Ground Floor Government

Latest Episodes:

From Theme Park to Local Government (with Angela Wilson) | Ep. 102 Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Angela Wilson, the Deputy Public Information Officer of Frederick, Colorado, shares her unique journey from managing events at a theme park to her current role in local government. She discusses the importance of effective communication, crisis management, and building trust within the community. Angela emphasizes the need for proactive communication strategies, especially in infrastructure projects, and how to navigate budget constraints while maintaining quality. The conversation highlights the significance of relationships across departments and the impact of local government on community engagement.

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

A city can be likened to a theme park, offering diverse experiences.
Effective communication is crucial in local government roles.
Crisis management requires building trust with the community.
Proactive communication can prevent misinformation.
Infrastructure projects need early and strategic communication.
Budget constraints challenge creativity in local government.
Building relationships across departments enhances communication.
Local government offers opportunities for community engagement.
Residents can significantly impact local government decisions.
Public service is about making a difference in people's lives.

Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

From Photography to Public Service (with Melissa Harmer) | Ep. 100 Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this 100th episode of the podcast, host Hugh Plappert interviews Melissa Harmer, the Communications Director for Raymore, Missouri. Melissa shares her unique journey from a career in photography to her role in local government, discussing the challenges and successes she has faced along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of communication in local government, the impact of inclusive community projects, and the skills needed to navigate the complexities of public service. Melissa emphasizes the rewarding nature of working in local government and encourages others to consider careers in this field.

Takeaways

Melissa transitioned from a photography career to local government.
She faced significant challenges, including a year-long battle against a landfill development.
The city of Raymore is a pioneer in inclusive playground design.
Effective communication is crucial in local government roles.
Budget constraints require careful planning and justification for funding requests.
Authenticity in communication fosters trust with the community.
Digital accessibility standards are becoming increasingly important.
Collaboration across departments enhances community service.
Many behind-the-scenes roles in local government are vital to community well-being.
Working in local government can be rewarding and fulfilling.

Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

From Police Officer to County Executive (with Mike Callagy) | Ep. 99 Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Mike Callagy, the County Executive of San Mateo, California. Mike shares his unique journey from being an undercover police officer to leading a county with a vast array of responsibilities. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of empowering leadership within his team, and the impactful projects like the Navigation Center aimed at addressing homelessness. The conversation also touches on budgeting for community needs, the significance of communication skills in local government, and the diverse workforce that contributes to effective governance. Mike emphasizes the moral obligation of ensuring digital accessibility and the tangible difference local government can make in people's lives.

Takeaways

Mike Callagy's journey from police officer to county executive showcases diverse career paths in local government.
The role of a county executive involves managing a large workforce and a significant budget.
The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges that required quick adaptation and innovative solutions.
Empowering team members and fostering leadership skills is crucial for effective governance.
The Navigation Center project exemplifies successful community initiatives addressing homelessness.
Budgeting reflects the priorities of local government, focusing on health and welfare.
Effective communication is key to navigating the complexities of local government.
Motivation in law enforcement is about helping people and making a positive impact.
Digital accessibility is both a legal and moral obligation for local government.
Local government plays a vital role in making tangible changes in communities.

Crisis Communication in Local Government (with Ariana Briceno) | Ep. 98 Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Ariana Briceno, Public Relations Coordinator for the Town of Davie, Florida, shares her journey into local government and the challenges and rewards of working in public relations. She discusses her transition from social media marketing to crisis communication during COVID-19, the importance of community engagement, and creative strategies for effective communication on a limited budget. Ariana emphasizes the significance of being genuine in communication and the collaborative nature of government work, as well as the importance of ADA compliance in digital communication. She encourages those in marketing and creative fields to consider a career in local government for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

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

Ariana started her career in social media marketing before transitioning to public relations in local government.
She began her role just before COVID-19, focusing on crisis communication.
Ariana emphasizes the importance of community engagement and adapting communication strategies.
Creativity is key in public relations, especially when working with a limited budget.
She highlights the need for ADA compliance in digital communications.
Ariana finds a strong sense of community in government work compared to the private sector.
Continuous learning and professional development are supported by her city.
She encourages others to consider a career in local government for its community impact.
Ariana's passion lies in helping the community through effective communication.
She believes that even small posts can make a significant difference in people's lives.

From Family Tradition to Public Service (with Mikki Huntsman) | Ep. 97 Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Mikki Huntsman, City Clerk of Reno, Nevada, shares her journey in local government, highlighting her family's legacy in public service. She discusses the transition from the private sector to public service, the challenges faced in local government, and the importance of collaboration and accessibility. Mikki emphasizes the significance of budgeting and resource management, the need for effective public relations, and her passion for serving the community and developing her team. She also addresses the variety of career opportunities within local government and encourages those considering a transition to explore the benefits of public service.

Takeaways

Mikki Huntsman is a third-generation municipal government employee.
Transitioning from private to public sector can be seamless with the right mindset.
Local government often operates on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on service rather than profit.
Collaboration is key in local government to maximize resources and services.
Providing excellent customer service is a priority in local government roles.
Budgeting in local government is a significant challenge, especially with limited resources.
Public records requests are increasing, requiring effective management and prioritization.
Accessibility in government documents is crucial for public engagement.
A passion for serving the community drives public servants like Mikki.
There are diverse career opportunities in local government beyond traditional roles.

The Vital Role of a Deputy Clerk (with Bryson Behm) | Ep. 96 Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Bryson Behm, the County Clerk of Cache County, Utah, shares his journey in local government, discussing the various career paths available, the role of a deputy clerk, and the challenges faced in navigating budgets and public service. He emphasizes the importance of communication, record-keeping, and the impact of local government on the community. Bryson also encourages young professionals to consider careers in local government for their potential for growth and community engagement.

Takeaways

Career paths in local government can be diverse and rewarding.
The role of a deputy clerk is crucial and public-facing.
Navigating political changes can be challenging for public employees.
Budgeting is a significant aspect of local government operations.
Communication skills are essential for mediating between departments.
Record keeping is vital for transparency and accountability.
Local government offers opportunities for professional growth.
Young professionals can make a significant impact in local government.
Public service is often a thankless job but rewarding.
Building trust in government is essential for community relations.

Leading Local Governments (with Leonardo Brown) | Ep. 95 Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Leonardo Brown, County Administrator of Richland County, South Carolina, discussing the various aspects of working in local government. They explore career opportunities, the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of financial management, and the need for collaboration across departments. Brown emphasizes the significance of community impact and the diverse roles available in local government, encouraging listeners to consider a career in this field.

Takeaways

Local government offers diverse career opportunities.
Navigating challenges requires strong leadership and collaboration.
Financial decisions impact community well-being significantly.
Community needs should guide compliance and project prioritization.
Effective communication is key in managing multiple departments.
Passion for public service drives impactful work.
Many roles in local government are not political in nature.
Local government focuses on improving community quality of life.
Career growth is possible in various directions within local government.
Preparation for a local government career involves a collaborative mindset.

The Dual Roles of a Town Manager and Clerk (with Austin Simko) | Ep. 94 Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Hugh Plappert speaks with Austin Simko, a deputy town manager and town clerk in Andover, Massachusetts. They discuss Austin's unconventional journey into local government, the dual roles he plays, the challenges and rewards of working in this field, and the importance of community engagement. Austin shares insights on budgeting, consensus building, and the impact of unfunded mandates on local governance. He emphasizes the variety of career opportunities in municipal government and encourages others to consider a career in this vital sector.

Takeaways

Working in local government can be a winding career path.
Volunteering can lead to unexpected career opportunities.
Dual roles in local government provide a comprehensive view of operations.
Local government is about being close to the community.
Challenges in local government can arise unexpectedly.
Long-term projects require patience and problem-solving skills.
Budgeting is a critical aspect of local government operations.
Consensus building is essential in a diffused power structure.
Unfunded mandates can complicate local governance.
Municipal government offers diverse career opportunities for various talents.

Making an Impact in Local Government (with Colleen Roberts) | Ep. 93 Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Colleen Roberts, the Public Information Officer and Brand Manager for New Bern, North Carolina. Colleen shares her journey into local government, the challenges she faces in public communication, and the innovative strategies she employs to engage the community. She discusses the importance of ADA accessibility in communications and offers advice for those considering a career in local government. The conversation highlights the impact of local government on communities and the diverse opportunities available within this field.

Takeaways

Working in local government allows for community impact.
Colleen transitioned from broadcast journalism to local government.
Public communication involves unique challenges and surprises.
Implementing new technology can enhance community engagement.
ADA accessibility is essential in modern communications.
Different departments have varied communication needs.
Listening to the community is crucial for effective communication.
Career opportunities in local government are diverse and accessible.
Colleen emphasizes the importance of collaboration across departments.
Passion for writing drives Colleen's work in local government.

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