#735 Government is People and Culture in Action with Michael Baskin, Montgomery County, MD

Michael Baskin, Chief Innovation Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland joined the podcast to discuss the future of local government innovation and understanding organizational culture. He talked about the importance of process improvement and what our processes tell government employees. He discussed his perspective on the importance of people in local government and creating a culture where ideas can be challenged. He also shared how the County prioritizes leadership development and coaching. Host: Ben Kittelson

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about managing growth and a two-career local government household. Dianne Miller is the City Administrator at City of Eagan, Minnesota and Justin is the City Administrator for the City of Lakeville, Minnesota. They shared the impact of Operation Metro Surge, moratoriums on housing and data centers, and potential career changes. This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN.  Host: Lauren Palmer

James Childers, Town Manager for the Town of Flower Mound, Texas joined the podcast to discuss building an empowering organizational culture. He talked about his career path in local government and shared his family history in the city management profession. He discussed getting to know and then setting the culture as a new Town Manager. He also talked about the Town's  strategic plan and how the Town approaches community engagement. Host: Ben Kittelson

Scott Neal, City Manager for the City of Edina, Minnesota, rejoined the podcast to share his insights on local government leadership and the future of the profession before retirement. He discussed changes he has seen in local government over his career including how technology has changed community engagement and policing. He talked about his focus on developing talent and the importance of giving staff leadership opportunities. He also shared mistakes he's made along the way and learned from. This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN.  Host: Lauren Palmer

Anthony Flint, Senior Fellow for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, joined the podcast to talk about his recent article on the 100 year anniversary of the Supreme Court case Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. That landmark case established the constitutionality of zoning as a police power for local governments and still impacts the built environment we have today. He talked about the impact of that decision and how zoning is losing ground today as states and cities across the country rethink their approach to land use. He also shared some of his other research and work on land use and the resources that the Lincoln Institute has for local governments working to create more community benefit from their land. Host: Ben Kittelson

Three of the current Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) Board of Directors members joined the podcast to talk with current Board Chair, Meredith Reynolds, all about ELGL and Board service. Mike Ekey is the Assistant City Manager of Belton, Missouri and is the current Board Vice Chair. Cassie Johnson is a Deputy Director in the Police Department for Scottsdale, Arizona and current Board Treasurer. Toney Thompson is the Director of Strategy in the Health and Human Services Department for the State of North Carolina. They each shared their origin stories with ELGL and what they have gained from being on the Board. They discussed ELGL's new strategic plan and how it will set up the organization for the coming years. They talked about their experience of being on the Board, the committee structure, and how to apply for the 2026 openings on the Board. Apply to be on the ELGL Board of Directors: Applications Due May 29, 2026. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Susan Arntz, City Manager for the City of Mankato, Minnesota joined the podcast to talk about the importance of curiosity in her career. She shared her transition to a new city after working 20 years in her past role and her passion for civic education. She discussed creating a Parks and Recreation department and the work that goes into starting a new service. She also talked about the impact of the Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement effort on local communities in the Minneapolis area. This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN. Host: Lauren Palmer

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about state professional association leadership. Jackie Schulze is the Assistant City Administrator at City of Waconia, Minnesota and Noah Schuchman is the City Manager for the City of Golden Valley, Minnesota. They shared the value of professional associations, and how professional associations can help promote the future of the profession. They also discussed what they hope to accomplish as leaders of the Minnesota City/County Management Association (MCMA). This episode was recoded at the 2026 MCMA Annual Conference in Brainerd, MN. Host: Lauren Palmer

Christopher Jordan, AI and Innovation Program Manager for the National League of Cities, joined the podcast to talk about data centers. He shared the responses he has seen from citizens to data centers coming to their communities. He discussed the benefits that local governments are trying to extract from data center projects to make these deals more palatable. He also shared advice to local leaders deciding whether to allow a data center in their community. Host: Toney Thompson

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about guaranteed income programs. Jamie Hackbarth is a Senior Program Manager at AidKit and Elizabeth Crowe is the Deputy Director of Housing and Human Services at City of Boulder, Colorado. They shared what a direct cash assistance program is and the desired outcomes of the program. They also discussed the Elevate Boulder guaranteed income program and success stories from the program. Host: Lauren Palmer