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Local Gov Stories from ILCMA

Local Gov Stories from ILCMA

By: Illinois City/County Management Association
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About this listen

The official podcast from the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA). Discover the real, human stories behind Illinois' local governments. Hosts Melanie Santostefano, CEO of Vicarious Multimedia and Danny Langloss, City Manager of the City of Dixon, Illinois take you inside the lives of Illinois city, village, and county managers, exploring career journeys, daily challenges, leadership triumphs, and the critical work being done to serve every community. For anyone in public service or considering a career in local government: this is your inside look.

Tune in to hear candid conversations with leaders from across the state as they share:

  • The Career Path: Inspiring accounts of how professionals—from recent graduates to seasoned veterans—found their calling and advanced their careers in public service.
  • A Day in the Life: Unvarnished looks at the daily successes, critical decisions, and unique challenges faced by city, village, and county managers.
  • Lightening 5: Rapid-fire Q&A designed to capture a diverse range of insights from our guests. A powerful way to get maximum value from our local government leaders in a minimum amount of time. Get ready for quick answers, candid thoughts, and surprising takeaways!
  • Community & Connection: Previews of ILCMA conferences and professional development events, alongside discussions on how we are fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities.
  • The Next Generation: Learn about the vital work being done to mentor, engage, and recruit the local government leaders of tomorrow.

Don't just hear the news—hear the stories of the people dedicated to keeping Illinois communities running smoothly. Subscribe today!

 Career Success Economics Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Sixteen

    ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Sixteen
    Oct 8 2025

    🎙️ New Episode Alert! The #Local Gov Stories podcast is back with some exciting updates, including how to get involved! We’re thrilled to welcome Danny Langloss, City Manager of Dixon, as our new co-host alongside Melanie Santostefano of Vicarious Multimedia. In this episode, you’ll hear from: ✅ Shauna Musselman, Deputy County Administrator for Peoria County — sharing the unique differences between municipal and county government, plus a major milestone for Peoria County and her diverse background in local government. ✅ Ghida Neukirch, City Manager of Highland Park — reflecting on her team’s approach to ensuring safety and protecting free speech during public demonstrations – an issue that so many communities are dealing with in recent months. For more information on upcoming ILCMA and affiliate events 📅 visit: https://www.ilcma.org/calendar/ And…..if you’d like to share with us your ideas on topics for future episodes – email ilcma@niu.edu! #ilcma #ilcmaproud #LocalGovStories #localgovernmentleaders #publicservice

    Originally published on September 18, 2025.
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    42 mins
  • ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Fifteen

    ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Fifteen
    Oct 8 2025

    Big news - in this episode of the Local Gov Stories podcast, co-hosts Melanie Santostefano and Jim Moran share an important announcement about its future! Also featured is an interview with Jamie Bowden, Administrator for the Village of Glen Carbon, who talks about his 37 years career in local government, and a major decision on the horizon for this Metro East community. Plus, Jodi Luka, Community & Economic Development Director for the Village of Fox Lake, shares her unique journey into local government and how her team is making big moves to attract businesses to the northern Illinois town. The goal of the podcast is to promote the profession, create new connections, share challenges and solutions, and inspire the next generation of local government leaders. If you’re interested in being on a future episode or know of someone who would make a great guest, email us at ilcma@niu.edu! For more information on upcoming events and opportunities from ILCMA and local gov affiliates visit: https://www.ilcma.org/calendar/

    Originally published on August 6, 2025.
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    54 mins
  • ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Fourteen

    ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Fourteen
    Oct 8 2025

    Join host Melanie Santostefano and guest host Clay Johnson as they bring you a recap of the 2025 ILCMA Summer Conference in Champaign. This episode is packed with great interviews. IAMMA presidents incoming and outgoing Hannah Lipman and Glen Cole. ILCMA's incoming president Paula Schumacher. Conference presenter on Cybermaturity Scott Hilts and Banovetz Fellowship winner Alaina Murphy. Plus Joan Walls, Manager of our wonderful host city, Champaign!

    Originally published on June 10, 2025.
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    46 mins
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