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UrbanEBB

UrbanEBB

By: Rico Figliolini
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 UrbanEBB is a gateway to the heart of our local small cities. It covers urban life and planning, culture, innovative city initiatives, politics, startups, and businesses that engage in interesting spaces. Here, people talk about their passions and interests and share their opinions and stories. It's a conversation we can all learn from.2025 Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • “Fiction Is Life with More Honesty”: Lo Patrick on Writing the Grit and Grace of the South

    “Fiction Is Life with More Honesty”: Lo Patrick on Writing the Grit and Grace of the South
    Jul 20 2025
    In this thoughtful and often funny conversation, UrbanEBB podcast host Rico Figliolini sits down with Lo Patrick, a Peachtree Corners resident and author of The Floating Girls and The Night the River Wept and her latest book, Fast Boys and Pretty Girls. Lo shares how growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta, studying law, and navigating parenthood all shaped her path to becoming a Southern fiction writer.

    👉 In this episode:
    • Why she wrote 13 novels before getting published
    • How grief, motherhood, and Southern life fuel her stories
    • The reason she never outlines her books
    • What it’s like writing flawed, real-life-inspired characters
    • How she juggles writing while raising kids

    Tune in now to hear Lo’s take on writing with heart, humor, and honesty.

    Timestamp:
    00:01:08 – Lo Patrick’s background and return to Georgia
    00:02:44 – From law school to writing full-time
    00:06:50 – The birth of The Floating Girls and publishing during COVID
    00:10:03 – Themes of Southern identity and layered trauma
    00:12:26 – The Night the River Wept: grief, God, and voice
    00:16:39 – The real-world parallels in Lo’s stories
    00:19:45 – Choosing flawed characters and morally gray ground
    00:23:20 – Advice for aspiring writers and Southern storytellers
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    42 mins
  • More Than Badges: Why Community Culture Drives Great Policing

    More Than Badges: Why Community Culture Drives Great Policing
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Chief Frank Trammer, Chief of Police for Stockbridge, Georgia, to explore the realities of building a police department from the ground up. With over 25 years in public safety—including roles at Atlanta PD, Sandy Springs, and Georgia Tech—Chief Trammer brings strategic clarity, deep community values, and a blueprint for modern law enforcement in rapidly growing cities.

    Together, they discuss how Stockbridge launched its own police department in just nine months after a 50-year absence, overcoming recruitment challenges, supply chain delays, and startup logistics—while prioritizing culture, officer wellness, and community trust. This conversation dives into the “why” behind forming a city force, the hidden costs, and the long-term impact of getting it right from day one. Whether you're a city planner, resident, or curious citizen, this episode offers invaluable insight into creating a modern, community-focused police department from scratch.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Define Your “Why” Before Your “What”
      Chief Trammer emphasizes that cities should start with clear goals and community expectations before diving into operations or logistics.
    2. Culture Over Credentials
      Hiring for character and cultural fit—not just experience—was central to Stockbridge’s successful recruitment and retention strategy.
    3. Officer Wellness Is Public Safety
      A supportive work environment and generous benefits created a healthier, more responsive department—and helped attract over 1,200 applicants.
    4. Smart Partnerships Pay Off
      Stockbridge leveraged regional partnerships for SWAT, drones, and crime centers to expand capabilities without overextending budget or staff.
    5. Policing as an Investment, Not Just an Expense
      A city-run department is a long-term investment in safety, accountability, and local quality of life—and can redefine how a community connects with law enforcement.
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    44 mins
  • From Zero to Accredited: Dunwoody's Billy Grogan on Starting a City Police Department

    From Zero to Accredited: Dunwoody's Billy Grogan on Starting a City Police Department
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini is joined by Billy Grogan, former Chief of Police in Dunwoody and now Senior VP at Sumter Local Government Consulting. With over 15 years of experience leading a nationally accredited department, Grogan recounts the high-stakes journey of launching Dunwoody’s police force in just 120 days—from policy creation and recruitment to integrating cutting-edge technology. He shares candid insights into the challenges and lessons learned in building a police department from the ground up.

    Rico and Bill also discuss what Peachtree Corners should consider if it chooses to form its own police force, weighing the pros and cons of local control versus county-provided services. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of creating and sustaining a city-run police department—from staffing and budgeting to public trust and community impact.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Start Big, Not Small – Grogan warns that underestimating a city’s long-term policing needs at launch leads to costly, continual catch-up.
    2. Technology is a Force Multiplier – Drones, body cams, and real-time crime centers now help cities like Dunwoody respond faster and smarter.
    3. Recruiting Has Changed – Officer retention has become more difficult post-Ferguson and COVID, requiring stronger benefits and creative incentives like housing stipends.
    4. Local Control Boosts Accountability – A city-run department serves its residents exclusively, fostering trust and deeper community ties.
    5. Civilian Roles are Critical – Grogan emphasizes the importance of hiring non-sworn staff for support roles, freeing officers to focus on enforcement.
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    47 mins

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