Local Matters Podcast

Since Frederick Douglass' 1852 speech, African Americans have had a complex relationship with July 4. And since 2015, Georgian's have had a complex relationship with fireworks. How should we think about the convergence of these three troublesome topics? How do we see patriotism? AND, your local and state governments have control over these celebrations too!

When we think of Augusta, we don't always think if the entire metro area. The Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes several counties, including Aiken and Edgefield in South Carolina. We will talk advocacy and issues in North Augusta, SC.

A candid talk about whether we should, based upon the influence of Rev Dr William Barber. Exploring the origin of the oldest African American holiday and how public policy determines what freedom means today.

Why is homelessness increasing? Have federal, state, and local policies contributed to the problem? Are current efforts sufficient to truly address the problem? Or just too little, too late?

Joe Edge, President of Sherman and Hemstreet, discusses the boom in downtown apartments. After years of small-scale redevelopment, we now see large apartment complexes in and near downtown Augusta. He discusses why, and the impact these units can have on eliminating the food desert, and on electoral politics.

Augusta District 2 Commissioner Dennis Williams discusses the rise of homelessness in Augusta, the city's plans to address it, and how to deal with panhandlers. He also explains why he is working to develop a veterans cemetery in South Augusta.

Gabi Dukes, Executive Vice President, and Kathi Snipes, Senior Vice President, discuss how to take control of your financial future. We touch on how building personal relationships with your bank can improve your credit score, strategies to deal with student loan debt, and how to figure out whether you can afford a new purchase.

Exploring why Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has decided not to run again despite polls saying she can win again, why Georgians are vaccinated at one of the lowest rates in the USA, and our sad history with 401 Walton Way.

Local and state governments often face litigation in the course of their daily affairs, but in particular when they take steps outside of the norm. The media has sued Augusta based upon their refusal to disclose information related to the fire chief search, and the state and other counties related to the creation of the Columbia County Judicial Circuit. Three current elected officials are vying fo...

Local Matters covers a variety of topics, to include an explanation of the Georgia Open Records Act, encouraging women to strive for elected and executive positions, and what the American Rescue Act means for local communities.

Lynn Bailey, long time Director of Voter Registration and Elections in Richmond County, sets the record straight regarding which changes the Georgia legislature approved. Learn what you have to do to ensure that your vote counts the next time we go to the polls. Also hear what is now a felony.

Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot, talks about the intersection of technology and trust in local government. Technology has transformed society, and local government is no exception.

The Director of the East Central Georgia Health District discusses the role of public health in combatting infectious disease, how far the Augusta area has come in decreasing COVID infection rates, and the best place to go to sign up for a vaccine.

Traci George, Augusta Area Coordinator of the People's Agenda discusses the organizations' work in Georgia, and how disheartening it is that only 6% of Augusta's registered voters went to the polls on March 16 to decide on SPLOST 8. Finally, we pay tribute to Rev. Essie McIntyre, the first black woman ordained to preach in the Baptist church in Georgia.

The brand new Augusta Jewish Museum will open in June on the Municipal Campus, on Telfair Street in downtown Augusta. It will offer free opportunities to broaden our horizons as they trace the history and culture of Judaism in the Augusta River Region.

Steven B. Kendrick, Richmond County Tax Commissioner, discusses the fine art of customer service, what his office does not do, and what it will take for Augusta to reach the potential everyone has talked about for decades. We also describe the new Augusta's Agenda Project and the E3 Leadership Foundation.

Local Matters cares about your civic health and your financial health. So does Security Federal Bank, a Community Development Financial Institution. Phil Wahl, President, and Michael Strange, Executive Vice President, share details about their services. The bank wants to help you, even if you are not a current bank customer. The Bank provides easy access to the federal Paycheck Protection Program,...

Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, joins Local Matters to discuss how his agency works so other people can work and earn higher wages. He touches on the difference between industrial and retail recruitment, and their efforts to bring a grocery store to downtown Augusta,

Director Maurice McDowell outlines projects on the SPLOST 8 list to include park improvements, cemeteries, and seed money for a splash park. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on how recreation departments connect with their patrons.

Sue Parr, Chief Executive Officer of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce explains why her board voted unanimously to support continuation of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Augustans will return to the polls on March 16 to decide whether to re-new the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST 8. The project list includes $25M for a new James Brown Arena. Brad Usry, Vice Chair of the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority, and Chris Bird, General Manager of the Augusta Entertainment Complex, talk about what this project means for Augusta.

As it appears the state of Georgia will grant permission for a split of the three county Augusta Judicial Circuit, Attorney Ben Allen offers his unique perspective on the topic. He is a former State Representative and former Chief Judge of Juvenile Court on the Circuit, so he is familiar with the issues and the history.

The Paycheck Protection Protection Program is available to small and minority businesses. President Phil Wahl and Executive Vice President Michael Strange discuss how Security Federal, as a Community Development Financial Institution, makes it easy to apply for funding. And, Gaylon Tootle tells us how Walton Options helps persons with disabilities.

Inauguration Day 2021 is the easy part. Getting policy approved and creating unity in America is far more difficult. Learn about President Biden's policy proposals relative to public transit, safe return to school, minimum wage, paid sick leave, and community health, and how they impact all of us.

Former Augusta Mayor Bob Young joins us for an honest assessment of mistakes made by Republicans and the reasons behind the success of the Democrats in winning two Georgia Senate seats. We also talk about what this means for the Governor's race in 2022.