Local Matters Podcast

Peter Hubbard has studied environmental issues and testified before the Georgia Public Service Commission. Learn who he is, why he wants to serve in this capacity, and what he would do if elected.

Who is Running for Georgia Public Service Commission District 2 ? With Alicia Johnson & Tim Echols by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

Can Augusta Reduce Gun Violence? With Janice Allen Jackson by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

Eva Posner of Evinco Strategies shares lessons learned from assisting people who want to serve in elected office. We discuss imposter syndrome, body shaming, and other things that prevent women from seeking office. We also touch upon corruption, burnout, the discipline required to raise funds, and how good elected officials are fundamentally problem solvers who are determined to make a difference,...

Shannon Watson is the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle, where she provides civic education in an effort to demystify government. We explore the role of national politics, media, and human nature in ensuring continued division at al levels of government. Are there conflict engineers dictating this? Have we put up artificial barriers? Are there too many moral absolutes? What...

In this episode of Local Matters, we sit down with author, counselor, and lifelong activist Beth Green to unpack spiritual activism—and how empathy, accountability, and oneness can heal our politics and our daily lives. Beth shares her journey from atheist to spiritually guided counselor, what it means to be an empath, and why secrecy and ego keep us stuck. We also explore Christian nationalism, j...

Dr. Sherice Janaye Nelson, an author and researcher specializing in leadership and African diasporic politics, discussed her book "Visibly Invisible" which explores the contributions of Black women in the United States Congress. She shared her academic journey through HBCUs and her research on the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighting the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Black wo...

Dr. Randell Trammell of the Center for Civic Engagement talks about the Center's mission of educating young people about how important it is to learn how government works. We also discuss his bid to become Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, education funding, school/parent choice, state takeovers of local school systems, the Georgia Promise Scholarship, and the struggle to keep certified tea...

On August 12, the Richmond County Board of Education will decide who our next school superintendent is. Information about the two finalists, Dr. Malinda Cobb and Dr. Keith Simmons, is available on the school system's website. Host Janice Allen Jackson reviews the process, key data points illustrating the current status of the system, and her thoughts about what the school board should look for in...

Paul Johnson, former Mayor of Phoenix, AZ, is also an author and host of The Optimistic American Podcast, discusses his background in politics and his experiences as a young elected official. He explores the political landscape of Arizona, and why he is optimistic about our country's future. Paul shared insights about the value of listening and avoiding labels in political discourse, the council-m...

In an era of megachurches, Miracle Making Ministries has focused on missions and meeting the needs of the people around them. Rev. Dr. Robert Williams describes his notion of what a pastor is, what it means to truly have an impact, and whether the seminary education prepares someone to lead a solid congregation. Learn more about his journey and his work:  https://mirmakmin.com/. DISCLAIMER: Local...

Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and podcaster who has made it his mission to share inspiring stories of local leaders and city turnarounds. We discuss the underappreciated work of local governments, how lonely it is to be a City Manager, and how little the average person knows about what it takes to make sure residents enjoy basic services. Seth also discussed how local officials build comm...

Sheffie Robinson, a software engineer, clinical sociologist, and college faculty member, is a recent appointee to Augusta's Charter Review Committee. She explains what led to Augusta-Richmond County consolidation in 1995, what a charter is, and how the committee will get public feedback. We also touch on transparency, accountability, and what it will take for our elected officials to build trust a...

Why would only 2% of Georgia voters cast ballots in a statewide election? Do people care about the cost of utilities? If you do, you have the chance to return to the polls on July 15. Learn who can and can't vote in that election, the functions of the Georgia Public Service Commission, and who made the runoff. I also tackled one of my pet peeves in my local government days and now: Property owners...

Rebecca Callis Mixson of the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of their services and history, explaining how it assists entrepreneurs across Georgia. Running a business is challenging, so they support business owners, and in so doing, help expand Georgia's economy. They offer business consulting and training programs. She shared her background and discussed the center'...

Patrick King of the Natural Resources Defense Council explained his organization's advocacy for environmental policies and their involvement in Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan hearings. The discussion also covered the potential impact of data centers on energy infrastructure and the importance of informed voting in the upcoming Public Service Commission elections. This election is crucial...

Rick Reinhard, a former local government official now with Niagra Consulting, shared his expertise in redeveloping and repurposing underutilized church buildings.  During his tenure with the United Methodist Church, this became one of his specialties. Janice and Rick discussed their shared history in Richmond, Virginia, and explored the challenges and opportunities of reusing historic church build...

Erick Montgomery, Executive Director of Historic Augusta, discussed the organization's mission to preserve historic sites and structures in Augusta, Georgia. He shared insights on various preservation projects, challenges faced in protecting historic buildings, and the importance of advocacy and resources . The conversation also touched on the appointment process for the Historic Preservation Comm...

Tim Watson of the Small Business Administration discussed the current status of Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Georgia. He explained that the declaration for the hurricane began in September and has been extended multiple times. He also clarified that the SBA offers programs for business owners, non-profit organizations, and individuals who incurred damage from the hurricane. These programs in...

Julie Langham, Vice President for Economic Development at Augusta Technical College, joins us to talk about the Accelerate Augusta program. A partnership with the downtown Development Authority, it is aimed at providing resources for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups. The program is set to open in June. Ms. Langham also discusses how the College ensures that area employers can fin...

Ronic West, CEO of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, discussed the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners to build connections. They also discussed the Chamber's role as a conduit between the business community and government, the current economic instability, and how we must prepare. Finally, they addressed Ronic's role with the Augusta Aviation Co...

Brittany Williams Burnett, CEO of the United Way of the Central Savannah River Area, discussed the role of nonprofits in improving quality of life, and how their focus has shifted as needs change. Brittany shared her personal journey from medical sales to nonprofit work. They also discussed the evolution of United Way's role in addressing community needs, the transportation challenges in Richmond...

The Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition has been advocating for 100% voter participation since 1998. The organization was founded to look out for the needs of the people of the CSRA. We discuss their celebratory banquet, services they provide, and the upcoming Georgia Pubilic Services Commission race. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page...

Augusta's District 2 Commissioner, Stacy Pulliam, discusses what it takes to mount a successful run for office, how the district boundaries have changed, and whether there is hope for District 2, She also talks about the importance of continuity with elected officials and capitalizing on state programs to encourage investment in blighted areas. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking en...

Augusta native Cheryl Gordon Cofer discusses the inspiration beyond Lessons Learned: A Teacher's Memoir. A career educator who kept over 30 years worth of notes, she shares how education and families have evolved. She shares a few of her experiences, and most especially, a few of her top suggestions for educators who want to make a difference despite the challenges teachers face. You can learn mor...