After 18 years as Executive Director of the Iowa League of Cities, Alan Kemp is saying goodbye. On this episode he reflects on his time with the League.

He says connections among people in government are the key to better government. He also said cities are the place where good government can lead the way to better government in not just Iowa, but the entire country.

Brad's Book Recommendation: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/max-fisher/the-chaos-machine/9780316703321/

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

Good Government Institute

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

Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher and Riverdale Mayor Anthony Heddlesten are two of the Quad Cities mayors where the 2026 Iowa League of Cities annual conference was held. Two different mayors but two similar views.

For Mayor Gallagher, running for mayor was a natural progression in his community service, for Mayor Heddlesten, being in public service, he recently discovered was a goal he set for himself at 16 years old. Oh, listen to how important chicken wings are to Mayor Gallagher.

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

Good Government Institute

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 Richardson, mayor of Indianola, is the new president of the Iowa League of Cities. He discusses the differences in Iowa's cities and talks about how they interact with each other. And he talks about how each makes Iowa, well, Iowa.

He added that his experience serving in the Iowa state legislature will help him as he leads Iowa's cities this year. And Mayors Brad Cavanaugh and Richardson talk about the relationships you build through the League.

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

Good Government Institute

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