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.Chapters00:00 From Acting to Politics: A Journey02:29 The Intersection of Acting and Politics04:46 The Role of a Councillor: Representation and Responsibility06:46 Engaging with Constituents: Beyond Political Affiliations10:11 The Burden of Local Politics15:51 Changes in Local Governance: A Historical Perspective19:06 Addressing Housing Affordability Challenges22:33 Global Issues Impacting Local Politics26:55 Finding Joy in Local Governance29:44 The Joy of Making a Difference30:33 Intuition vs. Evidence in Decision Making34:04 The Complexity of Social Issues34:56 Government and Responsibility35:55 Co-production and Community Engagement38:55 Technology and Local Government43:15 The Evolution of Hackney Wick46:16 Changing Demographics and Community Needs52:33 Building Community Spaces Together56:52 Navigating Social Friction in a Diverse Community01:03:00 Complexities and Joy in Local Governance

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