Not Quite Quorum
Conversations about Iowa City, focusing on issues facing our local government and community.
How Much Does $94.5Million Really Cost?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the proposed Johnson County Jail, recapping the Board of Supervisors' discussion of borrowing $94.5M, which would be Johnson County's biggest debt ever.
How Awesome is Nora?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss the upcoming city council work session and formal meeting, featuring the work of the City of Iowa City's Harvard fellow, Nora Cahill.
What's Good Public Engagement Look Like?
Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss the discourse about public discussion--about the proposed Johnson County jail, of course.
Should We Fear the Dictatorship of the Proletariat?
Oliver and Laura discuss right-wing fear-mongering around the DSA and how now is a terrible time for local leaders to silence dissent.
Is Beef Days A Very Vegan Event?
Books mentioned this episode:
Children of Blood and Bone
A Canticle for Liebowitz
His Majesty’s Dragon
The Blade Itself
Why Didn't I Know Better Than to Post on Facebook?
Laura dives in solo to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors’ recent $7.6Million in unbudgeted property purchases, approved prior to any disclosure to the public.
What's Going On (with the Jail Convos)???
Watch the July 1 Board of Supervisors’ work session here.
Watch the July 2 Board of Supervisors’ formal meeting here.
Join the conversation at johnsoncountydeservesbetter.org!
By the numbers: jailfacts.org.
What's Changed Since July 10, 2024?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the current status of Johnson County’s journey towards a new jail, revisiting an early Board of Supervisors work session on the topic, held July 10, 2024.
What Can NYC Learn from IC?
Oliver and Laura discuss the recent big wins in the New York Democratic primary for Democratic Socialists, and how it relates to local politics in Iowa CIty and Johnson County.
Can We Figure Out Where the Snow Goes?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss recent Iowa City city council actions, like a new pilot for a couple of protected bike lanes on Dodge and Governor Streets this fall. And Oliver shares what it feels like to be solidly outside of the elites' club.
Books recommended this episode:
King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
When Will We Know the Jail Ballot Language?
Laura and Nick Bergus discuss continued myths surrounding the Johnson County jail, and what we will be asked to believe.
Who Needs Permission to Vote No?
Books recommended this episode:
Means and Ends by Zoe Baker
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings
What Does Tuesday Tell Us About November?
Laura and Nick Bergus check in about the Democratic primary results and what they might teach us about the jail vote in November.
What Makes for a Healthy Discussion on the Dais?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss city council's recent agreement to help out some displaced tenants.
Who Gets to Define Public Safety?
Laura and Nick Bergus continue their weekly discussion of a proposed new Johnson County jail, focusing on how we define "public safety," and why it must be different than just the reactive State punishment system.
Are We Done with Silly(est) Season Yet??
Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming primary election on June 2.
What Do the Jail Pricetags Include?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus provide a weekly update on public discourse and questions about the proposed new Johnson County, Iowa, jail.
Why Try Deer Birth Control?
Oliver and Laura discuss progress on the Summit Street City-developed affordable housing project, deer "management," and how everything (literally everything in society) is made up.
What Do Jail Stats Say About the Need for a Bigger Jail?
Laura and Nick Bergus discuss a recent Community Conversation hosted by Great Plains Action Society about the question of a new, bigger jail.
Why Can't We Just Be Normal to Each Other?
Laura and Oliver discuss the upcoming city council meeting, ongoing silliness at the Board of Supervisors, and the standards we should hold each other to, as elected officials.
What's New in the (In)Decision for a New County Jail?
Nick and Laura discuss the happenings of the past week around the County's (in)decision to push for a new jail.
How Do We Manage Big Feelings in Small Political Spaces?
Oliver shares about his recent tour with Japanese hardcore band Wipes, Laura vents about Johnson County Board of Supervisors shenanigans--could there be a community effort for transformative investments in affordable housing?!--and both reflect on the challenges of needing therapy and a thick skin to govern well.
How Does the 13th Amendment Influence Our Jail Vote?
Special guest Nick Bergus returns to talk with Laura about plans for the Johnson County jail, the upcoming vote on ballot language for a new jail, conversations with other local elected officials about the jail, and the history of jail bond votes locally.
How Do Electeds Handle Interpersonal Conflict?
Laura and Oliver discuss the aftermath of the shooting in the ped mall, creation of a new community response reserve fund, and how local elected leaders talk to each other.
Haven't We Tried All of That Before?
Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming city council meeting agenda, public records on private platforms, and Johnson County electoral politics.
What Are We Balancing in Housing Policy?
Oliver and Laura discuss housing policy, proposed property tax reform, and what it takes to win elections.
Can You Explain Non-Market Housing One More Time?
Oliver and Laura discuss factors they consider relating to housing affordability, a community leader's press conference on the Ped Mall, and listening to The Youth.
How Do Traffic Stops Lead to Deportation?
Oliver and Laura discuss the No Kings! rally in Iowa City, propose an idea for funding non-police responses to conflict, and remind local elected officials to not violate 1st Amendment rights.
Should Iowa City Have More Dinosaurs?
Oliver and Laura discuss some of Iowa City's youngest residents' feedback about our town, the weirdness of Johnson County Supervisors' race, and present-day lessons from the the losers who propped up the Third Reich.
What If We Named It the Le Guin?
Oliver and Laura discuss Iowa City's first municipally developed social housing project, field mediation program progress, and question the plans for a new jail.
What Are Anarchist Calisthenics?
Oliver and Laura discuss how we can practice ethical decision-making when the rules don't make sense.
What's the Press Agenda?
Oliver and Laura talk with a DI reporter, admire pelicans, and talk about the upcoming social housing development on Summit Street.
What's "Naturally Occurring" Affordable Housing?
Oliver and Laura discuss urban renewal districts, a permanent supportive housing project with the VA, and more.
What the Flock is Happening?
Oliver and Laura discuss recent developments with Flock cameras in Johnson County.
How Could We Improve Budget Season?
Laura and Oliver discuss the balance between spending hours in public meetings and...not having nearly enough public discussion about the City's moral document: it's annual budget.
NQQ S2 Ep 4
Iowa City residents! Have a complaint or need information, submit your questions and concerns to ICGovXpress!
These Weeks Feel Like Decades
We reflect on the resistance in the Twin Cities, Iowa City budget meetings, and answer a listener's request for practical actions towards abolition.
What's the Role of a City Councilor?
Laura and Oliver discuss different approaches to local public service.
How Are We Supposed to Cope Right Now?!
Content warning for: murder, fascism.
Bonus Episode! What If Constituents Care Who's Mayor?
Nick gives his strong opinion about the opacity of how Iowa City decides who serves as the presiding officer and face of the city.
