Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

The Gaston County team of Adam Gaub, Janet Schafer, Elizabeth McGee and Gavin Stewart host Savvy Citizen -- taking you behind the scenes on issues that matter to you as a Gaston County resident. New episodes drop every Monday.

Making a Mark on the Housing Market

City of Gastonia Housing and Community Engagement Director Danette Dye talks to Savvy Citizen about the City's 3-day housing forum in April, and how they are fighting for greater equality and opportunity in the local market. 

03-18
20:37

Subdividing Land: When It Goes Well (And When It Doesn't)

Jamie and Peyton are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' episode, talking about what can go right and what can go wrong when breaking land into smaller chunks for houses or apartments. 

09-29
25:27

A Quick Vote Could Mean Big Cash for Least of These Carolinas

Least of These Carolinas Executive Director and Founder Susanna Kavanaugh talks with Savvy Citizen about the work the nonprofit does with foster care children in our state, and how you can help them win a major grant from Chick-Fil-A this month. 

09-22
37:05

New Park Carries Legendary Name

Gavin Stewart heads into the field and takes you behind the scenes of Mount Holly's newest park -- Ransom Hunter Park -- with details on its historical significance. 

09-15
21:03

BONUS: Trails & Tunes

Daniel Stowe Conservancy is just a week away from hosting "Trails and Tunes," and we've got the inside scoop on some major announcements, as well as the famous local musical guest you can look forward to. 

09-12
32:26

Gaston County Recovery Walk 2025

In this episode, hosts Janet Schafer and Elizabeth McGee speak with Dr. Wanda Jones about the Gaston County Recovery Walk 2025--an event intended to celebrate recovery in all of its forms.

09-08
34:32

Spencer Mountain Trail Update

In this episode, Ashton Lamb of the Catawba Lands Conservancy & Carolina Thread Trail and Erin Hines of Gaston County Natural Resources sit down with host Adam Gaub to discuss a grant they've received for the new Spencer Mountain trail. They'll also let you know how you can provide feedback about the trail's signage.

09-02
31:07

Simple Steps to Safety

Leigh Kish from our Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services is back to talk with us about some easy ways you can make your home a whole lot safer. 

08-25
29:55

Murder Mystery Disco

It's a killer good time... The Gaston County Museum's annual murder mystery fundraiser is transporting us to the era of disco, and Alex Brooks has some tips on what to wear and why a disco ball banana is more important than you might think.

08-18
29:49

Yes, But Who's ACTUALLY Deciding?

In this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries episode, Jamie and Peyton are breaking down the decision making process for zoning cases, and the multiple people that can impact them before a final call gets made.

08-11
16:32

Our Own Declaration of Independence Prequel

Daughters of the American Revolution members Audrey Ramseur Edwards and Millicent Heavner talk to us for this special Gaston 250 edition of Savvy Citizen about the upcoming 250th signing of the Tryon Resolves, and how you can join in on the historic celebration later this month. 

08-04
30:22

Trust the Process

Savvy Citizen co-host Janet Schafer spent years in Gaston County's budget office, but now is heading up a new effort within the county on process improvement. Learn how some private sector practices are helping county teams improve the way they serve residents. 

07-28
41:09

A Passion for Animals

Captain Kyle Yancey, who oversees the Animal Care and Enforcement Shelter for Gaston County PD, talks to Savvy Citizen about his passion for animals, his service to the community and why he was shocked to learn he was the Manager's Award winner for the county. 

07-21
31:33

The Misconceptions of Zoning Permits

Peyton and Jamie are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries, where they break down the common misconceptions behind zoning permits, and the value they serve in keeping our county from descending into chaos. 

07-14
31:05

The Big Budget Breakdown

We're celebrating the fiscal new year by taking you behind the scenes in the Gaston County budget process. Taylor Ricci, Scott Attaway and Elizabeth McGee explain why a strenuous budget year is producing good outcomes for residents. 

07-07
42:10

Defeating Disinformation

In this edition of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Bret Schafer and Krystyna Sikora of the Alliance for Securing Democracy--an organization devoted to exposing, analyzing, and developing strategies to counter foreign information manipulation and interference in democracies. They talk about the role several foreign governments played in spreading disinformation in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. 

06-30
35:51

Connecting Gaston with the World

In this edition of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Justin Amos of Gaston County and Bruce Clark of the Center for Digital Equity to talk about a special project that is seeking to increase broadband access for residents of Gaston County, as well as increase knowledge of folks who are a little less tech-savvy. 

06-23
28:22

Subdividing Land (Part 1)

On the fourth installment of A Planned Party, Jamie and Peyton talk subdivisions! We've all talked about subdivisions in our community, but what are they actually? And who all is involved in the process of subdividing land? Stay tuned for Part 2 of this topic! Do you have questions about this series? Email planning@gastongov.com. 

06-16
15:41

Fun (and Safety) in the Sun!

In this week's episode of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Leigh Kish of the Office of Emergency Management & Fire Services to discuss all things summer safety--from the pool and grill to those all-American summer fireworks.

06-09
20:19

Classy, Not Trashy

Keep Gastonia Beautiful is participating in a national effort tied to the upcoming celebration of America's 250th Birthday -- The Greatest American Cleanup. Learn how you can get involved to help make our community really shine in time for next year's big celebration.

06-02
26:54

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