Local Matters Podcast
Trust through Transparency with Evan Meyer
How can better communication help rebuild trust in government? Evan Meyer shares how technology, transparency, and civic engagement can make government more accessible and effective while helping residents better understand how to get involved and make an impact in their communities. Evan is a tech entrepreneur and founder of several impactful ventures, including MyGovTools.org, BeautifyEarth.com, BeautifyEarth.org, and RideAmigos.com. His work spans government transparency and civic engagement, urban beautification through public art, transportation technology, and community building. As a civic leader, Evan has served as a District Director for the California State Senate, led his neighborhood association, worked on civic engagement strategies, and hosted Meyerside Chats. He also leads seminars on corporate culture, community and civic engagement, and political philosophy. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast 00:00 – Cold Open: Can Government Move Faster? 01:11 – Introduction: Government Transparency 02:05 – Introducing Evan Meyer 03:04 – Welcome & Becoming a “Civic Ninja” 04:10 – Evan’s Work With Government & Technology 06:06 – Why Government Is Designed to Move Slowly 06:25 – Making Government More Efficient & Effective 08:15 – The Purpose of Government 09:00 – Entrepreneurship, RideAmigos & Beautify Earth 11:26 – GovTools & Rebuilding Trust Through Communication 11:59 – Government Communication & Constituent Engagement 13:10 – Understanding Where Tax Dollars Go 13:43 – Transparency Across Different Levels of Government 16:24 – When a Lack of Transparency Creates Distrust 17:43 – Rebuilding Trust in Government 19:20 – How GovTools Improves Government Transparency 20:44 – Making Communication Easier for Public Officials 22:16 – Why Government Needs to Tell Its Story 23:05 – Understanding Your Local Government 24:39 – Why Civic Education Matters 25:25 – Local Elections & Voter Engagement 26:23 – Becoming a More Informed Voter 27:13 – Why Local Matters Was Created 28:00 – Looking Beyond the Ballot 29:58 – Media, Information & Political Perspectives 32:20 – Evan’s Approach to Civic Involvement 33:00 – Working With Political Leaders From the Outside 34:00 – Beautifying Communities Through Public Art 37:20 – Growing Beautify Earth 39:02 – Final Thoughts 40:06 – Learning Civics & Taking Action Locally 40:41 – Where to Find Evan & His Work 41:44 – Closing
