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UrbanEBB

UrbanEBB

Auteur(s): Rico Figliolini
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À propos de cet audio

UrbanEBB is a gateway to the heart of our local small cities. It covers urban life and planning, culture, innovative city initiatives, politics, startups, and businesses that engage in interesting spaces. Here, people talk about their passions and interests and share their opinions and stories. It's a conversation we can all learn from.2025 Politique Sciences politiques Sciences sociales
Épisodes
  • More Than Badges: Why Community Culture Drives Great Policing
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Chief Frank Trammer, Chief of Police for Stockbridge, Georgia, to explore the realities of building a police department from the ground up. With over 25 years in public safety—including roles at Atlanta PD, Sandy Springs, and Georgia Tech—Chief Trammer brings strategic clarity, deep community values, and a blueprint for modern law enforcement in rapidly growing cities.

    Together, they discuss how Stockbridge launched its own police department in just nine months after a 50-year absence, overcoming recruitment challenges, supply chain delays, and startup logistics—while prioritizing culture, officer wellness, and community trust. This conversation dives into the “why” behind forming a city force, the hidden costs, and the long-term impact of getting it right from day one. Whether you're a city planner, resident, or curious citizen, this episode offers invaluable insight into creating a modern, community-focused police department from scratch.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Define Your “Why” Before Your “What”
      Chief Trammer emphasizes that cities should start with clear goals and community expectations before diving into operations or logistics.
    2. Culture Over Credentials
      Hiring for character and cultural fit—not just experience—was central to Stockbridge’s successful recruitment and retention strategy.
    3. Officer Wellness Is Public Safety
      A supportive work environment and generous benefits created a healthier, more responsive department—and helped attract over 1,200 applicants.
    4. Smart Partnerships Pay Off
      Stockbridge leveraged regional partnerships for SWAT, drones, and crime centers to expand capabilities without overextending budget or staff.
    5. Policing as an Investment, Not Just an Expense
      A city-run department is a long-term investment in safety, accountability, and local quality of life—and can redefine how a community connects with law enforcement.
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    44 min
  • From Zero to Accredited: Dunwoody's Billy Grogan on Starting a City Police Department
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini is joined by Billy Grogan, former Chief of Police in Dunwoody and now Senior VP at Sumter Local Government Consulting. With over 15 years of experience leading a nationally accredited department, Grogan recounts the high-stakes journey of launching Dunwoody’s police force in just 120 days—from policy creation and recruitment to integrating cutting-edge technology. He shares candid insights into the challenges and lessons learned in building a police department from the ground up.

    Rico and Bill also discuss what Peachtree Corners should consider if it chooses to form its own police force, weighing the pros and cons of local control versus county-provided services. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of creating and sustaining a city-run police department—from staffing and budgeting to public trust and community impact.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Start Big, Not Small – Grogan warns that underestimating a city’s long-term policing needs at launch leads to costly, continual catch-up.
    2. Technology is a Force Multiplier – Drones, body cams, and real-time crime centers now help cities like Dunwoody respond faster and smarter.
    3. Recruiting Has Changed – Officer retention has become more difficult post-Ferguson and COVID, requiring stronger benefits and creative incentives like housing stipends.
    4. Local Control Boosts Accountability – A city-run department serves its residents exclusively, fostering trust and deeper community ties.
    5. Civilian Roles are Critical – Grogan emphasizes the importance of hiring non-sworn staff for support roles, freeing officers to focus on enforcement.
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    47 min
  • From Boardrooms to the Himalayas: Vandana’s Journey to Purpose and Growing with Intention
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini chats with Vandana Aggarwal, VP of Operations at Aggarwal Real Estate, about the winding road from global consulting to family-run commercial real estate in Norcross, Georgia. With honesty, warmth, and insight, V shares how she went from working 80-hour weeks in corporate strategy to rediscovering clarity in the mountains of India—and ultimately, helping transform her family’s business into a community-driven real estate firm managing over 50 shopping centers.

    The conversation weaves together themes of leadership, legacy, operational excellence, and the transformative power of both AI and yoga. This is another episode you won’t want to miss.

    Bullet Points:
    • Why Vandana left a high-powered consulting career to join her family business
    • How hiking Kilimanjaro and studying yoga in the Himalayas changed her leadership mindset
    • The operational overhaul she brought to Arragwal Real Estate to support growth
    • What it’s like working side-by-side with your dad, siblings, and 700+ tenants
    • How the company rebranded with intention and built a mission around “building communities as a community”
    • Where AI is reshaping real estate—from lease drafting to property management—and where it still can’t compete with people
    • Leadership succession planning with siblings at the helm
    • The importance of clarity, calm, and conscious growth in both business and life
    Timestamp:
    00:00:00 – Introduction and sponsors: Vox Pop Uli & EV Remodeling
    00:03:12 – From Georgia Tech to global consulting
    00:04:23 – Leading strategy for Fortune 500 companies
    00:06:11 – The role of vision alignment at the C-suite
    00:08:01 – Sabbatical becomes family business overhaul
    00:09:35 – Bringing operational excellence to a growing real estate firm
    00:12:02 – A year of yoga, nature, and healing in India
    00:17:03 – Hiking Kilimanjaro, testing limits, and expanding self-trust
    00:18:52 – Navigating family dynamics inside a business
    00:21:56 – Planning for leadership transition: siblings, strategy, succession
    00:24:06 – Rebranding the business: from American Management to Arragwal Real Estate
    00:26:33 – Where AI fits (and doesn’t) in real estate operations
    00:30:04 – Legal, leasing, HR, and marketing efficiency with tech
    00:31:01 – Community-focused retail and experiential shopping centers
    00:32:00 – Reflections on AI, journalism, and digital trust
    00:32:57 – Closing thoughts
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    35 min

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