Articles from the “Article” Category
Pickleball, Cricket, and Civic Pride: Mayor Ethan Baker’s Winning Formula for Troy Article
Mayor Ethan Baker of Troy, Michigan, may joke that “everything’s fine” in his city—but as his recent appearance on The Good Government Show podcast reveals, that’s not just optimism. It’s the result of hard work, civic outreach, and a relentless focus on what makes local government thrive. “Good government is about transparency, trust, and showing […]
We have 5,000 jobs open—if you want a job and a change of scenery, come to Fargo. Article
Dr. Tim Mahoney, the mayor of Fargo, North Dakota—and yes, still a practicing surgeon—recently brought heart, humor, and high-functioning governance to the national stage on The Good Government Show podcast. In a spirited interview with host Dave Martin, Mayor Mahoney detailed the rapid growth of his city, the 5,000 job openings available right now, and […]
Van Johnson on Growth, Ghosts, and Good Government: Savannah Mayor Gets Candid Article
Mayor Van Johnson of Savannah, Georgia, brought his signature candor, humor, and unflinching dedication to public service to a national audience this week on The Good Government Show podcast. In a wide-ranging interview with host Dave Martin, the Brooklyn-born mayor reflected on everything from stormwater infrastructure and affordable housing to ghosts, Girl Scout cookies, and […]
From Podcast to Powerhouse: The Good Government Show Evolves into a National Nonprofit Article
What began as a podcast spotlighting smart, impactful public leaders is now becoming something bigger—and bolder. The Good Government Show, the acclaimed series hosted by journalist Dave Martin, is officially launching its next chapter: The Good Government Institute (GGI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to civic education, public-sector innovation, and strengthening trust in local government. Founded […]
I Voted And Then Realized How Little I Really Knew Article
By Jim Ludlow, executive producer of the Good Government Show Podcast and founder of the Good Government Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering ethical leadership and civic engagement. He lives in Fogelsville, PA. I voted on Nov. 4, 2025. Like many Americans, I walked into my polling place with good intentions. I believed I was […]
From Crisis to Compassion: Commissioner Leinbach Charts a Smarter Path for At-Risk Youth Article
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach once again took center stage on The Good Government Show, highlighting a bold and compassionate new initiative—a youth shelter that aims to rehabilitate, not just restrain, troubled teens. Speaking with host David Martin, Leinbach shared the urgent impetus behind the project: “These kids already have a problem—and we were putting […]
“Every neighborhood matters. Not just the shiny ones.” Mayor Quentin Hart on Waterloo, IA Article
Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart was recently featured on The Good Government Show, a national podcast highlighting innovative public leaders, where he shared how his administration has transformed Waterloo into a model of responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking government.
How Toni Preckwinkle Is Canceling Debt, Fighting Guns, and Redefining What Government Can Do Article
Chicago’s top county official, Toni Preckwinkle, is showing the nation what bold, people-first governance looks like. In her recent appearance on The Good Government Show, the long-serving President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners talked about her latest wins and unwavering drive to make local government not only work—but work for the most vulnerable. […]
“The Roots of Justice: How Trees Are Transforming Cities and Saving Lives” Article
“Communities of color have 38% less tree cover,” said Benita Hussain. “That’s a legacy of redlining and disinvestment. And it’s our job to fix it.”
From the Javelin to City Hall: Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak Throws Down for Accountability on the Good Government Show Article
“It’s the people’s money. And I want them to know we’re doing what they asked us to do.” With a dedicated citizens’ oversight group and strict benchmarks for infrastructure reinvestment, Bublak has helped Turlock go from fixing one road a year to over 25 annually.