Local Matters Podcast

Nancy Glaser, Executive Director of The Augusta Museum of History, highlighted the museum's role in enriching the Augusta community's quality of life. She shared her journey as a museum administrator and addressed the importance of confronting uncomfortable historical truths for a more inclusive future. She also shed light on the museum’s ongoing activities, funding, and partnerships, showcasing t...

Dr. Ralph Turner, DBA, describes how the hospital has evolved, what hospital administrators do, and how he and his team are making sure that these changes are best for our community. He also explores how federal regulations made it important that the Medical College partnered with a larger hospital system, and how to provide access to care for the sickest of the sick at our local teaching hospital...

Moses Todd, former Augusta Richmond County Commissioner, joins Local Matters for a second time to discuss Augusta's governance structure and the charter review process. We debate whether a strong mayor is a threat or a necessity for progress and whether Augustans would be better served by a Council-Manager form of government. The conversation concludes with a discussion regarding whether the Mayor...

Moses Todd, former Augusta-Richmond County Commissioner, joins Local Matters in a two-part series to discuss Augusta's governance structure, our school system, and the exciting possibilities of a charter review. He tackles this question with an eye on the past, addressing the financial challenges by the old City of Augusta. He also explains his advocacy efforts, and making changes fair and equitab...

Host Janice Allen Jackson explores the impact of federal policy and budgetary changes on local governments, and average residents. She examines the job losses, and corporate policy changes. She addressed concerns about the potential effects on individuals and communities, including the possibility of reduced local government budgets and decreased sales tax revenue. Additionally, Janice explored th...

Angela Cox, CEO of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce joins Local Matters to describe the role of the Chamber of Commerce. She shares her personal journey and the chamber's mission to be the voice of business and promote the region. They also delve into the chamber's advocacy efforts, economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development in Augusta, highlighting the chamber's role in...

Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta, discusses what our destination marketing and management organization is responsible for. He explored upcoming events and food/music festivals that will contribute to Augusta's growing reputation as a festival destination. Our conversation also covered the development of attractions and facilities in Augusta, emphasizing how our SPLOST funds...

Augusta Commissioner Jordan Johnson just started his second four year term. We discuss his vision for district 1. We also describe how hard it can be to get things done, why it is taking so long to pick up storm debris, and his early influences. We also touch on the unique characteristics of District 1 and how the upcoming Charter Reviews process is one of the hottest issues in 2025. DISCLAIMER: L...

Brian Beard, Public Affairs Specialist with the Small Business Administration (SBA), explains the loan process for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits affected by Hurricane Helene. Brian explained that SBA loans can cover damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, including deductibles and partial coverage. He also mentioned that SBA loans have lower interest rates than credit cards or...

Dr. Lester Mccorn, the new president of Payne College, shared his life story and vision for the institution, emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education and preparing students for the workforce. He discussed the challenges of staying ahead in the digital age, the management of resources, and the potential of Paine College, highlighting the need for cooperation and a diverse board of tru...

Renae Gaskins Campbell, Media Relations Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, visits with the Local Matters family to let us know that the deadline to apply for aid is February 7. We discuss who is eligible for assistance and the best way to apply. Affected individuals should visit the Hub in downtown Augusta or call 1-800-621-3362 to apply and get additional information. DISCLA...

Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller shares her passion for and calling to ministry, and how she has approached that as a woman. She also details her experience as one of few African American students at the University of Georgia in the late 1960s and early 70s. Pastor Nawanna described the work of the Institute for Christian Discipleship and the I am Not a Silly Woman: I am More Than Enough Life Empowerme...

Augusta Senator Harold Jones discusses his new role as minority leader in the Georgia State Senate and the importance of focusing on democratic values and ideas. He also highlighted the need for Medicaid expansion, childcare assistance, and rent stabilization in Georgia, and the potential for significant change if the Democratic party wins in 2026. He also mentioned what could be a bi-partisan eff...

Janice and Dr. Tracy Powell discussed why leaders frustrate employees, their professional backgrounds, and their experiences. Dr. Powell, an executive coach and CEO of Executive Coaching, shared her passion for empowering leaders to lead with compassion. She has been an executive coach since 2012 and holds certifications in executive coaching and professional coaching. Dr. Powell also mentioned he...

Corey Rogers, the executive director of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, discussed the activities and events happening at the museum in 2025. Corey shared his journey to becoming the director of the museum, emphasizing his passion for history and his desire to pursue a career related to it. They also discussed the growth and opportunities in the field of public history, the Golden Blo...

Jim Hunt, a former elected official, and National League of Cities president discussed the importance of local government, innovation, and technology in connecting with citizens and businesses. He emphasized the need for a positive image, the effective use of social media and websites in attracting people to a community, and the potential for cities to benefit from partnerships and other people's...

Sam Toles, founder of Civisocial, explores how social media helps local governments connect with communities, counter negativity, boost staff morale, and recruit talent. He also discusses TikTok’s rise, its storytelling potential, and concerns over its Chinese ownership. Civisocial website: https://civisocial.com To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contac...

The 2024 presidential election may be over, but relational and familial fractures are not. In fact, it may be just the beginning. In this week's Local Matters Podcast, a licensed clinical social worker helps us navigate the emotional roller coaster after the election and before the holidays. Tune in to hear insight on dealing with depression, anxiety, and fear during a divisive time in our country...

The tragic shooting death of an 8-year-old child in Augusta in 2021 sparked a movement for change a grieving community did not see coming. On today's Local Matters, faith leaders with a heart for service usher in ways for the community to turn pain into purpose. We take a deep dive into the efforts of the Augusta Community Outreach Consortium to transform the landscape of Richmond County's schools...

Host Janice Allen Jackson discusses the who, what, and why behind our November 5, 2024 elections results. She discusses winners and losers in the Richmond County Board of Education Districts 4, 5, 8, and 10. She also discusses the Education SPLOST. Finally, she gives her analysis of why Donald Trump will be our 47th president.

Rev. Dr. Barbara Brehon founded Favored by the Father Ministries, hosts the Unboxed on Purpose Podcast, and focuses her Christian education efforts on building true intimacy with God. She has authored three books. We discuss her ministry but, more significantly, what it has meant to be a woman preacher. Dr. Brehon's website: https://www.favoredbythefather.com/ To contact Mrs. Jackson for consultin...

William Harris, Republican Candidate for Georgia State House District 126, joins Local Matters to discuss his platform, accomplishments, and why we should trust him to represent the district. I also cover the latest court decision related to rules set forth by the Georgia State Election Board. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, v...

This is an essential episode to make sure Georgia voters are ready! We discuss how previous severe weather events have affected voter turnout, why Georgia is so important to presidential candidates, and how to find out what is on your ballot. We also review proposed state constitutional amendments, a statewide referendum, and the Educational 1% sales tax. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Jan...

Lee Blitch and Samantha Valentine join the Local Matters family to share their thoughts on issues confronting our school system. They also tell us about their community involvement and platforms and why they believe they deserve your vote. If you live in Districts 3, 6, 7, and 8, you are in Super District 10.    DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herse...

Dr. Onnie Poe and Mary Jane Abbott join the Local Matters family to share their thoughts on issues confronting our school system. They also tell us about their community involvement and why they believe they deserve your vote. Dr. Onnie Poe Website:drpoeforeducation.org Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onniepoe-fillinginthegaps/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/onnie.poe Mary Jane Abbott FB: http...