The Impact of Arts with Mayor Michael Vargas

Sitting Down for America’s Potluck

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1962410/fan_mail/new] Nicole Handy, Executive Director of America 250 Utah, joins CitiesSpeak to talk about America’s Potluck and how local leaders can bring the celebration to their community. On July 5, 2026, neighbors will sit down for America’s Potluck to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life. For more information, visit us at nlc.org [http://nlc.org/].

The Science of Arts & Health with Dr. Jill Sonke

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1962410/fan_mail/new] Dr. Jill Sonke, a research professor and research director at the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, is a leader in arts and health research and policy advocacy nationally and internationally. Her research focuses on population-level health outcomes associated with arts and cultural participation, arts in public health, and the arts in health communication. For more information, visit us at nlc.org [http://nlc.org/].

Dissecting Proposed Changes to Federal Assistance with Mayor Bianca Motley Broom

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1962410/fan_mail/new] The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed substantial changes to the Uniform Guidance, which governs federal grants and other forms of federal financial assistance. Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor of College Park, Georgia, and President of the Georgia Municipal Association, discusses the proposed changes and how they might impact municipalities, both small and large, if implemented. For more information, visit us at nlc.org [http://nlc.org/].

Fatherhood & Public Service with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Council President Zeke Cohen

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1962410/fan_mail/new] Father’s Day is this weekend and we’re focusing on leadership and fatherhood, and how they shape outcomes for early childhood and serve the children and families in our cities, towns, and villages across America. Mayor Brandon Scott and Council President Zeke Cohen from Baltimore City join Clarence Anthony to discuss both. For more information, visit us at nlc.org [http://nlc.org/].

Reimagining Local Government, Democracy and Trust with Julia Novak, CEO, ICMA

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1962410/fan_mail/new] Julia Novak, CEO & Executive Director of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, brings together city and county managers, the people who get the work done alongside mayors and councilmembers. Which is why NLC’s partnership is so important, as we all put residents' needs first. She oversees all aspects of ICMA, including membership, staff, and implementation of the executive board’s strategic objectives. With extensive experience in local government, Julia has served as both a city manager and a deputy city manager. For more information, visit us at nlc.org [http://nlc.org/].