Ground Floor Government

Latest Episodes:

The Hidden Work of Communications (with Summer Rascoll) | Ep. 112 Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Summer Rascoll, the Director of Communication in Nixa, Missouri, shares her journey into local government and the importance of effective communication in building community trust. She discusses the challenges of navigating unexpected situations, the need for transparency, and the impact of limited resources on communication efforts. Summer emphasizes the significance of collaboration across departments and the essential skills required for success in local government. She also highlights the stability and unique roles available in local government careers, encouraging listeners to consider opportunities 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

Local government communication is crucial for community efficiency.
Summer Rascoll emphasizes the importance of being in the right place at the right time.
Unexpected challenges are a common part of communication roles.
Building community trust requires transparency and consistent communication.
Limited resources in local government require creative solutions.
Effective communication skills are essential for navigating public relations.
Balancing creativity with regulations is a key challenge in government communication.
Collaboration across departments is vital for successful communication strategies.
Passion for public service drives effective communication efforts.
Local government offers stability and diverse career opportunities.

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Creating Your Own Job in Local Government (with Thomas Bunn) | Ep. 111 Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Thomas Bunn, a video and social media manager for Inglewood, California. They explore the various pathways to employment in local government, the challenges and rewards of multimedia communication, and the passion that drives individuals to serve their communities. Thomas shares his personal journey and offers encouragement to aspiring media professionals considering a career in public service.

Takeaways

There are many ways to find employment in local government.
Creating your own job in city government is possible.
Multimedia roles can be both fun and challenging.
Effective communication can turn around difficult situations.
Engaging social media posts can make a significant community impact.
Passion for public service drives many professionals.
Encouragement is key for those considering local government careers.
Mid-career professionals can also find opportunities in government.
Connecting with others in the field can lead to new opportunities.
Local government offers a chance to impact your community positively.

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Navigating the Recorder's Office (with Bryan Long) | Ep. 110 Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Bryan Long discusses his early influences in politics, the responsibilities of the recorder's office, challenges faced during his tenure, and the importance of community engagement in addressing issues like fraud. He reflects on his personal journey and aspirations in public service, emphasizing the need for effective communication and proactive measures in governance.

Takeaways

Bryan's interest in politics was sparked by family discussions.
He has a background in real estate and insurance.
The recorder's office handles various property documents.
E-recording has significantly increased efficiency in document processing.
Fraud prevention is a major concern for the recorder's office.
Community engagement is crucial for addressing local issues.
Legislative advocacy is part of Bryan's role in the Ohio Recorders Association.
Listening to constituents is key to effective governance.
Challenges in office can arise from employee misconduct.
Personal growth and service to the community are important to Bryan.

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Hidden Career Paths That Keep a City Running (with Jennifer Kleen) | Ep. 109 Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Hugh Plappert interviews Jennifer Kleen, the public information officer of Minot, North Dakota. They discuss the journey into local government, the role of a public information officer, challenges in community engagement, navigating regulations, building relationships with the community, and exploring career opportunities in local government. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of city branding and creating an emotional connection with the community.

Takeaways

Making sure folks have the right information is crucial.
A background in journalism can lead to a career in local government.
The role of a public information officer involves storytelling.
Community engagement can sometimes be challenging.
Navigating regulations is a key part of the job.
Building relationships with the community is essential.
Metrics in local government focus on relationships, not just numbers.
There are diverse career opportunities in local government.
Traffic engineering is a fascinating field within local government.
City branding is about creating an emotional response.

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Empowering Communities Through Local Government (with Pavan Parikh) | Ep. 108 Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Pavan Parikh, Clerk of Courts in Hamilton County, Ohio, shares his journey into local government, emphasizing the importance of public service and the impact of local governance on community well-being. He discusses the challenges faced in the judicial system, innovative solutions for improving access to justice, and the significance of building a supportive ecosystem for those in need. Parikh also highlights the importance of funding and resource management in local government and encourages young individuals to consider careers in this field, where they can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Takeaways

Local government careers focus on making a difference.
The events of September 11 influenced many to pursue public service.
Working at the local level allows for immediate impact on people's lives.
The Help Center was created to assist those without legal representation.
Expanding access to legal help has led to better outcomes for tenants.
Building partnerships with nonprofits can enhance community support.
Transparency in local government fosters trust and support from appropriators.
There are diverse career opportunities in local government.
Local government work provides stability and long-term impact.
Helping individuals in vulnerable situations is a rewarding aspect of public service.

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From Sportscaster to Public Servant (with John Bernstrom) | Ep. 107 Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews John Bernstrom, the Public Information Officer for Grand Forks, North Dakota. John shares his journey from being a sportscaster to working in local government, highlighting the evolution of communication methods, especially with the rise of social media. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of building relationships in government communication, and the various career opportunities available in local government. John emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty in communication, as well as the significance of collaboration across departments to achieve goals despite budget constraints.

Takeaways

John Bernstrom transitioned from sportscasting to local government.
The rise of social media has transformed government communication.
Crisis management skills are essential in public information roles.
Building relationships is crucial for effective communication in government.
Transparency and honesty are key in dealing with the public.
COVID-19 presented unique challenges for government communication.
There are diverse career opportunities in local government.
Budget constraints require creativity and collaboration.
Public engagement is vital for successful communication strategies.
Effective communication involves understanding the needs of various stakeholders.

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From Court to Community (with Odie Donald) | Ep. 106 Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Summary

The conversation explores the journey of a public servant who transitioned from a professional basketball career to various roles in government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, workforce development, and innovative service delivery. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of affordable housing, and the value of frontline workers in local government.

Takeaways

Transitioning from sports to public service can lead to unique insights.
Overcoming personal challenges can enhance one's ability to serve others.
Community engagement is crucial in disaster response and recovery.
Affordable housing is a key issue for urban development.
Budgeting should be transparent and involve citizen participation.
Innovative approaches can improve government service delivery.
Frontline workers play a vital role in community well-being.
Local government allows for immediate impact and feedback from citizens.
Listening to community needs is essential for effective governance.
Public service is rewarding both personally and professionally.

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From 9/11 to Public Service (with Dustin Sternbeck) | Ep. 105 Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Dustin Sternbeck, the Chief Communication Officer of Denton, Texas. Dustin shares his unique journey into public service, driven by the events of 9/11 and his desire to make a positive impact in his community. He discusses the essential skills needed for success in local government, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. Dustin highlights the importance of community projects, such as the 31 Days of Denton Halloween, which significantly boosted local tourism and revenue. He also addresses the challenges of budgeting and resource management in local government, emphasizing the need for creativity and strategic thinking. Throughout the conversation, Dustin shares valuable advice for aspiring local government professionals, encouraging them to embrace their unique perspectives and take risks in their careers.

Takeaways

Dustin's journey into public service was inspired by 9/11.
Public service is about making a positive impact in the community.
Essential skills for local government include problem-solving and critical thinking.
Community projects can significantly boost local tourism and revenue.
Budgeting in local government requires creativity and strategic thinking.
Effective communication is crucial for balancing stakeholder interests.
Building relationships is key to success in local government.
Aspiring professionals should embrace their unique perspectives.
Taking risks can open doors in a local government career.
Dustin emphasizes the importance of a 'next play mentality' in public service.

Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

The Art of Storytelling in Local Government (with Jenna Martin) | Ep. 104 Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Jenna Martin, the Director of Public Relations for Shelbyville, Indiana. They discuss Jenna's unexpected journey into local government, the challenges and strategies of effective communication within the government, the importance of technology and ADA compliance, and the diverse opportunities available in local government careers. Jenna emphasizes the significance of storytelling and community engagement in her role, as well as the evolving nature of civic engagement in today's society.

Takeaways

Jenna Martin's journey into local government was unplanned but fulfilling.
Effective communication is crucial for local government to connect with the community.
Technology plays a significant role in modern public relations within government.
ADA compliance is an ongoing challenge that requires attention in all projects.
Civic engagement has increased significantly in recent years.
Local government offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional roles.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging the community.
Collaboration with various departments enhances communication efforts.
Emergency management communication is vital during crises.
Newcomers to local government should focus on informing rather than convincing the public.

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From Classroom to Community (with Vickie Hathaway) | Ep. 103 Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Vickie Hathaway shares her journey into local government, discussing her educational background, the challenges she faces in communication and marketing, and the importance of stakeholder relationships. She emphasizes the creativity required to work within budget constraints and the diverse roles within local government. Vicky also highlights the differences between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, particularly in emergency communication. She encourages listeners to consider a career in local government as a way to make a tangible impact in their communities.

Takeaways

Vickie Hathaway's journey into local government began with a class at the University of Arizona.
She has a background in public administration, not communications, but brought her interests in media to her role.
The communications team in Marana has evolved to include multiple specialists and a cohesive strategy.
Challenges in local government often arise from rapid growth and limited resources.
Building relationships with colleagues is crucial for overcoming challenges in communication.
Successful projects require proactive public relations strategies from the design phase to execution.
Budget constraints necessitate creative solutions in communication efforts.
Stakeholder communication requires understanding and valuing different perspectives.
ADA compliance is an ongoing challenge in communication projects.
Local government offers diverse career opportunities that allow for tangible community impact.

Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

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