Make a plan. That's the message from Mickey Shields, Deputy Director of the Iowa League of Cities as he joins the podcast. It can be short list of city priorities or a comprehensive strategic plan. As long as you plan, he says, your city is moving in the right direction.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Steve Dodson is the mayor of Hiawatha. On Tuesday mornings, he sits at his table in his local coffee shop and meets the people. Listening, he says is vital to being a good mayor. Vince Jurgena, city councilman in Riverdale agrees you must listen, but sometimes you have to explain why one person's priorities may not be the city's top issue. Listen to what these city leaders have to say about listening.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Jefferson was named a League of Cities All Star City for their massive downtown renovation. The multi-year project is continuing, listen to how they used partnership to transform their downtown, including art on the roof.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Karen Clemens is the city clerk for New Hampton. She says be prepared for comments on how you do your job, anywhere and at any time. Marc Elcock is a city attorney for both Woodburn and Lorimor. He says cities need more voices, especially young voices. He says if you want to work for a city, do it, but learn as much as you can about the city you served.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Chelsea Hoye, Director of Government Affairs and Cody Carlson, Manager of Government Affairs with the Iowa League of Cities stop by to talk with Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh for a spirited discussion of the 2026 Iowa Legislative agenda. Yep, we talk taxes. Just listen.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Andy Lent, finance director of Altoona was surprised at how well government runs. Jim Nelson, mayor of Britt, isn't surprised at all, he says to have good government you just have to be prepared.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Mayors David Mast of Colfax and John Westergaard of Lake View agree, getting everyone on board is the hardest part of being a mayor. You do it one step at a time and by learning what you can do and almost as important, what you can't do.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Indianola is under construction, says Mayor Steve Richardson. First up, construction of a new sports complex. It will include new housing, new restaurants and a new road. It's a big project that will have a big impact on the city. The mayor says they are also working on re-thinking how to construct new housing programs.

Listen as Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh and Mayor Richardson discuss these projects. Oh, and listen to how the mayor tried to get into the fun crowd at city meetings.

IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn

Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic