Government
**Ground Floor Government**

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.
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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.

Latest Episodes:

Why Phone Access Still Matters for Public Meetings | Ep. 2 Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

An estimated 10% of U.S. households lack broadband, and as many as 20% of constituents are unable to access city council, school board, and other public meetings online. In this conversation, David Plappert is joined by producer and guest host Joseph Lewin to explore why live streaming alone leaves too many people out and how phone access bridges the gap.

They discuss the limitations of current solutions, from manual conference lines to free services with hidden costs, and highlight how dedicated toll-free phone lines with automation remove barriers for marginalized groups, seniors, and people on the move. Using real-world examples—from truck drivers to school board parents—this episode underscores the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and simplicity in government meeting access.

📌 What We Cover

Why 10% of U.S. households without broadband face immediate barriers to live streams
How real-world scenarios like truck drivers, landscapers, and seniors highlight the access gap
The role of phone access as a “least common denominator” for meeting participation
Limitations of existing phone systems, including high administrative burden and PIN complexity
Hidden costs of free conference call services for prepaid phone users
How Phone Live automates access with dedicated toll-free numbers, live notifications, and archiving
Ways phone-based access can increase transparency for school boards and public meetings
Why automated phone solutions reduce IT workload while improving ADA compliance

🔗 Resources Mentioned

PhoneLive.io

Why 20% of Americans Still Can’t Access City Meetings | Ep. 1 Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Local government meetings shape communities, but for one in five Americans, participation is out of reach. In this first episode of Ground Floor Government, producer Joseph Lewin hosts a conversation with David Plappert about why access to city meetings matters and who is being left out. They uncover overlooked groups struggling to connect, including households without broadband, elderly residents, blue collar workers, and families living below the poverty line. The discussion highlights barriers such as resource limitations, technology gaps, and time constraints that keep people disconnected. David shares stories of residents whose lives changed when access became possible, why cities need to address accessibility, and how upcoming regulations will drive change.

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👤 Guest Bio

Joseph Lewin is the producer of Ground Floor Government and guest host for this episode. He brings personal experience from years working in blue collar jobs and remote work, offering a unique perspective on accessibility challenges and community needs.

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📌 What We Cover

Why transparency and accountability in local government depend on access for all
The reality that 20% of Americans struggle to connect to online city content
Groups most affected, including those without broadband, elderly residents, people with disabilities, and blue collar workers
Stories of residents whose voices were heard after gaining meeting access
The complex steps required for a resident to join a live stream
Limitations of current solutions like Zoom call-ins, free conference calls, and traditional phone bridges
How upcoming ADA Title II regulations will affect cities and compliance efforts
A preview of future episodes addressing new tools and solutions for accessibility

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🔗 Resources Mentioned

US Census Data
ADA Title II Accessibility Rules
Free Conference Call solutions (referenced in discussion)
PhoneLive.io

Ground Floor Government | Trailer Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Local government is often seen as big ideas, policies, and elected officials making decisions. But the reality runs deeper. It depends on the quiet leadership behind the scenes—those who publish agendas, keep records, manage calm amid chaos, and lead teams to keep the public informed. David Plappert, host of Ground Floor Government, highlights the essential roles of city and county clerks, city managers, communication professionals, and IT leaders. This trailer episode sets the stage for conversations about the real work that keeps local governments transparent, connected, and moving forward. If you have ever been the person making it happen when no one else knows, this is your time at the mic.

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📌 What We Cover

The common misconception that local government runs only on policy and elected officials
The vital behind-the-scenes work of publishing agendas and managing records
The role of quiet leadership in calming chaos and guiding teams
How local government staff keep the public informed and connected
The focus on city and county clerks, city managers, communication professionals, and IT leaders
Preparing for late nights and last-minute meetings
The impact of tech shifts on how cities serve residents
An invitation for those who keep local government running to take the mic

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🔗 Resources Mentioned

Ground Floor Government podcast hosted by David Plappert

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For more on how technology can support local government communication and operations, visit PhoneLive.io.

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