All American Why

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why data centers are suddenly showing up everywhere and what communities should expect in return. From electricity, water, land, and tax incentives to jobs, infrastructure, and public participation, he looks at the physical systems behind “the cloud” and the growing demands being placed on the communities where data centers are built.Michael then talks with Kipperlyn Sinclair about what Hillsboro’s experience with rapid data center growth can teach us. They discuss how these projects took shape, what communities should know before making long-term commitments, and what greater transparency and public accountability could look like as the industry continues to expand.Guest InformationKipperlyn SinclairHillsboro City Councilor and Candidate for Washington County Commissionerhttps://www.instagram.com/kipperlyn_forcommunity/https://www.facebook.com/kipperlyn.sinclair.54Kipperlyn Sinclair serves on the Hillsboro City Council and is currently running for Washington County Commissioner. Her civic involvement has included service on Hillsboro’s Planning Commission and Public Engagement Committee, with a focus on community engagement and local decision-making.Recording and ProductionRecorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, OregonOriginal Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)Learn More / SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.Energy and AI | International Energy AgencyResearch on global data center growth, electricity demand, AI, energy infrastructure, and the challenges of matching rapidly growing computing demand with energy-system development.https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-aiOregon Data Centers by the Numbers | Oregon Public BroadcastingReporting on research from ECOnorthwest and the University of Virginia examining Oregon’s 111 operating data centers, 32 planned or under construction, electricity consumption, employment, and tax incentives.https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/17/oregon-data-centers-consume-quarter-state-power-report/Data Centers | City of HillsboroInformation on data center development in Hillsboro, including land use, electricity and water, property taxes, tax abatements, and the City’s ongoing review of data center policy.https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17615/5253Data Centers in Hillsboro | City of HillsboroCity information on data center-related property taxes and Enterprise Zone incentives, including 2025 tax abatements and exempted real market value.https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/FormBuilder/FormBuilder/9f579a9bfe2e4be791a30c96d64182a7/5252Land Use Moratorium Enacted on Data Centers & BESS Facilities | City of HillsboroInformation on Hillsboro’s 120-day moratorium on certain new and expanded data center and battery energy storage land-use applications and the City’s review of future regulations.https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17551/Data & Energy Storage in Hillsboro | Engage HillsboroInformation on Hillsboro’s public process for reviewing where and how data centers and energy storage facilities should be located and regulated.https://engage.hillsboro-oregon.gov/data-centersOregon’s POWER Act Delivers Lower Rates for Oregon Families and Businesses, Higher Costs for Data Centers | Office of Governor Tina KotekSeptember 2026 update on implementation of Oregon’s POWER Act and reported changes to residential, commercial, and data center electricity rates in Portland General Electric’s service territory.https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/oregons-power-act-delivers-lower-rates-for-oregon-families-and-businesses-higher-costs-for-data-centers

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why the American Dream seems increasingly difficult to afford. From housing, wages, healthcare, and childcare to savings, wealth, and the cost of everyday life, he looks at a basic question: does the math still work? Michael then talks with Alejandro Queral about what Oregon jobs actually pay, what families need to live securely, and what it would take to make economic security feel achievable again.Guest InformationAlejandro QueralExecutive Director, Oregon Center for Public PolicyAlejandro Queral is Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy. He brings more than 20 years of experience in advocacy and nonprofit leadership across public health, human rights, environmental policy, and philanthropy.Recording and ProductionRecorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, OregonOriginal Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)Learn More / SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.The Fading American Dream | Opportunity InsightsResearch on economic mobility across generations.https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/the-fading-american-dream/2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers | National Association of REALTORS®Data on first-time homebuyers and homeownership trends.https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellersEconomic Well-Being of U.S. Households | Federal ReserveResearch on household finances, emergency expenses, and financial security.https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/shed.htmSurvey of Consumer Finances | Federal ReserveData on household income, wealth, homeownership, and net worth.https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey | KFFData on employer-sponsored health insurance premiums and worker contributions.https://www.kff.org/health-costs/2025-employer-health-benefits-survey/Child Care in America | Child Care Aware of AmericaResearch on the price and availability of childcare in the United States.https://www.childcareaware.org/thechildcarestandstill/Childcare Workers | U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsFederal wage and employment data for childcare workers.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htmConsumer Price Index | U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsFederal data on inflation and changes in consumer prices.https://www.bls.gov/cpi/Many Jobs Pay Too Little to Support a Family | Oregon Center for Public PolicyAnalysis of Oregon wages and the cost of meeting basic household needs.https://www.ocpp.org/2026/09/01/many-jobs-pay-too-little-to-support-a-family/Oregon Center for Public PolicyResearch and analysis on Oregon tax, budget, and economic policy.https://www.ocpp.org/

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why American elections so often leave voters choosing between two major-party candidates. From primaries and independent voters to ranked-choice voting, third parties, and electoral systems around the world, the episode explores whether we could give voters more meaningful choices.Michael then talks with Tom Joseph about America’s Primary, his proposed alternative congressional nominating system. They explore how it would work, what problems it might solve, and what new challenges it could create.Guest InformationTom JosephCreator of America’s Main Street PrimaryTom Joseph developed America’s Main Street Primary as an alternative approach to congressional nominations. His appearance is an opportunity to explore the proposal and the broader question of whether America could design primary elections differently. @mainstreetparty_Recording and ProductionRecorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, OregonOriginal Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)Learn More / SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.Party Affiliation Fact Sheet | Pew Research CenterData on party identification and independent voters.https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/fact-sheet/party-affiliation-fact-sheet-npors/Voters’ Feelings About the 2024 Campaign and Candidates | Pew Research CenterResearch on voter attitudes toward the 2024 presidential choices.https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/07/11/voters-feelings-about-the-2024-campaign-and-candidates/State Primaries Toolkit | National Conference of State LegislaturesOverview of primary systems used across the United States.https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/state-primaries-toolkitPreferential Voting | Australian Electoral CommissionExplanation of Australia’s preferential voting system.https://www.aec.gov.au/learn/preferential-voting.htmWhat is MMP? | Electoral Commission of New ZealandExplanation of New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional system.https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp/The Electoral System | German Federal Returning OfficerOverview of Germany’s Bundestag electoral system.https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/informationen-waehler/wahlsystem.htmlVoting Systems in the UK | UK House of Commons LibraryOverview of electoral systems used across the United Kingdom.https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn04458/2025 Democratic Mayoral Primary Ranked-Choice Results | New York City Board of ElectionsOfficial ranked-choice results from the 2025 mayoral primary.https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2025/20250624Primary%20Election/rcv/026916_1.htmlElectoral College | National ArchivesOverview of the Electoral College system.https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/aboutElectoral College FAQs | National ArchivesAdditional information about Electoral College procedures.https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq1992 Federal Election Results | Federal Election CommissionOfficial results from the 1992 presidential election.https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections92.pdf2 U.S.C. § 2c | U.S. House of RepresentativesFederal law concerning single-member congressional districts.https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title2-section2cElectoral System Design Database | International IDEAComparative information on electoral systems around the world.https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/electoral-system-design

Subtitle: And, How Can We Be More Like Dolly and Less Like Donald?In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why America still organizes so much of working life around systems designed generations ago. From the 40-hour workweek and the decline of organized labor to remote work, employee ownership, burnout, healthcare, workplace flexibility, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Michael explores who benefits when workers become more productive and whether work should demand quite so much of our lives.Michael then talks with Marina Martinez-Bateman about human-centered management, workers' rights, organizational power, anti-racism, restorative justice, capitalism, and what it might look like to build workplaces differently. Together, they explore how employers can balance accountability with autonomy, profitability with humanity, and the needs of organizations with the dignity and lives of the people who make them work."Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” -Dolly PartonGuest InformationMarina Martinez-Bateman, Founder & CEO of New Coyote ConsultingMarina's work focuses on human-centered management, workers' rights, anti-racism, restorative justice, organizational power, equity, and building institutions differently. Marina also teaches Decolonizing Management, a program examining hierarchy, capitalism, anti-Blackness, budgeting, hiring, firing, accountability, and power inside organizations. Check out all of their workshops! Recording and ProductionRecorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, OregonOriginal Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)Learn More / SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.State of the Global Workplace: United States Country-Level Data | Gallup Research on employee engagement and the experience of workers in the United States. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/704063/state-global-workplace-united-states-country-level-data.aspxU.S. Workers Adjust to the Changing Nature of Employment: Highlights from the 2024 Work in America Survey | American Psychological Association Research on burnout, working hours, workplace mental health, workplace flexibility, and the experiences of American workers. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2024The New York Factory Investigating Commission | U.S. Department of Labor History of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the workplace safety reforms that followed. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/mono-regsafepart07The Department in the New Deal and World War II, 1933 to 1945 | U.S. Department of Labor Historical background on federal labor protections, organized labor, and workplace reform during the New Deal era. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/dolchp03National Labor Relations Act | National Labor Relations Board The federal law establishing important protections for collective organizing and bargaining. https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-actUnion Members, 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal data on union membership, including long-term changes in the percentage of American workers represented by unions. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.htmGrowing Inequalities, Reflecting Growing Employer Power, Have Generated a Productivity-Pay Gap Since 1979 | Economic Policy Institute Research examining the relationship between increases in worker productivity and compensation. https://www.epi.org/blog/growing-inequalities-reflecting-growing-employer-power-have-generated-a-productivity-pay-gap-since-1979-productivity-has-grown-3-5-times-as-much-as-pay-for-the-typical-worker/CEO Pay Jumped Nearly 6% in 2024: CEOs Made 281 Times as Much as the Typical Worker | Economic Policy Institute Research documenting long-term changes in CEO compensation relative to typical worker compensation. https://www.epi.org/press/ceo-pay-jumped-nearly-6-in-2024-ceos-made-281-times-as-much-as-the-typical-worker/History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 to 2009 | U.S. Department of Labor Historical data on the federal minimum wage, which has remained $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chartU.S. Department of Labor Report to Congress Shows Continued Growth of Employee Ownership | U.S. Department of Labor Research and federal reporting on ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and other employee ownership models. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20260223Chronotype and Synchrony Effects in Human Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review | Chronobiology International A systematic review examining chronotypes and whether cognitive performance can vary based on an individual's preferred time of day. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40293205/Right to Disconnect | Australian Fair Work Ombudsman Information about Australia's legal right for employees to refuse certain work-related contact outside working hours. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/right-to-disconnectPredictive Scheduling | Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Information about Oregon's scheduling protections for employees of certain large retail, hospitality, and food-service employers. https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/predictive-scheduling.aspxHow COVID-19 Changed U.S. Workplaces | Pew Research Center Research on remote work, work-life balance, productivity, and how American workplaces changed following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.pewresearch.org/2025/02/12/how-covid-19-changed-u-s-workplaces/Durée du travail d'un salarié à temps plein | Service-Public.fr, French Government Information on France's 35-hour statutory reference period for full-time work. https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1911Directive 2003/88/EC Concerning Certain Aspects of the Organisation of Working Time | European Union European Union rules addressing working time, daily rest, and minimum paid annual leave. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/88/oj/engHoliday Pay | U.S. Department of Labor Federal guidance explaining that the Fair Labor Standards Act does not require employers to provide paid vacation. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workhours/holidaysUnited States: Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness 2026 | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International economic and policy comparisons, including the United States' approach to paid maternity leave. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/foundations-for-growth-and-competitiveness-2026_40a7532f-en/full-report/united-states_2015aea7.htmlSociety at a Glance 2024: OECD Social Indicators | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International comparisons involving family policy, parental leave, social conditions, and well-being. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/society-at-a-glance-2024_918d8db3-en.htmlEmployer-Sponsored Health Insurance 101 | KFF Research and data on employer-sponsored health insurance and the role employment plays in healthcare coverage in the United States. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/health-policy-101-employer-sponsored-health-insurance/Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements, July 2023 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal data on independent contractors and other alternative employment arrangements. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/conemp.htmWomen in the Workplace 2025 | McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org Research examining women's representation, advancement, promotion, and leadership in corporate America. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplaceLilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 | U.S. Congress Federal legislation addressing when discriminatory compensation claims accrue under federal employment discrimination laws. https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/181Sexual Harassment in Our Nation's Workplaces | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Federal data and research concerning workplace sexual harassment, reporting, and enforcement. https://www.eeoc.gov/data/sexual-harassment-our-nations-workplacesGenerative AI at Work | Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey R. Raymond, National Bureau of Economic Research Research involving more than 5,000 customer-support agents examining the effects of generative AI assistance on worker productivity. https://www.nber.org/papers/w31161Generative AI at Work | The Quarterly Journal of Economics The peer-reviewed published version of the research on generative AI and customer-support worker productivity. https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/140/2/889/7990658Changes in Work Time and Well-Being: A Large-Scale Global Study | Nature Human Behaviour A 2025 peer-reviewed study of 2,896 employees across 141 organizations examining reduced working time without reduced pay and its relationship to burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and physical health. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02259-6Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor History of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the development of federal minimum wage, overtime, and working-hour protections. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938Fair Labor Standards Act | U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division Federal information about minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor protections under the FLSA. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsaTriangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire | Library of Congress Historical materials about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its significance in American labor and workplace safety history. https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-triangle-shirtwaist-factory-fire

In this episode of All American Why, Michael begins by sharing why this question matters to him as a business attorney who believes business can be a powerful force for good. He then talks with Tom Hering and Kim Allchurch-Flick about the evolution of corporations, the purpose of business, and how different approaches to corporate governance can shape our economy and society. Together, they explore whether we have designed capitalism in a way that reflects the values and outcomes we want to encourage. Guest InformationTom Hering, Co-Founder & Managing Partner ofBenefit Corporations for Goodhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hering-9829727/ Kim Allchurch-Flick, Founder of Mighty Measurehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kimallchurchflick/Leaders and advocates in the Benefit Company and Certified B Corporation movement, helping businesses align profit with purpose, accountability, and long-term impact.Recording and ProductionRecorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, OregonOriginal Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)Learn More / SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits (Milton Friedman, 1970)The landmark essay that helped popularize shareholder primacy and influenced modern corporate governance.https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/13/archives/a-friedman-doctrine-the-social-responsibility-of-business-is-to.htmlDodge v. Ford Motor Co. (1919)The Michigan Supreme Court decision frequently cited in discussions of shareholder primacy and corporate purpose. https://law.justia.com/cases/michigan/supreme-court/1919/170-n-w-668-2.htmlThe Shareholder Value Myth – Lynn Stout Examines the legal and economic misconceptions surrounding shareholder primacy. https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-shareholder-value-mythCannibals with Forks – John ElkingtonIntroduced and popularized the Triple Bottom Line framework of People, Planet, and Profit. https://www.johnelkington.com/archive/TBL-elkington-chapter.pdfBenefit Corporations for Good An affordable certification for purpose-driven businesses committed to people, planet, and profit.https://benefitcorporationsforgood.com/B Lab InternationalThe nonprofit organization that administers the Certified B Corporation certification. https://www.bcorporation.net/Model Benefit Corporation LegislationThe model legislation used as the basis for benefit corporation statutes across the United States. https://benefitcorp.net/Oregon Benefit Company StatutesOregon's laws governing Benefit Companies. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors060.htmlWashington Benefit Corporation ActWashington's statutes governing Benefit Corporations. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=23B.25Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)The U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding protections for independent political expenditures. https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/558/310/Federal Election Commission: Independent ExpendituresExplains campaign finance rules governing independent political spending. https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-independent-expenditures/OpenSecretsTracks lobbying, campaign finance, Super PAC spending, and political influence.https://www.opensecrets.org/Economic Policy Institute: CEO CompensationResearch documenting long-term trends in CEO pay relative to typical worker compensation. https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-pay-in-2023/Congressional Budget OfficeIndependent analyses of federal tax policy, deficits, and economic trends. https://www.cbo.gov/Congressional Research ServiceNonpartisan reports on tax policy, corporate governance, and economic issues.https://crsreports.congress.gov/Federal Reserve Distributional Financial AccountsData on wealth distribution and household balance sheets in the United States. https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/Bureau of Economic AnalysisOfficial U.S. economic statistics including GDP, corporate profits, and national income. https://www.bea.gov/OECD Corporate Governance ResourcesInternational comparisons of corporate governance and economic policy. https://www.oecd.org/corporate/Germany's Codetermination SystemOverview of employee representation on corporate supervisory boards.https://www.boeckler.de/en/codetermination-3494.htmFrance's "Entreprise à Mission"Overview of France's legal framework allowing companies to adopt a public-purpose mission.https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/entreprise-missionEuropean Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence DirectiveEuropean rules requiring large companies to address human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains.  https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_enThe Anarchy – William DalrympleHistory of the British East India Company and its role in colonialism and corporate power.  https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/anarchy-9781635573954/The Corporation That Changed the World – Nick RobinsA history of the British East India Company and its lasting influence on global commerce.https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300240986/the-corporation-that-changed-the-world/