e76: 20 Years in Local Government a Reflection w/Councillor Chris Kennedy of Hackney Council

This week I sit down with Councillor Chris Kennedy (London Borough of Hackney) who reflects on the complexities of working in local government for more than two decades. We cover affordable housing, the impact of global issues on local communities, and the joy found in serving the public. Kennedy emphasises the need for hope and resilience in the face of challenges, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance that includes local organisations and citizens.

Chapters

00:00 From Acting to Politics: A Journey

02:29 The Intersection of Acting and Politics

04:46 The Role of a Councillor: Representation and Responsibility

06:46 Engaging with Constituents: Beyond Political Affiliations

10:11 The Burden of Local Politics

15:51 Changes in Local Governance: A Historical Perspective

19:06 Addressing Housing Affordability Challenges

22:33 Global Issues Impacting Local Politics

26:55 Finding Joy in Local Governance

29:44 The Joy of Making a Difference

30:33 Intuition vs. Evidence in Decision Making

34:04 The Complexity of Social Issues

34:56 Government and Responsibility

35:55 Co-production and Community Engagement

38:55 Technology and Local Government

43:15 The Evolution of Hackney Wick

46:16 Changing Demographics and Community Needs

52:33 Building Community Spaces Together

56:52 Navigating Social Friction in a Diverse Community

01:03:00 Complexities and Joy in Local Governance