"Perfection isn't possible but progress always is." After a career as one of the of the country's most innovative and progressive law enforcement officials, Adrian Garcia is now a member of the Harris County Commission, where he represents one of the most diverse and fastet growing districts in the greater Houston area. During our conversation, Commissioner Garcia spoke at length about his personal discontent with bureacracy and the status quo, the importance of collaboration, and his unique approach to improving community safety, mental health, and economic mobilty at the same time.  Referenced in this episode: Houston Chronicle, October 23, 2022: “Editorial: We recommend Adrian Garcia for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 2” Community Impact, January 3, 2023: “Harris County Jail population, deaths swell in 2022” KHOU-11, January 24, 2023: “Harris County Pct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia speaks on damage from severe weather, tornado”  

Tim Corcoran is the Director of Planning and Community Resources for the City of South Bend, a community that has undergone some difficult but instructive changes in the last several decades. Tim talks with our hosts about what South Bend has had to learn as its economy has shifted, where it finds opportunities for rejuvenation and redevelopment, and what an award winning reform to their zoning code actually means for people in his city. Referenced in this episode: Public Square, A CNU Journal: Revitalization begins with cloverleaf demolition plan WVPE-FM: South Bend wins award for innovative zoning policy — but what does that mean? University of Notre Dame Stories: Community by Design

LeVette Fuller has been described by her fans as "an on-the-ground, won't-back-down, pro-bike lane, pro-infill development, pro-creative placemaking, urbanist city councilwoman." She talks to Ben and Cate about her unique journey from librarian to grassroots activist to elected official and her ongoing work to combat the civic avarice that she feels keeps her hometown from reaching its full potential. Referenced in this episode: Shreveport Times: Avarice in Shreveport KTBS: Meet the candidate: LeVette Fuller KSLA: Mayor-Elect Tom Arceneaux announces transition team  

Lancaster City Manager Jason Caudle talks about how this Los Angeles suburb has emerged as a regional leader in building a sustainable economy - in more ways that one - through enterprising energy projects and investing in award-winning downtown districts.  Referenced in this episode: Los Angeles Times: Unhappy with L.A. County COVID-19 response, Lancaster to form its own public health agency Marketwatch: This city produces its own power for a cleaner environment and budget savings Antelope Valley Press: Powering homes for the future

Joda Thongnopnua, Chief of Staff to Mayor Tim Kelly in Chattanooga, speaks with Cate and Ben about lessons learned from his own political run prior to joining the administration and how the office balances the many competing priorities that come with being a fast-growing metro.    Referenced in this episode: Bloomberg Cities Network: A community innovator moves inside city hall Chattanooga Trend: Mayor Kelly Announces $100 Million Affordable Housing Plan NoogaToday: Chattanooga selected for Putting Assets to Work Incubator  

As he approaches the end of his first year in office, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb talks with Ben and Cate about his city's transformational opportunities along their waterfront and in their neighborhoods, as well as his varied professional background prepared him for public service. Referenced in this episode: Crain’s Cleveland Business: Know Your Cleveland mayoral candidates: Justin Bibb Cleveland.com: Mayor Justin Bibb delivers first State of the City address, saying Cleveland is “on the rise” Lincoln Institute of Land Policy: A Legacy of Innovation: How Leaders in Cleveland Reimagined and Rebuilt Their City After Decades of Decline