May 9, 2025
Navigating Local Power in a Time of National Change
Insights from Dave Herrero and Mayor Michael Hancock at Blooming Day 2025
At Blooming Day 2025, amidst a rapidly shifting political landscape, a standout conversation between Dave Herrero, Partner at LSG, and former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock struck a powerful chord.
Framed by federal uncertainty and local urgency, their discussion explored a central theme: how local leaders and organizations can harness their voices—and their stories—to drive change from the ground up.
Local Leadership in a Rewritten Federal Landscape
Dave Herrero opened with a sobering but clear-eyed analysis: the dynamics of federalism are changing. With President Trump back in office and pursuing sweeping executive actions, responsibility—and opportunity—is falling more than ever to local and community-based leaders.
“Even in this environment,” Herrero said, “there is an opportunity to communicate your impact, to tell your story—and that story starts at the local level.”
A Mayor’s Perspective on Crisis, Trust, and Storytelling
Mayor Hancock brought years of frontline experience to the conversation. Reflecting on his time leading Denver through social upheaval and the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized that in times of crisis, local government isn’t just the first responder—it’s often the only responder.
His storytelling reminded the room of a universal truth: the most effective solutions are often the simplest ones. In one memorable anecdote, a group of top city officials debated expensive, complex fixes to a public safety issue—until a young police officer offered the obvious solution: “Why don’t we just move the rocks?”
That local-level pragmatism, Hancock argued, is what helped cities lead through the pandemic when federal guidance stalled.
Meeting the Moment: Messaging That Resonates
The conversation wasn’t just about policy—it was about how to communicate in today’s fragmented, skeptical world. Herrero laid out four key messages resonating with the American public and the current administration:
Lowering Costs – Demonstrate how your work eases economic pressure on families and systems.
Protecting Medicare & Medicaid – Highlight how programs serve diverse populations and enhance quality of life.
Restoring Trust – Lead with community-based, culturally competent approaches.
The “Make America Healthy Again” Agenda – Align with federal priorities around food, chronic disease, and environmental health.
The Power of Trusted Messengers
Both speakers emphasized the importance of who delivers the message. Whether it’s a mayor, a nurse, or a local caregiver—people trust those closest to them. In Hancock’s case, it meant standing beside public health officials, following the data, and letting experts speak directly to the community.
“It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing,” Hancock reminded us.
Keep It Simple. Keep It Human.
The conversation closed on a deeply personal note. Mayor Hancock spoke of the difficulties he faced helping his own mother—an older adult eligible for services—navigate the fragmented care system, even with his knowledge and connections.
“If it was this hard for me, imagine how hard it is for someone with no support.”
That’s why he’s supporting Blooming Health, and why he called on every attendee to return to a simple but profound principle: put yourself in the shoes of the person on the couch. If it’s not easy for them, it’s not good policy.
What You Can Do
Tell your story—in meetings, at town halls, on social media. Your experience matters.
Build local partnerships—collaborate with elected officials, CBOs, and trusted messengers.
Keep it simple and data-driven—show the real-world impact of your work.
Ready to simplify social care delivery in your community?
Let’s work together to connect more people to the support they need—faster, easier, and more effectively.
Contact us to learn how Blooming Health can help your organization scale its impact.
