The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast

Sophie Tipper on Youth Voice, Local Government, and the All-America City Experience
 
Host Jim Hunt interviews Sophie Tipper about serving as a juror at the 2026 All-America City competition and how the cities used creative presentations and strong community teamwork to share their programs, which made her feel hopeful about politics.
 
Sophie explains how her youth perspective helped her judge whether youth councils had real power or were just for show, and she talks about the fear and importance of speaking up as the youngest person in the room. 
 
She shares how COVID-era school problems led her to push for compostable cafeteria trays and solar panels, and how that work led her to the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, formed in 2008 and later expanded to present proposals to lawmakers.
 
She discusses barriers for youth like transportation, school schedules, and internet access, encourages testifying to legislators at any age, and says she is heading to Vanderbilt to study political science and environmental science.
 
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:56 All-America Cities Recap
02:37 Youth Voice on Jury
05:06 Finding Local Government
07:14 Inside Colorado Youth Council
09:38 Retreats and Divides
13:22 Genuine Youth Engagement
15:22 Barriers to Participation
18:03 Schools and City Hall
19:57 College and Future Plans
23:54 Citizenship Beyond Office
26:20 Advice for Young Leaders
30:42 Closing All-America Moment
35:01 Final Reflections and Goodbye

Doug Linkhart on All-America Cities, Civic Engagement, and Building Trust in Local Government
 
Host Jim Hunt interviews Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League, about the All-America City competition and what it shows about communities working together.
 
Linkhart shares his background in Colorado state and local government and says the All-America City event is an uplifting celebration of what is good in America. 
 
He says he is encouraged by people's courage and by large numbers of residents showing up to help, sharing examples from Montgomery, Alabama (changing a flag with Confederate symbols) and Franklin, Tennessee (strong community turnout).
 
They discuss building trust through listening, follow-through, transparency, and more ways for people to give input beyond council meetings. 
 
Linkhart also describes the League's "Better Public Meetings" program and a democracy ecosystem map of 12,000+ groups on the League's website. He announces he will retire in November.
 
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:35 Meet Doug Linkhart
01:36 Doug's Public Service
03:34 All-America City Uplift
05:05 Hope Stories Winners
08:27 Culture of Engagement
10:21 Building Trust Locally
12:35 Anger Safety Meetings
17:51 Healing Through Crisis
23:43 Better Public Meetings
25:51 Civic League Beyond Awards
28:49 Welcoming Immigrants
31:21 Retirement Reflections
34:45 How Any City Applies
35:54 Final Closing Thanks

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Michael Pollack  
·       A candid conversation about sidewalks in cities
·       And, much more
 7 Steps to an Amazing City:
 Attitude
Motivation
Attention to Detail
Zing
Inclusiveness
Neighborhood Empowerment
Green Awareness
 
Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.
 
Links Mentions During Show:
 
·       www.AmazingCities.org
·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast
 
About  Michael Pollack: 
 Michael Pollack is an award-winning legal scholar, professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and author of Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America's Most Overlooked Public Space. His work explores how sidewalks shape communities through law, public policy, accessibility, economic development, and civic life. Through his research and writing, Michael helps local leaders and policymakers rethink the role of public spaces in building safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive communities.
About Your Host, Jim Hunt:
Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.
 
Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"
 
Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.
 
Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.
 
Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.
 
Amazing City Resources:
 
Buy Jim's Popular Books:
·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city
 
·       Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too
 
FREE White Paper:
·       "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown"  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps
 
Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:
·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking
 
Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:
·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting
 
Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:
·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development
 
A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Michael Pollack  
·       A candid conversation about sidewalks in cities
·       And, much more
 7 Steps to an Amazing City:
 Attitude
Motivation
Attention to Detail
Zing
Inclusiveness
Neighborhood Empowerment
Green Awareness
 
Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.
 
Links Mentions During Show:
 
·       www.AmazingCities.org
·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast
 
About  Michael Pollack: 
 Michael Pollack is an award-winning legal scholar, professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and author of Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America's Most Overlooked Public Space. His work explores how sidewalks shape communities through law, public policy, accessibility, economic development, and civic life. Through his research and writing, Michael helps local leaders and policymakers rethink the role of public spaces in building safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive communities.
About Your Host, Jim Hunt:
Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.
 
Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"
 
Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.
 
Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.
 
Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.
 
Amazing City Resources:
 
Buy Jim's Popular Books:
·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city
 
·       Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too
 
FREE White Paper:
·       "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown"  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps
 
Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:
·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking
 
Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:
·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting
 
Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:
·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development
 
A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Michael Pollack
·       A candid conversation about sidewalks in cities
·       And, much more
 7 Steps to an Amazing City:
 Attitude
Motivation
Attention to Detail
Zing
Inclusiveness
Neighborhood Empowerment
Green Awareness
 
Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.
 
Links Mentions During Show:
 
·       www.AmazingCities.org
·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast
 
About Michael Pollack
Michael Pollack is a business leader, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the power of community, connection, and the places we share. Through his work and conversations, Michael brings a fresh perspective to the overlooked resources that shape everyday American life—from sidewalks and public spaces to the people and ideas that make communities thrive.
As the host of Sidewalk Nation, Michael explores the stories, challenges, and opportunities hiding in plain sight, engaging with thought leaders, innovators, and community builders to ask a simple but important question: What are we overlooking that could help make America stronger?
With curiosity, insight, and a focus on practical ideas, Michael invites listeners to look at their communities—and the country—with fresh eyes.
About Your Host, Jim Hunt:
Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.
 
Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"
 
Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.
 
Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.
 
Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.
 
Amazing City Resources:
 
Buy Jim's Popular Books:
·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city
 
·       Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too
 
FREE White Paper:
·       "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown"  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps
 
Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event:
·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking
 
Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town:
·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting
 
Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities:
·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development
 
A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the supp