WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Julia D. Novak, CEO and Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), in conversation with NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony. Recorded at ICMA’s Democracy and Public Trust Conference in Philadelphia, the episode explores the future of local government leadership, public trust, federalism and the role local leaders play in strengthening democracy.
Drawing on decades of experience in local government and international public service, Novak discusses the importance of professional local government management, the growing challenges of incivility in public life and why partnerships between elected and appointed leaders are essential to meeting residents’ needs. The conversation also highlights collaboration between NLC and ICMA, America’s 250th anniversary and the importance of rebuilding trust through transparency, accountability and civic engagement.
Highlights from the Conversation
On rebuilding public trust in government:
“Trust becomes the working capital of the innovation necessary to do the hard work in our communities. We build it through transparency and we build it through accountability, and we do it in relationships in those communities.” — Julia D. Novak, CEO and Executive Director, ICMA
On the impact of incivility on public service:
“Apathy is the real enemy of democracy, and nothing builds apathy more than incivility because people turn it off and they look away. And when they disengage, we no longer have what really is critical to the vital community.” — Julia D. Novak, CEO and Executive Director, ICMA
On strengthening the federal-state-local partnership:
“Federalism at a certain level is a recognition that you need someone else in order to be successful. As we develop these principles to work together and what shared principles of federalism that we have, then we begin to create a foundation for those things we can agree upon and remind people how this country is designed to work.” — Julia D. Novak, CEO and Executive Director, ICMA
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
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 more than 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. Happy listening!
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Reimagining Local Government, Democracy and Trust with Julia Novak, CEO, ICMA
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Kicking Off Small Cities Month in Wyoming with Ashley Harpstreith
CitiesSpeak Podcast: The Impact of Arts with Mayor Michael Vargas
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Turning Ideas into Policy with Tacoma Councilmember Kristina Walker
CitiesSpeak Podcast: America250 Starts with Local Leaders
