Wide Open

What happens when power is concentrated in one elected leader?  

In Episode two of Wide Open, we dive into the Strong Mayor model—what it looks like, why some cities embrace it, and the arguments for and against it. From representation and accountability to the risks of partisanship and influence, we explore whether this approach creates stronger leadership or opens the door to old problems.

What is Wide Open?

Season one of Wide Open explores one big question: How should cities be governed? In this four-part series, we dive into the two dominant models of local government—the Council–Manager system, which relies on professional administrators, and the Strong Mayor system, which concentrates executive power in a single elected leader. This podcast examines this question through expert interviews, historical reference, and real-world examples from Kansas cities and beyond. What do these structures mean for leadership, accountability, and community identity? Is it time to innovate, or should we trust the models that have endured for over a century? Join us as we unpack the ideas, risks, and opportunities shaping the future of local governance.