Why Mayors Stay Pragmatic and Nonpartisan

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joins Chuck to talk about why mayors often stand apart from the hyper-polarized world of national politics. With no partisan primaries to cater to, Holt argues that mayors are forced to be pragmatic and bipartisan—because when city leaders fail, the public notices quickly. He describes how Oklahoma City reflects the political and demographic balance of the country, why federal dollars matter more than federal agents when it comes to public safety, and how cities are tackling challenges from police recruitment to affordable housing.

The conversation also touches on the unique role sports and culture play in a city’s identity, from Oklahoma City’s investment in a new arena for the Thunder to preparing for Olympic events. Holt warns of the risks of growing too fast, as seen in places like Austin and Nashville, and reflects on how the decline of local news has made it harder to communicate with residents. From social media outreach to funding journalism, Holt lays out the modern challenges and opportunities for cities trying to govern effectively while Washington remains gridlocked.

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Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Mayor David Holt joins the Chuck ToddCast

00:45 What is the conference of mayors?

01:45 Mayors are uniquely bipartisan in this political environment

02:45 How has polarization not made its way into mayor’s offices

03:15 Mayor have to get things done

04:15 When mayors screw up the public notices

05:00 Mayors don’t face partisan primaries

06:30 The lack of primaries makes mayors govern in a bipartisan way

08:30 Primaries are the “source of all evil” in American politics

10:00 Does bipartisan nature of the conference put you at disadvantage w/Trump

11:30 Mayors can’t govern & cater only to their base

13:00 Oklahoma City is a political & demographic microcosm of the country 

15:00 Many cities are struggling to hire more police officers

16:45 Trump sending troops into cities for law enforcement isn’t helpful

17:30 Crime doesn’t really happen “in the streets”

18:30 Hiring incentives for ICE is hurting police recruiting

19:45 Cities are having to offer much higher salaries for police officers

21:00 Federal dollars are better than federal agents for local enforcement

22:00 Youth programs are important to preventing crime

23:30 Local governments need federal help to reduce housing costs

26:45 How do you control housing costs in a free market system?

28:30 Government subsidies incentivize construction of low cost housing

30:30 Ways to incentivize landlords not to raise rents too quickly

32:45 Will cities run into a budget crisis now that covid money has dried up?

34:00 OKC didn’t use federal covid money for ongoing expenses

36:00 OKC used taxpayer money to get the Thunder a new arena

37:45 A major sports team is one of the best things a city can have

39:00 Concerned about OKC growing too fast?

40:30 Austin & Nashville grew too fast & caused quality of life issues

41:45 OKC hosting several Olympic events

43:30 Difficulties communicating to public with the decline of local news

44:45 Even when local news covers stories, the public doesn’t read it

45:45 Using social media to communicate with constituents

47:30 Funding local news & journalism

49:30 Is Oklahoma State out after Oklahoma move to SEC?

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