Explore every episode of the podcast Not Quite Quorum

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus provide a weekly update on public discourse and questions about the proposed new Johnson County, Iowa, jail.

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.

Laura and Nick Bergus discuss a recent Community Conversation hosted by Great Plains Action Society about the question of a new, bigger jail.

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.

Nick and Laura discuss the happenings of the past week around the County's (in)decision to push for a new jail.

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.

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.

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.

Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming city council meeting agenda, public records on private platforms, and Johnson County electoral politics.

Oliver and Laura discuss housing policy, proposed property tax reform, and what it takes to win elections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oliver and Laura discuss how we can practice ethical decision-making when the rules don't make sense.

Oliver and Laura talk with a DI reporter, admire pelicans, and talk about the upcoming social housing development on Summit Street.

Oliver and Laura discuss urban renewal districts, a permanent supportive housing project with the VA, and more.

Oliver and Laura discuss recent developments with Flock cameras in Johnson County.

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.

We reflect on the resistance in the Twin Cities, Iowa City budget meetings, and answer a listener's request for practical actions towards abolition.

Laura and Oliver discuss different approaches to local public service.

Nick gives his strong opinion about the opacity of how Iowa City decides who serves as the presiding officer and face of the city.

Laura and Oliver discuss what it's like to evaluate issues on the merits, leading from values, and not holding grudges.

Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming budget discussions for Iowa City, and examine how some folks prefer to keep our current systems of oppression in place.

We discuss the Burlington Street bridge project, and Laura reveals which City employee has the best mustache.

We discuss the impossible task of Iowa City's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the challenge of leaders who hoard power.

What are core government services? Turns out, we all get to decide.

Oliver is on tour for a couple of weeks, so Laura is joined by local government expert Nick Bergus.

We also touch on systemic oppression, abolition, and striving for a future of safety, joy, and abundance.

Laura and Oliver discuss the SNAP cliff and what we can each do to help.

Early voting is underway for city council and school board elections. Oliver defines what makes a person "normal."1

Recorded October 3, 2025, before a joint work session between the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and the Iowa City City Council.

A candid conversation between two city councilors about what's been going on in Iowa City.