In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, we’re joined by Rachel Chambers, former Mayor and passionate advocate for community-focused governance. Rachel brings a unique perspective to the world of infrastructure — not as an engineer or asset manager, but as an elected member who learned to navigate and champion asset management from the top.Rachel opens up about her journey from private business owner to local government leader, how she embraced the complexities of asset management, and why long-term planning matters more than political cycles. She shares candid reflections on curbing the urge for flashy new projects, prioritizing maintenance, building trust with staff and community, and fostering a culture of collaboration between elected officials and technical teams.Whether you’re a director of infrastructure, a policy advisor, or aspiring local government leader, Rachel’s insights will help you bridge the communication gap and create shared language for better decision-making.