Boston — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Clarence E. Anthony, NLC CEO and Executive Director, in conversation with Boston journalist Crystal Haynes from the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual Connect 351 conference. The episode explores how local leaders can meet today’s moment; navigating fiscal constraints, polarization and incivility, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the ongoing housing affordability crisis while staying focused on results and rebuilding trust.
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
During the episode, Anthony reflects on his personal path into public service and his experience as a former mayor, offering perspective on how local leaders can lead with dignity, stay “partisan toward cities,” and bring practical solutions back home. The conversation highlights sustaining fiscal health through priority-setting, strengthening civic culture through respect and accountability, embracing AI with smart guardrails, and advancing housing affordability in communities across the country.
Highlights from the Conversation
On the responsibility of local leaders to deliver, not just show up:
“Take the damn picture, but get to work.”
— Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities
On why civility and dignity matter for effective governance:
“If you don’t model civility, you don’t model dignity and respect, your residents won’t be able to do that as well.”
— Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities
On AI and why local leaders should embrace it with guardrails:
“Embrace it. It’s here. Figure out a way to put policies together in your local government that puts frames around it… we have no choice.” — Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities
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 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!
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