Maureen Coffey, Vice Chair of the Arlington County (VA) Board is the youngest person ever elected to that role. Arlington sits immediately next to Washington, DC, which means local leadership there often feels national decisions quickly and personally. The pressures are real, and the expectations are high.

Minneapolis is facing a period of intense civic tension as federal immigration enforcement unfolds in real time, sparking sustained local protests, legal challenges, and deep fear in immigrant communities.

Effective leadership often turns on asking the right question at the right moment. If something has been sitting with you, I invite you to share it. We actively take on these questions—on the podcast, on Substack, and in this newsletter—because chances are others are carrying something similar into their work as well.

SWOT² helps groups slow down, build shared understanding, and make better decisions by turning SWOT into four reflective, human questions.

Subscribe to Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ on Substack for insights on the human side of civic leadership and the work of governing together.

Insights from the October Local Leadership Chat.

Calling Local Leaders: Be a Guest on Community Catalysts with host Matt Lehrman of Social Prosperity Partners.

Reflecting on Our Shared Purpose, we pause to honor community leaders and thank you as Community Catalysts takes a short holiday break.

Highlights from the November 2025 Local Leadership Chat with Matt Lehrman of Social Prosperity Partners.

Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis of Fountain Hills, AZ, discusses the challenge of balancing loyalty and pressure in this week’s Community Catalysts conversation.

Brooks Williams, from Ferris, Texas, has become one of the most inspiring and widely followed voices on LinkedIn writing about leadership in public service.

Former Member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Dave Albo, reflects on 24 years of bipartisan leadership, lawmaking, and lessons learned in patience and precision.

Highlights from the October Local Leadership Chat

Bill Danielson never saw himself in politics. But after 35 years in business, he came into public office with a strong personality and a drive to get things done.