Articles from the “Article” Category
July 4th: Remembering the Promise, Carrying on the Work Article
Every July 4th brings fireworks, picnics, parades and happy celebrations of American freedom. But behind the festivities lies a deeper, more enduring story. To me, July 4th is more than America’s birthday; it’s a reminder of unfinished work and a call to keep America’s promise alive and moving forward. We correctly associate the date with […]
AMERICA’S BEST IDEA Article
Just in time for Independence Day, The Good Government Show podcast welcomed a very special guest: David Vela, the former director of the National Park Service. In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation with host Dave Martin, Vela reflected on his 38-year career in public service, his passion for preserving America’s natural and historic treasures, and why national parks remain, in his words, “America’s best idea.”
Grand Rapids Is Booming—And Walter Bujak Says That’s What Good Government Looks Like Article
Kent County Commissioner Walter Bujak wants the rest of the country to know a little secret: Grand Rapids is thriving—and it didn’t happen by accident. In a new episode of The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, Bujak highlights a wave of bold, community-focused investments that are reshaping the region—from riverfront trails to a brand-new […]
Raleigh NC Mayor Janet Cowell Talks Growth, Grit, and Good Government Article
“Being mayor is gritty. It’s tangible. You see the trash trucks roll out at 5:30 a.m. and know you’re responsible for that,” she said. “But it’s also inspiring. Cities are where government hits the ground—street trees, public pools, safe roads. That’s real impact.”
Mayor David Holt Champions Growth, Unity—and the NBA Finals—on The Good Government Show Article
As the Oklahoma City Thunder charge into the NBA Finals, Mayor David Holt is celebrating more than just basketball wins. In a recent episode of The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, Holt showcased the dynamic evolution of Oklahoma City—from a mid-sized prairie town to a national model of smart growth, civic unity, and good […]
Fmr Freemont Mayor Lily Mei on Resilience, Refugees, and Running a Happy City Article
In a powerful farewell conversation on The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, outgoing Fremont, California Mayor Lily Mei shared insights from her eight transformative years in office. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Mei made history as the city’s first woman and first minority mayor. But for her, titles were never the point. “I ran […]
Mayor Curt Skoog on Future-Proofing Overland Park: Office Space, Barbecue, and Building for 2045 Article
The mayor’s big push? Transforming College Boulevard—Overland Park’s office corridor—into a vibrant, mixed-use destination with housing, entertainment, and transit access.
From Fur Trade to Future Tech: Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Talks Trust, Progress, and the Power of Local Government Article
“We tell the story of America from fur trade to nanotech,” Sheehan quipped, reminding listeners that Albany’s role in American commerce and culture stretches far beyond the Capitol steps.
Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor Dean Trantalis on Building a Resilient Coastal Future Article
Fort Lauderdale may be synonymous with sun, sand, and spring break, but Mayor Dean Trantalis is focused on something a little less Instagrammable: climate resilience and infrastructure.
“Montgomery in Motion”: Mayor Steven Reed is Rewiring City Hall for the Future Article
What happens when the birthplace of the civil rights movement meets 21st-century innovation? You get Montgomery 2.0, and at the helm is Mayor Steven Reed.