit and former City Council member. boise Idaho describes the current state of transportation systems in parts of the country where rapid growth and changing housing markets have taken on new urgency for these issues. another suggestion zoom in on San Francisco The ferry building, its heritage as a local transport hub, and how the city has changed over the decades.
big excavation
Who is behind it: GBH News
Where can you find it: apple, spotify, Google, Amazon
The Big Dig was the name given to a Boston highway project that was ridiculed for its delays and cost overruns. However, the miniseries argues that the initiative is actually delivering results for residents and that much of the criticism is overblown. In that sense, even though the Big Dig is a federal-state partnership, the series will help local leaders think about how to continue their important work in the face of intense scrutiny and help them accomplish big things. can emphasize the power of cooperation.
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architecture is political
Who is behind it: Melissa R. Daniel, Architect
Where can you find it: apple, spotify, Google, Amazon
With an emphasis on the experiences of people of color and a keen look at real estate, housing, architecture, and urban design, this podcast provides a powerful perspective and provides a personal touch while remaining widely accessible. It has become. One recent episodes Here we introduce our efforts to better connect local residents with the design experts who form communities.a previous episode is a deep dive into the Social Equity Assessment Methodology (SEAM) certification, a new metric aimed at measuring equity in commercial real estate that speaks to this moment in public planning.
Rethinking government
Who is behind it: Public Impact Center
Where can you find it: apple, spotify
Reimaging Governments uses an international perspective to explore the big ideas that enable urban change, and how cities can play a central role in tackling global challenges. One recent episodes Discusses the new movement towards pedestrian-centered urban planning.another bump It speaks to the need for long-term thinking in government and provides a model for how to achieve it.
next city podcast
Who is behind it: next city
Where can you find it: apple, spotify, good pod
A character-driven look at people, organizations, and movements aimed at improving cities everywhere, Next City is a different flavor for urban enthusiasts who want to know when change happens from the bottom up rather than from the top down. represents a podcast. Here, there is a particular emphasis on cities as platforms for justice.in recent episodeshost Lucas Grindley spotlights notable local responses to housing inequality. richmond, Virginia: A combination of community land trusts and land banks that is already impacting people of color.
love of government
Who is behind it: Engagement of Local Government Leaders (ELGL)
Where can you find it: apple, spotify, Google
A long-standing popular product with a thorough focus onGovLove amplifies the important contributions from those involved in local government operations, “from city managers to interns and everyone in between.” One recent episodes It complements the work done by the Bloomberg Philanthropies-supported Local Infrastructure Hub, which includes Sabine Rogers, federal policy project manager at the U.S. Green Building Council, who provides guidance on securing Inflation Control Act funding. Contains dialogue. another Join Capital Planning Director and City Engineer Lara Biggs on bike safety. evanston disease.
