Washington, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Nicole Handy, Executive Director of the America250 Utah Commission and Millcreek City Councilmember, in conversation with Melanie Fonder Kaye, Senior Executive & Director, Digital Engagement, Marketing and Communications, NLC. The episode explores America’s Potluck — a nationwide invitation for neighbors to share a meal on Sunday, July 5, 2026 — and why local leaders are uniquely positioned to make the nation’s 250th anniversary accessible, welcoming and community-led.
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
During the episode, Handy reflects on her path into local service and her work leading America250 Utah, offering perspective on how local leaders can use simple, low-barrier gatherings to strengthen connection and belonging. The conversation highlights civic engagement beyond formal meetings, scalable community-building, cross-sector partnerships and practical tools cities can use to promote and support neighborhood-level participation.
Highlights from the Conversation
On what America’s Potluck is and why it’s designed to be easy to join:
“America’s Potluck is a grassroots effort to ask all Americans to share a meal with their neighbors and friends on Sunday, July 5th… There’s no required format or program. It’s about coming together as a nation in a unified way where we connect with one another and break bread.”
— Nicole Handy, Executive Director, America250 Utah Commission
On why sharing a meal can rebuild community trust and belonging:
“When you share a meal, barriers come down. People meet face-to-face, they learn each other’s names… And because America’s potluck happens at the neighborhood level, it reaches people where they already live and where they feel comfortable.”
— Nicole Handy, Executive Director, America250 Utah Commission
On participation and how communities can plug in locally:
“Based on our newsletter, partner signups and our conversations at City Summit, we know that well over 200 cities are planning to promote America’s potluck to their residents.”
— Nicole Handy, Executive Director, America250 Utah Commission
Listen to the full conversation, also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
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 guest hosted by NLC Senior Executive and Director of Digital Engagement, Marketing and Communications, Melanie Fonder Kaye.
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!
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Sitting Down for America’s Potluck
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CitiesSpeak Podcast: Utah Governor Spencer Cox and New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham sit down with Clarence Anthony at City Summit
