Big Ideas Raleigh – Details, episodes & analysis

Data is all around us, from how hot a city sidewalk gets to how many people use a park on a weekend. How does Raleigh use this data to improve city services? Join us for an enlightening episode as we explore the innovative ways data is being utilized to enhance life in the City of Raleigh.

Your host, Dan Bagley, is joined by three special guests: Jim Alberque, GIS and Emerging Technology Manager at the City of Raleigh, Dr. Bonnie Brown, Chief Data Officer at Wake County, and Dr. Aric LaBarr, Associate Professor of Analytics at NC State University. Together, they discuss how data about the city's infrastructure and services is transforming the way Raleigh operates and serves its residents.

Tune in to hear about the innovative projects these experts are working on, the partnerships they've formed to leverage data for community benefit, and real-life examples of data-driven decisions. 

Whether you're a data enthusiast, a Raleigh resident, or simply curious about the role of data in local government, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging stories about how data is shaping our City of Oaks.

RESOURCES:

• Online Mapping Applications from The City of Raleigh GIS: https://raleighnc.gov/apps-maps-and-open-data/services/online-mapping-applications 
• Mapping Urban Heat Islands: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability/services/mapping-urban-heat-islands 

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

Join us for a fun and fact-filled episode of "Big Ideas Raleigh." Discover the secrets behind Raleigh's award-winning water quality, learn how our water system acts as the lifeblood of the city, and explore the innovative projects turning bioenergy and bio waste into valuable resources. Find out how Raleigh keeps up with the growing demand for water services and extends its reach to serve many communities beyond our city limits.

Your host, Dan Bagley, is joined by Ed Buchan, Assistant Director in Raleigh Water with the City of Raleigh. Their conversation, recorded at the Dempsey E. Benton Water Treatment Plant, will change the way you think about every drop and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the incredible work happening behind the scenes!

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the essential role of water management in our city!

RESOURCES:

• More on the bio energy recovery project, including a video explainer:
  https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/bio-energy-recovery-project
• More on Raleigh’s award winning water:
  https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/news/stay-hydrated-summer-raleighs-best-tasting-water

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

Curious about how the City of Raleigh supports small businesses? Join us at Sugar Euphoria, a beloved wedding cake and dessert shop on N. Person Street, to hear inspiring stories and valuable insights from our community's entrepreneurs.

Your host, Dan Bagley, and executive producer Dr. Sarah Glova chat with Mark Weldon and Carl Brooks II from the City of Raleigh's Small Business service unit. We also hear from Randi Smith, owner of Sugar Euphoria and a recipient of one of the City's small business grants. Randi shares her journey of starting and running a successful boutique cake shop that has become a community favorite in the City of Oaks.

Whether you're a small business owner, someone thinking about starting a business, or just interested in our thriving small business scene, this episode is for you! Learn how your Oaks City is supporting local businesses and discover the sweet success stories in our community.

RESOURCES: 

• Download the Small Business Resource Guide from the City of Raleigh’s website: https://raleighnc.gov/housing-and-neighborhoods/service-unit/small-business 

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

Get ready to dive deep into the heartbeat of Raleigh as we explore our hidden gems, thriving food scene, rich history, and beautiful parks — as well as the programs, people, and ideas helping to navigate Raleigh’s biggest challenges, like growth, transportation and housing. 

This is a journey through the past, present, and future of our beloved city. So, buckle up for engaging conversations with the people behind Raleigh’s big ideas. 

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

How do parks transform communities? Join us for an inspiring episode recorded at the historic Halifax Community Center, a hub for local activities and community events in Raleigh.

Your host, Dan Bagley, and executive producer Dr. Sarah Glova are joined by two special guests: Stephen Bentley, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, and Aly Khalifa, a passionate Raleigh resident and CoFounder and Chief Innovation Officer of Positive Company. Together, they explore the transformative power of parks in the City of Oaks.

Tune in to hear Stephen's insights on how Raleigh's parks promote inclusion, empowerment, and community collaboration. Aly shares his experiences as an advocate for parks (including how he helped turn a neighborhood block-party event into a popular City program!). 

Whether you're a park enthusiast, a community advocate, or simply curious about Raleigh's green spaces, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging stories about the heart of our city.

RESOURCES:

• Halifax Park: https://raleighnc.gov/parks/places/halifax-park 
• Kirby Derby: https://kdd.gamil.com   

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

Do you know how to navigate your city? No, not the streets and paths — but the departments and offices. Who do you talk to if you have a question about your neighborhood? Where do you go for support?

The City of Raleigh is passionate about helping its citizens navigate the city. That's why Raleigh offers a number of unique programs to help residents learn more about their City government and how they can get involved.

In this episode, you’ll hear about three key programs: The Raleigh Planning Academy, The Raleigh Neighborhood College, and The Citizens Leadership Academy, which each empower residents to participate in the city's growth and explore resources for their communities and neighborhoods. 

Your host, Dan Bagley, and executive producer Dr. Sarah Glova are joined by two special guests: Luis Olivieri-Robert, Community Relations Analyst in Neighborhood Enrichment Services (Housing & Neighborhoods Department), and Katie Dombrowski, Communications Administrator (Communications Department) with the City of Raleigh. Together, they discuss the important role residents play in city planning and neighborhood development, and they share powerful stories from these two key Raleigh programs.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this episode is for you! Find out how you can make a difference and be part of the exciting changes happening in our Oak City.

RESOURCES:

• City of Raleigh Planning Academy: https://raleighnc.gov/planning/services/raleigh-planning-academy 
• City of Raleigh Neighborhood College: https://raleighnc.gov/community/services/raleigh-neighborhood-college 

City of Raleigh Citizens Leadership Academy:

https://raleighnc.gov/community/services/citizens-leadership-academy

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

Did you know Raleigh has over 10,000 acres of parkland? In this episode, you will learn how to maintain our parks, from greenways to urban forests. In this episode, you will hear from Parks and Greenway Infrastructure Superintendent Brian Johnson, Urban Forester, Zach Manor, and Assistant Director of Parks Charles Craig.

Raleigh Parks is powered by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, and is hosted by Cara McLeod.

Did you know Raleigh Parks is home to the birthplace of a U.S. President? We will chat with the Historic Resources and Museum Program Administrator, Troy Burton, and learn fun facts about Raleigh’s historic resources and museum program.

Raleigh Parks is powered by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, and is hosted by Cara McLeod.

Ever wondered how we can help preserve Raleigh's rich history for future generations? Join us for a fascinating episode recorded at the City of Raleigh Museum on Fayetteville Street.

Your host, Dan Bagley, and executive producer Dr. Sarah Glova are joined by two special guests: Ernest Dollar, Executive Director of the City of Raleigh Museum and the Pope House Museum, and Carmen Cauthen, a historian and author of Historic Black Neighborhoods of Raleigh. Together, they explore the dynamic balance between honoring Raleigh's past and embracing its growth.

Listen in to hear about the efforts to preserve our Oak City's historic roots, the stories of its vibrant communities, and the importance of amplifying stories that shouldn't be forgotten. Whether you're a history buff, a Raleigh native, or just curious about how our city is evolving, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging stories about the heart of Raleigh.

RESOURCES: 

• The City of Raleigh Museum: https://raleighnc.gov/parks/places/city-raleigh-museum 
• Historic Black Neighborhoods of Raleigh by Carmen Cauthen: https://www.amazon.com/Historic-Neighborhoods-Raleigh-American-Heritage/dp/1467150886

Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

In this episode, you will learn about Raleigh’s Natural Resources and how we promote environmental awareness and stewardship. In this episode, you will hear from Environmental Education Programs, Sheryl McGlory, Natural Resources Superintendent Brian Smith, and Land Stewardship Program Manager Sean Gough.

Raleigh Parks is powered by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, and is hosted by Cara McLeod.