Ground Floor Government

PhoneLive.io

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is for you.

  1. 2d ago

    From Ceramics to Communications (with Jake Zeigler) | Ep. 130

    Summary In this conversation, Jake Zeigler, Communication Manager for Effingham County, Georgia, shares his journey from the private sector to local government. He discusses the unique challenges and responsibilities of communication in government, the importance of community engagement, and the need for effective communication strategies. Jake emphasizes the significance of understanding public interest and adapting communication methods to meet the needs of citizens. He also provides valuable advice for those considering a career in local government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available and the importance of reaching out to local agencies. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Finding the right job in local government can lead to long-term career growth.Transitioning from the private sector to public service can be fulfilling.Building a communications department requires understanding community needs.Effective communication in government is crucial for public trust.Engaging the community can be challenging but is essential for local government.Budget constraints impact communication strategies in local government.Understanding the audience is key to effective communication.ADA compliance is important in government communications.Local government offers diverse career opportunities across various fields.Passion for helping others drives success in public service. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  2. 4d ago

    From Farm to Government (with Terry Bell) | Ep. 129

    Summary In this engaging podcast episode, Terry Bell, the County Executive of Warren County, Tennessee, shares his journey from farming to local government. He discusses innovative solutions he implemented to improve community services without raising taxes, the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in governance, and offers valuable advice for those considering a career in local government. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of public service, emphasizing the need for creativity and collaboration in addressing community needs. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Terry Bell transitioned from farming to local government.He emphasizes the importance of community representation.Innovative budgeting allowed for teacher pay raises without tax increases.Effective communication is crucial in navigating government challenges.Public education about government roles is often necessary.Terry's county bought a mall to house a new health department.He values employee welfare and offers free health clinics.Conflict resolution skills are essential for a county executive.Local government can be a rewarding career path.New employees should learn from experienced colleagues. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  3. 6d ago

    Unlocking Opportunities in Local Government (with Desiree Myers) | Ep. 128

    Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, Desiree Myers, Chief Clerk and COO of Clinton County, Pennsylvania, shares her journey in local government, discussing the unexpected opportunities and challenges she faced. She highlights the importance of communication skills, navigating budget constraints, and working with state and federal mandates. Desiree emphasizes her passion for community service and the significance of career growth within local government, offering valuable advice for those considering a career in this field. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Desiree transitioned from HR in education to local government.She oversees various departments, including the county prison.The Bald Eagle Valley Trail project aims to boost local tourism.Budget management requires creativity and public communication.Building relationships with emergency responders is crucial.Navigating state and federal mandates can be challenging.Desiree's passion for her community drives her work.Local government offers unique benefits like pension plans.Career growth opportunities exist, even in challenging roles.Staying true to personal values is essential in public service. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  4. Oct 9

    Empowering Communities Through Local Government (with Dionne Stroter) | Ep. 127

    Summary In this conversation, Hugh Plappert interviews Dionne Stroter, the County Manager of Adams County, Colorado, who shares her inspiring journey from starting in the mailroom of the Colorado Department of Revenue to becoming a leader in local government. Dionne discusses the importance of mentorship, education, and community service, highlighting her experiences in various roles within local government. She reflects on the challenges faced in youth violence prevention and the successful implementation of a program providing free public transportation for youth. Dionne emphasizes her passion for making government accessible and ensuring that all community members are served effectively. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways The opportunities in local government are significant.Starting from the bottom can lead to great success.Mentorship played a crucial role in my career.An MPA can open doors in public administration.Understanding local government is essential for effective service.Community engagement is vital in local government.Youth violence prevention requires innovative solutions.Public transportation access is crucial for youth.Government should be accessible to all community members.Stability in local government jobs can support families. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  5. Oct 7

    From Pizza Delivery to Public Administration (with Tim Hemstreet) | Ep. 126

    Summary In this conversation, the speaker shares their unique journey into public administration, highlighting the unexpected opportunities that shaped their career. They discuss the challenges faced during their tenure, including navigating a significant budget deficit and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. The speaker emphasizes the importance of communication, analytical skills, and community engagement in local government. They also reflect on major accomplishments, such as the completion of the MetroRail project, and the diverse career opportunities available within local government. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways You never know what random encounter will change your life.Economic recovery often lags behind national trends.Adapting to challenges is crucial for local government.Major projects require careful planning and discipline.Communication skills are essential for effective leadership.Listening to community needs is vital for decision-making.Government decision-making processes are intentionally slow for inclusivity.Serving the community is a rewarding aspect of local government.Local government offers diverse career opportunities.Accessibility to local government officials is important for constituents. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  6. Oct 5

    The Hidden Career Paths in Local Government (with Brigette Garay) | Ep. 125

    Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Brigette Garay, a Public Information Officer from Webb County, Texas. Brigette shares her journey in local government, discussing her various roles and the challenges she has faced. She highlights the importance of community impact through initiatives like scholarships and emphasizes the need for effective communication and resource management in her role. Bridget also touches on the significance of digital accessibility and offers advice for those looking to enter local government careers. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Local government offers diverse career opportunities.Brigette started her career as a court clerk in 2008.She advanced to a supervisor role in the public records section.Brigette designed a flow plan for victim assistance coordination.She manages press releases for ongoing trials.The Webb County Better Community Foundation provides scholarships.Bridget operates on a limited budget for promotional items.Clear communication and active listening are essential skills.Victims appreciate the support provided during trials.Teamwork and helping colleagues drive Brigette's passion. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  7. Oct 2

    From Engineering to City Leadership (with LuAnn Holmes) | Ep. 124

    Summary In this episode, LuAnn Holmes, City Clerk of Las Vegas, shares her inspiring career journey from electrical engineering to public service, highlighting the importance of technology, communication, and adaptability in local government. Discover how her leadership navigates complex challenges and fosters transparency and trust in a dynamic city. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways LuAnn Holmes' career pivot from electrical engineering to public serviceThe role of technology and digital transformation in city governmentManaging complexity and maintaining public trust in Las VegasThe importance of communication skills and neutrality in governmentDigital ADA accessibility and inclusive government servicesCross-department collaboration and stakeholder managementFinancial stewardship and cost-effective innovation in local governmentCareer pathways and entry points into local governmentLeadership and team development in a high-pressure environment Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  8. Sep 30

    The Power of Local Government (with Bryan Hill) | Ep. 123

    Summary In this conversation, Bryan Hill discusses his journey from private industry to local government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, financial management, and innovative public safety measures. He highlights the cultural changes within Fairfax County's fire and rescue department, the strategic planning initiatives to enhance interdepartmental collaboration, and the various opportunities available for youth in local government. Hill also underscores the significance of effective communication and the role of local government in serving the community. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Bryan Hill transitioned from private industry to local government.He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in local government.Fairfax County Fire and Rescue underwent significant cultural changes.Financial management is crucial for reducing government costs.Innovations like drones are enhancing public safety.Effective communication is key to community engagement.Strategic planning helps streamline interdepartmental collaboration.There are numerous opportunities for youth in local government.Fairfax County serves as an economic engine for the Commonwealth.Local government plays a vital role in protecting and serving residents. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

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About

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    PhoneLive.io
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 PhoneLive.io
  • Show Website
    Ground Floor Government