The Strong Towns Podcast James Anderson: How to Encourage Innovation in Local Government
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Sep 1, 2025 James Anderson, the Head of the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, has transformed how local governments operate worldwide. He explains why local governance is essential today and outlines how residents can inspire city leaders to innovate. The conversation dives into using data-driven decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle community challenges, especially in the Memphis model. Anderson encourages citizens to actively engage in local governance to foster innovation and create more responsive, collaborative communities.
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Cities Are The Vital Problem-Solving Layer
- Local governments are undercapacitated but crucial for innovation and people's lives.
- Bloomberg Philanthropies focuses on upskilling city halls to set ambitious goals and deliver results.
From Missoula To City Hall
- James moved from Missoula to New York and joined City Hall to work on homelessness despite initial cynicism.
- He witnessed systemic changes that altered his view of local government effectiveness.
Local Gov Is The Last Mile Of Policy
- Local government is the first line and last mile for implementing major policy.
- Their proximity to communities and lower partisan entanglement make them well suited for people-centered policymaking.