Good Government in Iowa's Cities
Bob Gallagher is the Mayor of Bettendorf and the host of this year's Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit. He has a lot planned for the conference and invited all members to see the best of the Quad Cities. Be prepared to move all around the area. We also talked about smart growth, new projects and the new snowplow. Yeah baby! IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
6/30/26 • 30:57
Two different public servants, two different jobs, but the same idea. If you want to know where your money goes and how government spends it, work for your city. Stephanie Harden, Council Bluffs Accounting Manager, said she learns a lot about city government every time she writes a check. Sarah Snitker, Waukon City Clerk, says she understands a lot more about how cities operate now that she works for city government. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
6/16/26 • 04:59
As mayor of the city of Truro, population 515, Bryan Arzani has to dig in on almost every issue. Listen to him talk about the challenges of running a small city and how he works with a small staff and a tight budget. And there may be a new judge in the Truro barbecue cook-off. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
6/2/26 • 32:23
City Administrator Ondrea Elmquist joins the show to talk about the new Daisy Brand plant coming to Boone. The company is spending over $1 billion on the new facility and it has a spillover effect on the area. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
5/19/26 • 23:54
Two city leaders, Devin Quindel, the utility billing clerk in Polk City who has been on the job for just two years, and Bruce Visser, the mayor of Atkins for over eight years, both said the same thing. Be prepared to learn new things. And be open to it. And the mayor added, attend Iowa League of Cities conferences. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
5/5/26 • 04:54
Want to help guide your city into the future, be a city manager. That's how Matthew Schmitz, city manager of Independence, sees his job. Tim Kasparek of Tiffin, says as mayor, he realized that his vision for his city may not be shared by everyone. But he says, as long as you just do your best for your community, the city will move forward. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
4/21/26 • 08:38
Listen twice as much as you talk, that's good advice from Mount Vernon Mayor Tom Wieseler. The mayor talked about how collaboration makes a city stronger and that "no" sometimes is the right answer. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
4/7/26 • 28:03
LaVern Dirkx is a city councilman in Carroll, his best advice for someone who is thinking about running for office, do your homework. Do research, find out about issues and study them. Pam Henderson, a city councilwoman in Alta says you have to be open minded, even when you have someone on the council you may not always agree with. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
3/24/26 • 07:00
Make a plan. That's the message from Mickey Shields, Deputy Director of the Iowa League of Cities as he joins the podcast. It can be short list of city priorities or a comprehensive strategic plan. As long as you plan, he says, your city is moving in the right direction. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
3/10/26 • 36:24
Steve Dodson is the mayor of Hiawatha. On Tuesday mornings, he sits at his table in his local coffee shop and meets the people. Listening, he says is vital to being a good mayor. Vince Jurgena, city councilman in Riverdale agrees you must listen, but sometimes you have to explain why one person's priorities may not be the city's top issue. Listen to what these city leaders have to say about listening. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
2/24/26 • 07:05
Jefferson was named a League of Cities All Star City for their massive downtown renovation. The multi-year project is continuing, listen to how they used partnership to transform their downtown, including art on the roof. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
2/10/26 • 27:18
Karen Clemens is the city clerk for New Hampton. She says be prepared for comments on how you do your job, anywhere and at any time. Marc Elcock is a city attorney for both Woodburn and Lorimor. He says cities need more voices, especially young voices. He says if you want to work for a city, do it, but learn as much as you can about the city you served. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
1/27/26 • 07:50
Chelsea Hoye, Director of Government Affairs and Cody Carlson, Manager of Government Affairs with the Iowa League of Cities stop by to talk with Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh for a spirited discussion of the 2026 Iowa Legislative agenda. Yep, we talk taxes. Just listen. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
1/13/26 • 43:22
Andy Lent, finance director of Altoona was surprised at how well government runs. Jim Nelson, mayor of Britt, isn't surprised at all, he says to have good government you just have to be prepared. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
12/30/25 • 05:23
Mayors David Mast of Colfax and John Westergaard of Lake View agree, getting everyone on board is the hardest part of being a mayor. You do it one step at a time and by learning what you can do and almost as important, what you can't do. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
12/16/25 • 03:24
Indianola is under construction, says Mayor Steve Richardson. First up, construction of a new sports complex. It will include new housing, new restaurants and a new road. It's a big project that will have a big impact on the city. The mayor says they are also working on re-thinking how to construct new housing programs. Listen as Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh and Mayor Richardson discuss these projects. Oh, and listen to how the mayor tried to get into the fun crowd at city meetings. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
12/2/25 • 24:58
Christina Eicher is the new president of the Iowa League of Cities and both a city clerk and a city council member. She says she was surprised at how many people get involved in city government. Rick Johnson is finishing up his term as mayor of Ottumwa and says he sees good people stepping up in his city. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
11/18/25 • 04:57
Anthony Heddlesten is the mayor of Riverdale. The city, which is almost an island surrounded by other cities, nearly doubled in size and they recently developed their last plot of farmland. Listen to how he manages growth. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
11/4/25 • 31:05
Shelby Hagan, Bondurant city clerk, didn't know how much work she had to do when she took on the job. But she's doing it well as she is this year's Rhonda Wood Smith Award winner, which recognizes excellent young city workers. Mimi Dobson is the new city attorney for Council Bluffs, she says she has already seen great people working in her city. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
10/21/25 • 04:04
Christina Eicher is the new president of the Iowa League of Cities. She comes at the job from two distinct and different roles. She is on the city council in Bennett and is the city clerk of Lisbon. Her goal this year is to give Iowa's small cities a strong voice. Listen to her plans this year. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
10/7/25 • 23:26
Hosts Brad Cavanagh, President of the Iowa League of Cities and David Martin look back at a year of good government in Iowa's cities and share what the best of the past year told us about government all around the state. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
9/23/25 • 33:06
Nelson Crabb has been mayor of Clear Lake for 20 years. To him, good government is about looking forward, not looking back and trying to be progressive. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
9/9/25 • 02:21
Becca Bixler, Mayor of Inwood says as a new mayor, you have to be a voice for your city, but also you have to listen. Dylan Mulfinger, city administrator for Oelwein, says good government is simple, you just show up every day for the people. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
8/26/25 • 02:12
We got the boss, Alan Kemp, the executive director of the Iowa League of Cities to join us. We discuss good government across the state and how the League helps support all 850 cities across the state. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
8/12/25 • 29:31
Nelson Crabb is the 20 year mayor of Clear Lake. Immortalized for a tragic plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. Today it's a thriving tourist destination with a revitalized downtown and a mayor that listens to people. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
7/29/25 • 29:02
Gene Gettys is the past city administrator for the City of Harlan, he says government is about people, working with and for people. Jay Christensen is the Mayor of Harlan, he says it doesn't matter what size your city is, talking to people helps deliver good government. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
7/8/25 • 03:05
James Bronner, City Administrator of Waverly says when you're using other people's money, you have to be efficient and work for the majority. Christopher Miculinich is the youngest City Council Member ever in Decorah. He won a write-in ballot. Listen to his thoughts on good government. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
6/17/25 • 02:50
For over 30 years Teri Goodmann has worked to improve Dubuque, Washington and the U.S. She recently retired as Dubuque Assistant City Manager, but you can learn a lot in an engaging conversation on a career in government service. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
6/10/25 • 36:56
Tim Vick, city manager of Manchester says good government looks 30, 40 or 50 years into the future and looks at the way their city is changing. Tyler Trout, city administrator of Avoca, says keeping an open mind to new ideas lead him to install something called noise cameras. Step into the future on Leading Iowa, Good Government in Iowa's Cities. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
5/20/25 • 03:07
Courtney Clarke is the mayor of Waukee and her city is one of the state's fastest growing. She says planning is the key to managing strategic growth. Oh and she talks about her city's spaghetti park, just listen. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
5/6/25 • 33:44
