Washington, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Clarence E. Anthony, NLC’s CEO and Executive Director, in conversation with leaders from the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) on The 351 Podcast.
Anthony joined MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine and MMA Communications Director John Ouellette for a wide-ranging discussion on the responsibility local leaders carry amid federal uncertainty, the nonpartisan nature of local governance, how leaders stay motivated during challenging moments and why cities remain the most effective and trusted level of government in America.
The 351 Podcast is the official podcast of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and focuses on the leadership lessons, policy challenges, and day-to-day realities shaping municipal government across the Commonwealth.
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
Highlights from the Conversation
On the Role of Local Leaders in a Time of Federal Uncertainty:
“We are local government. We are the ones who have to balance our budgets. We are the ones who run into our residents every day and resolve their issues. No matter what’s happening at the federal level, residents expect their local leaders to deliver.”
— Clarence E. Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities
On Nonpartisan Leadership at the Local Level:
“Local leadership is still a great example of nonpartisan leadership. Cities aren’t thinking about red or blue — they’re thinking about what’s best for their community.”
— Clarence E. Anthony
On Civility, Harassment, and the Human Side of Leadership:
Anthony and Chapdelaine discussed new polling showing that 73 percent of local leaders and staff have experienced harassment or threats, underscoring the need for civility, leadership by example, and stronger support systems for municipal officials and their families.
On Federal–Local Partnerships and Innovation:
“Cities can’t pause and wait. We have to lead, be innovative, and solve problems — while continuing to advocate for strong federal partnerships that recognize every community is different.”
— Clarence E. Anthony
Listen to the full conversation, available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
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About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida for two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us at citiesspeakpodcast@nlc.org. Happy listening!
About National League of Cities
The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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