#703 Staying Authentic with Aarón Zavala, Pleasanton, CA

JC Hudgison, Chief Building Official for the City of Tampa, Florida rejoined the podcast to discuss development, technology, and process improvement. He talked about how the City responded to and has been recovering from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024. He shared how the City has worked to improve customer service through process improvement and how they are carefully integrate artificial intelligence into their plan review workflow. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL. Host: Ben Kittelson

Aarón Zavala, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Pleasanton, California joined the podcast to discuss his role with the City. He talked about the work he does for the City and his career goals moving forward. He also shared how he remains authentic to himself as he serves the public. Host: Lauren Palmer

Jim Schutz, a Principal at JMSB Strategies joined the podcast to discuss his transition from a City Manager to poetry author. He shared how he decided to transition into consulting and how he got into local government poetry. Plus he talked about his favorite poem and other highlights from The Mayor Has a Hammer, a book of poetry on the everyday heroism of local government. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Julia Novak, the CEO and Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), rejoined the podcast to discuss her new role at ICMA. She shared how the organization is adapting after reduced federal grants for international work. She discussed how she has engaged with members and how the Board is revamping the strategic plan. She talked about why the history of public administration is important to the profession and how the role of a Manager has evolved. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL. Host: Ben Kittelson

GovLove Co-hosts Meredith and Ben were joined by several friends of the pod to recap the 2025 ICMA Conference. Tom Modica is the City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, April Walker is the Assistant City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, Jackie Wehmeyer is the Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs at City of Parkland, FL, and Amie Hendrix is the City Manager at the City of Geneva, NY. They discussed highlights from Tampa, downtown revitalization, and navigating the challenges of partisanship and politics. Panelists also shared insights on lessons learned, their favorite sessions, and key takeaways. This episode was recorded from the 2025 ICMA Conference in Tampa, FL.  Panel: Tom Modica, April Walker, Jackie Wehmeyer, Amie Hendrix, Meredith Reynolds, and Ben Kittelson

Mitchell Silver, City Council Member for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina rejoined the podcast to talk about the transition from working as a staff member in local government to becoming an elected official. He reflected on his work as Parks Commissioner for the City of New York and the decision to run for elected office. He discussed the challenges of going from a staff expert to a member of a governing body and balancing the needs of constituents with all the different needs of an organization. He also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Four plans in one. Jason Zawila, Planning Manager at the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois and John Houseal, Partner at Houseal Lavigne joined the podcast to discuss the APA Award-Winning Village of Downers Grove Comprehensive Plan update. They discussed the concept of total community development and how the effort updated four plans at the same time, the Village's Comprehensive Plan, Active Transportation Plan, Environmental Sustainability Plan, and Downtown and Fairview Streetscapes Plan. They also talked about how the community was engaged during the process. This episode was recorded at the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter 2025 Annual Conference. Host: Dan Bolin and Andy Cross

Kelly McAdoo, the City Administrator for the City of Santa Barbara, California, joined the podcast to talk about her leadership and change management approach. She discussed transitioning transitioning to a new city and getting to know a new organization. She talked about navigating challenges like a budget shortfall, homelessness, and new State laws related to land use and housing. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Lesley Milton, Deputy City Manager for the City of St. Helena, California, joined the podcast to talk about her passion for public service. She discussed her prior positions as a City Clerk and her experience working in small cities. She also discussed recent projects and initiatives and the City St. Helena's Community Academy. Host: Meredith Reynolds

Two guests joined the podcast to talk about play based engagement and how it can be a meaningful way to create change. Leah Fisher is a Built and Natural Environment Analyst for Clackamas County, Oregon. John Kamp is Urban and Landscape Designer for Prairieform and the co-author of the book Dream Play Build. They discussed when to use this form of engagement, how to make it successful, and how to measure success. Host: Lauren Palmer