Community Catalysts

"Ports, Progress, and Purpose" - Mayor Thurman Bartie of Port Arthur, Texas, discusses the challenges of leading a city through industrial transformation. With North America's largest petrochemical facility and a growing LNG export industry, Port Arthur is on the rise. Mayor Bartie shares his vision for downtown revitalization, workforce housing, and sustainable growth while emphasizing the need f...

"Balancing Tradition" -  In our monthly conversation with Otis White, founder of Civic Strategies, we explore the art of balancing tradition and innovation in community leadership. Then, Otis shares his thought-provoking interview with Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Together, they delve into the power of volunteerism, community connection, and how thoughtful leadersh...

Mayor Gary Petersen of Nevada City, California, shares how his community is preparing for wildfire threats while cultivating a vibrant, arts-centered economy. Mayor Petersen dives into the challenges of leading a historic town with modern-day risks and how Nevada City's commitment to resilience and preparedness is not just about survival but about thriving. With deep roots in Western traditions of...

"Building the Future" - Katie Cristol, CEO of the Tysons Community Alliance, leads efforts to foster human connection in one of Northern Virginia's fastest-growing regions. Under her leadership, Tysons is evolving from a suburban office hub into a vibrant urban community where people can live, work, and connect. In this episode, Katie shares how the Alliance creates spaces for meaningful interacti...

"Pets on the Ballot" - Colorado's animal welfare community is addressing the national veterinary care crisis with a first-in-the-nation ballot measure this November to create a new Veterinary PA role that aims to expand access to care and transform the future of pet care. Dr. Apryl Steele, President and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, offers insights into the challenges, opportunities, and potenti...

"Visionary Leadership" - We continue our monthly check-in with Otis White, formerly the President of Civic Strategies in Atlanta, who shares insights from his podcast series with the Georgia Municipal Association. Discover the transformative story of the Atlanta Beltline, as Otis interviews Kathy Woolard, the political godmother behind the project. Learn how visionary leadership, strategic plannin...

"Rooted in Leadership" - Mayor Jonas Anderson of Cave City, Arkansas, reflects on the sense of history and responsibility that's at the core of his leadership.  He says,  "Focusing on the really important things that matter most to people every single day, their everyday lives, that's what we need to be about, not all the other stuff that gets in the way."  LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:...

"Inner Confidence, Outer Leadership" — It takes a special kind of leader to connect the substance and emotion of civic engagement. Discover Camisha Brown's inspiring journey to becoming a municipal clerk and learn why inspiring confidence and fostering community engagement begins with overcoming self-doubt.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  ComCats@SocialPro...

"The Architecture of Democracy" — What does a nonprofit foundation charged with preserving two historic properties have to say about housing, education, climate change, and the nature of community in America? The answer, says CEO Stuart Graff, is that Frank Lloyd Wright's legacy has always been about reshaping the future. LINKS Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: https://franklloydwright.org/   Ask a Q...

"After the Oath" — In my monthly check-in with Otis White, formerly the President of Civic Strategies in Atlanta, he sizes up the learning curve for new Mayors and Council Members and how they should prioritize their time immediately after taking office. From the "Civic Strategies" podcast archive, we listen to Otis' conversation with Denise Brinson about Suwanee, Georgia, and its 2002 decision to...

"Steps to Leadership" (Part 2 of 2) — As my conversation continues with John W. London, the Alabama pastor, basketball coach and City Council Member talks about the importance of teamwork in all three endeavors. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  ComCats@SocialProsperity.us   Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here   Follow Matt Lehrman on Facebook , Instagram...

 "Steps to Leadership" (Part 1 of 2) — As a pastor, high school basketball coach and City Council Member in Irondale, Alabama, John W. London says he puts his relationship with God first in all endeavors. But he also says he was led both to the pulpit and into politics by earthly mentors, underlining the importance of lineage in both religious and secular callings. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a...

"Crisis Response" — First elected Mayor in 2010, Greg Hines faced the greatest crisis of his public-service career just a month ago, when one of the largest tornadoes in Arkansas history struck the city of Rogers. What better time to talk about resilience and applying a lifetime of leadership lessons? LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  ComCats@SocialProsperity....

"Civility Matters" — After researching civility initiatives around the country, retired professor Linda Olson reflects on the persistent challenges local governments face in promoting dignity and respect. LINKS Civility Starts Here:  https://www.cml.org/home/topics-key-issues/civility-starts-here   Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  ComCats@SocialProsperity.us   Appl...

"Partners in Community Development" - Otis White, the retired President of Civic Strategies is one of America's foremost analysts and thought leaders on community decision-making and civic leadership. Today we listen to his interview with Frank Turner, former City Manager and Foundation trustee in Covington, Georgia on how local foundations can be successful partners in community development. Civi...

"Speaking Up" — Alisa Benson, a first-term Orno, Minnesota council member, shares what inspired her to step into politics and the valuable lessons she's learned navigating a governance landscape marked by community challenges and divisions. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  ComCats@SocialProsperity.us   Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow Matt...

"It's All About Audience" — Doug McLennan, the founder and editor of ArtsJournal, shares perspectives from 25 years at the confluence of journalism, arts and digital technology. As our conversation turns toward the future, Doug explores the exponential growth of AI and its far-reaching implications for society. LINKS ArtsJournal: www.artsjournal.com/   Doug McLennan's blog:  www.artsjournal.com/di...

"It's All About Audience" — Doug McLennan, the founder and editor of ArtsJournal, shares perspectives from 25 years at the confluence of journalism, arts and digital technology. "To say that audiences for the arts are declining," he says, "completely misses the idea. There's more creativity, more ability to produce creative things. Arts education is flourishing in a way it never has before." LINKS...

"CITIES, BUSINESSES, AND INCLUSIVE CIVIC STRATEGIES": Otis White, an influential thought leader in community-based strategic planning, returns to the podcast to discuss the virtues as well as the costs of inclusivity. From the "Civic Strategies" podcast archive, Scott Tigchelaar, former president of Raleigh Studios Atlanta, talks with Otis about how cities and businesses can work together successf...

"ROAD TO PROGRESS" - Mayor Craig McFarland of Casa Grande, Arizona, reflects on his two terms in office, highlighting a recent Federal freeway investment that marks a milestone in regional connectivity. This achievement underscores the collaborative efforts of local, regional, tribal, state, and federal entities. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  Podcast@Socia...

"ADVOCATE'S DILEMMA" - Signe Friedrichs, former Herndon (Virginia) Town Council Member, reflects on her 2022 re-election loss and balancing the passion to drive change with the weight of responsible governance for an entire community. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  Podcast@SocialProsperity.us    Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here   Follow Matt Lehrman...

"Future in Focus" - Patrick Banger, City Manager of Gilbert, Arizona, guides a forward-focused team endeavor to pursue the town's strategic vision of becoming the "City of the Future." LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  Podcast@SocialProsperity.us   Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow Matt Lehrman on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn P...

"Civic Strategies (Part 1)" - Otis White, the former President of Civic Strategies (now retired), is one of America's foremost analysts and thought leaders on community decision-making and civic leadership. Starting today, we feature his interviews conducted from 2011 to 2015, in collaboration with the Georgia Municipal Association, for the Civic Strategies podcast. LINKS Civic Strategies: http://...

"Building Community with Authenticity" - Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma, Washington, and Immediate Past President of the National League of Cities, links the essence of authentic leadership to the art of cultivating community collaboration. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  Podcast@SocialProsperity.us  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here   Follow Matt...

"Entrepreneurial Citizenship" - Eugene Carr, founder of the Berkshire Busk! festival in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, talks about how local government can nurture private initiatives. LINKS Berkshire Busk!  https://www.berkshirebusk.com/   Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  Podcast@SocialProsperity.us   Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here   Follow Matt Lehrma...