Inside City Hall

Supporting Mental Health in Public Safety

September is National Suicide Prevention Month — a time to break the silence and talk openly about mental health. In this episode of Inside City Hall, we sit down with licensed therapist and former Madison officer Stacy Thomas and Community Relations Officer Shane Kyker to discuss the unique challenges faced by our first responders, the importance of mental health support, and how we can all play a role in prevention.

Civic Awareness Academy

Have you ever been curious about how the City of Madison operates? Let’s peek behind the curtain. In this episode of Inside City Hall, we sit down with Government Affairs Officer Traci Gillespie and local business owner Brenda Matthews to explore the City’s Civic Awareness Academy: a free, six-week program that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at local government. From touring City facilities to meeting department leaders, participants learn how decisions are made, how services run, and how they can get involved.
Applications for the Fall 2025 session close August 29, so listen now to learn more.

Backpacks and Brake Lights

School’s back in session, and that means it’s time to slow down, stay alert, and brush up on school zone safety. In this episode of Inside City Hall: Backpacks and Brake Lights, we sit down with Officer Mike Dixon, head of the Madison Police Department’s Traffic Division, to talk about what drivers need to know as buses roll out and crosswalks fill up.
From navigating drop-off lines to respecting crossing guards and school buses, Officer Dixon shares real-life insights, common mistakes, and how we can all help keep kids safe on the road.
Whether you're a parent, commuter, or just passing through, this is 20 minutes you don’t want to skip!

Candidate Connection

As the City of Madison gears up for its 2025 Municipal Election, we're taking you behind the scenes of an important community event: the Candidate Connection Reception & Forum, hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce and All Things Madison.
In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Epling, President of the Madison Chamber, and Erica DeSpain, Owner/Editor of All Things Madison. Together, they break down what to expect at the upcoming event, how it was designed to foster engagement with voters, and identify candidates’ goals for our community.
📅 Event Date: Thursday, July 10📍 Location: James Clemens High School🕕 Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
Learn more about the event: business.madisonalchamber.com

Main Street Milestone

The City of Madison has officially been named a Main Street Alabama community — and we’re diving into what that means for our historic downtown, local businesses, and the future of economic development.
Join us on this episode of Inside City Hall as we talk with Trisha Black, Assistant State Coordinator for Main Street Alabama, Shannon Fisher, co-owner of Lemon and Lavender in the heart of downtown Madison, and Mayor Paul Finley to break down the goals for this program.

Countdown to the Polls

From exploring information needs for candidates to keeping voters informed, Madison's role in the election is election management. On this episode of Inside City Hall, Countdown to the Polls, the 2025 municipal election is explained.

Planning, Paving, and Progress

On this episode of Inside City Hall, we shine a light on the planning, paving, and progress of the city with a sit-down with the Engineering Department, which works tirelessly to make sure our infrastructure is safe, efficient, and built to last.

Blazing trails with Madison Fire and Rescue

Join us on Inside City Hall as we sit down with Acting Fire Chief Brandy Williams to take a closer look at the department is at the forefront of community preparation.

Connecting with the Community

Join us on Inside City Hall: Connecting with the Community. In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Magnuson and Deidra Brisco, the communications team of the City of Madison. Samantha opens up about developing a marketing strategy for Madison when she started 8 years ago, and Deidra talks about taking the reins from here. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the City's effort to connect with the community, a list of information resources the city has available, and all about the operations of Communications.

Small Business, Big Impact

Join us on Inside City Hall: Small Business, Big Impact. In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Fisher, the owner of Lemon and Lavender in Historic Downtown Madison. Shannon opens up about the inspiration behind her unique boutique, the ups and downs of owning a small business, and the strong sense of community that makes Madison such a special place. Don't miss this insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, local support, and the charm of small-town businesses!