Ground Floor Government

Latest Episodes:

Mastering Local Government Communication: Lessons from Green Bay (with Michael Bergman) | Ep. 52 Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Michael Bergman, the communication director for Green Bay, Wisconsin, shares his journey from a 26-year career in journalism to his current role in local government. He discusses the importance of effective communication within the city, his goals to inspire both residents and city employees, and the challenges he faces in this new position. Michael reflects on the pace of government work compared to journalism and highlights the surprises and learning experiences that come with being the first communications director for the city. In this conversation, Michael Bergman discusses the challenges and rewards of working in local government media relations. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with diverse stakeholders, the passion that drives him to improve his community, and the value of internships for aspiring media professionals. Bergman contrasts the dynamics of local and federal government, highlighting the teamwork required in local settings. He also shares cultural insights and personal anecdotes that connect him to the community he serves.

Takeaways

Michael transitioned from journalism to local government communication.
He emphasizes the importance of effective internal communication.
His goal is to inspire both residents and city employees.
Michael views his role as a cheerleader for Green Bay.
He appreciates the slower pace of government work compared to journalism.
The NFL draft was a significant event during his early tenure.
He is learning about various city departments and their functions.
Michael believes in finding the right experts for media inquiries.
He aims to keep city employees informed about government activities.
His background in journalism informs his approach to public service. Helping others communicate is essential in media relations.
Local media faces increasing demands with fewer resources.
Building relationships with stakeholders is crucial.
Diversity in communication is important for community engagement.
Passion for the city drives daily work and decisions.

From Temp to City Clerk (with Nicole Gwyn) | Ep. 51 Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Nicole Gwyn, the city clerk of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Nicole shares her journey into local government, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and her role in community engagement through budget hearings. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration across departments and the skills necessary for success in local government careers. Nicole's passion for her work shines through as she discusses the significance of being a clerk and the impact of local government on the community.

Takeaways

Nicole Gwyn is the city clerk of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Her role is specific to the city council, not the entire city government.
Nicole started her career in local government through a temporary assignment.
She emphasizes the importance of community engagement in local government.
The pandemic forced a shift to virtual meetings, which was a significant challenge.
Nicole plays a key role in advertising budget hearings for community input.
She believes in the importance of being honest and transparent in communication.
Collaboration with other departments is crucial for effective governance.
Nicole values respect for all roles within the government structure.
Her passion for clerical work drives her daily motivation.

Navigating Local Government Communications (with Shelby Abner) | Ep. 50 Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this podcast episode, Shelby Abner discusses her journey into local government communications, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, navigating challenges, and balancing creativity with budget constraints. She shares insights on effective communication skills, social media management, and offers advice for aspiring local government communicators.

Takeaways

Shelby Abner transitioned from media to local government communications.
Community outreach is a key focus in her role.
Infrastructure projects can pose significant communication challenges.
Engagement with local businesses is crucial during infrastructure work.
The food drive initiative serves 150 families in the community.
Making policy documents digestible is essential for public understanding.
Customer service skills are vital in government communications.
Social media is used as a bulletin rather than for open comments.
Shelby loves being part of her community's growth and spirit.
Creativity in government communications can mirror trends in larger brands.

The Journey of a City Clerk (with Rosemarie Call) | Ep. 49 Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Rosemarie Call shares her journey in local government, discussing the challenges and rewards of being a city clerk. She emphasizes the importance of communication, financial management, and technology in enhancing public access and engagement. Rosemarie also provides valuable advice for those interested in pursuing a career in local government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available and the significance of continuous education.

Takeaways

Rosemarie's journey began with the Department of Agriculture.
She enjoys working with residents and helping them navigate public records.
The role of a city clerk involves many responsibilities beyond just record-keeping.
Public access to information is crucial for community engagement.
Financial skills are essential for budgeting and managing city projects.
Empathy and listening skills are vital for effective communication.
Technology plays a key role in making government services accessible.
Continuous education is important for career advancement in local government.
Helping people is a rewarding aspect of working in local government.

The Power of Storytelling in Civic Engagement (with Sam Toles) | Ep. 48 Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Sam Toles discusses the critical role of communication in local government and civic engagement. He shares his unique career journey from Hollywood to local government, emphasizing the importance of social media in connecting with communities. Toles highlights the challenges local governments face in communication, particularly the negativity associated with platforms like Facebook. He advocates for storytelling as a powerful tool to engage the community and improve perceptions of public service roles. Toles also provides insights on how local governments can effectively use social media to share their narratives and connect with younger audiences. In this conversation, Sam Toles discusses the importance of effective communication in local government, emphasizing the need for storytelling to engage the community and rebuild trust. He shares strategies for transforming budget narratives into relatable stories, harnessing community stories to foster connection, and empowering new voices in local government through social media. Toles highlights the critical role of trust in democracy and the potential of local government to serve as a trusted source of information.

Takeaways

Communications is crucial in local government roles.
Impact can be made from outside city offices.
A career in media can lead to public service.
Social media literacy is essential for local governments.
Video content is more engaging than text-based communication.
Local governments need to showcase their employees' stories.
Young people are unaware of public service career opportunities.
Positive storytelling can change community perceptions.
Social media can help pass local measures and initiatives.
Creativity in communication can enhance public engagement. Transforming budget narratives can make financial information relatable.
Community stories are essential for engagement and connection.
Local government has a unique opportunity to rebuild trust.
Effective communication can empower new voices in local government.
Social media is a powerful tool for community engagement.

The Role of a City Clerk in Community Transparency (with Rosa Govea Acosta) | Ep. 47 Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Rosa Acosta, the city clerk of South San Francisco. Rosa shares her 25-year journey in local government, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community engagement. She discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the transition to virtual meetings and enhancing public records access. Rosa also reflects on her role as a Latina leader and the impact of mentorship on her career. In this conversation, Rosa Govea Acosta discusses the integration of technology in city services, the essential skills required for a city clerk, the importance of ADA compliance, her passion for community service, and pathways for citizens to engage in local government. She emphasizes the need for collaboration, adaptability, and a purpose-driven approach in public service.

Takeaways

Rosa has 25 years of experience in local government.
Her journey began as an office specialist and progressed to city clerk.
Education and experience are crucial for career growth in local government.
Transparency in local government is a primary goal for Rosa.
COVID-19 posed significant challenges for local government operations.
Enhancing public records access was a key project during her tenure.
Rosa's experience as a Latina leader has inspired her community.
Mentorship has played a vital role in Rosa's career development.
Community engagement is essential for effective local governance.
Rosa aims to bridge the gap between local government and the community. Integrating technology is crucial for modern city services.
Collaboration among departments enhances service delivery.
Parks and Recreation is a key department for community inquiries.
A city clerk must be open-minded and have integrity.
It's impossible to make everyone happy, but meeting needs is essential

From Crossing Guard to City Clerk (with Tina Mastroianni) | Ep. 46 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Tina Mastroianni, the City Clerk of Providence, who shares her inspiring journey from a crossing guard to a city clerk. Tina discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced in local government, and the role of technology in improving public access to information. She emphasizes the significance of serving the community with a willing heart and offers valuable advice for those considering a career in local government.

Takeaways

Tina started her career as a crossing guard to balance work and family.
She learned the importance of community engagement through her role.
Tina emphasizes the need for a serving heart in public service.
Technology has improved public access to government information.
The city clerk plays a crucial role in budget management and public hearings.
Tina faced challenges in transitioning to new management software.
She believes in answering every constituent's email to foster communication.
Tina advises aspiring local government professionals to care for their team.
She stresses the importance of knowledge transfer for continuity.
Public service is about the community and providing necessary information.

Mastering Systems and People Skills (with James Mckechnie) | Ep. 45 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews James McKechnie, the Deputy City Manager of Wichita Falls, Texas. They discuss James's unique career path in local government, the importance of strategic planning,

and the challenges of navigating systems and finance in public service. James shares insights on the significance of people skills, ADA accessibility, and offers valuable advice for young individuals considering a career in local government.

Takeaways

Good strategic plans include more than just steps and processes.
You have to weigh in the finance impact, the personnel impact, and the legal impact.
Navigating systems is challenging due to the people involved.
Building relationships is key to successful negotiations.
Finance is the engine of operating a city; no money, no fun.
Being genuine helps in connecting with people.
Every day in local government presents new challenges.
ADA accessibility is crucial for community inclusivity.
Flexibility is essential in local government roles.
Making a positive impact is a daily goal.

From HR to County Leadership (with Julie Karins) | Ep. 44 Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert welcomes Julie Karins, the Deputy County Manager of Johnson County, Kansas. The conversation begins with Julie sharing her unexpected journey into local government, transitioning from a career in human resources within the hospitality industry to her current role. She reflects on the differences between corporate and public sector work, emphasizing the sense of purpose she found in local government, which she believes has a direct impact on the community's well-being. Julie discusses her responsibilities as a deputy county manager, highlighting the importance of strategic projects and the support she provides to the county manager in managing a large organization with over 4,200 employees and 30 departments. In this episode, Julie Karins discusses the complexities of managing local government operations, particularly in the context of budget constraints and community needs. She emphasizes the importance of providing essential services, such as food and medical care, especially during challenging times like recessions or pandemics. Julie highlights the financial health of Johnson County, where she serves, noting their impressive AAA bond rating, which reflects their commitment to fiscal responsibility. She also shares insights into the collaborative nature of local government, where cross-functional teams work together to address various community issues, including ADA accessibility and public safety initiatives.

Takeaways

I really fell into government but have never looked back.
The work that we do matters and it impacts the lives of our residents every day.
The budget is the largest policy document that's created in our organization. 'We need to be able to provide more home meals.'
'We're in the people business. Governments don't produce widgets.'
'It's important to know your personal compass and protect your work-life balance.'
'I think that a lot of what we do just happens behind the scenes.'
'Be curious, be open to opportunities.'
'Only 13-18% of city and county managers are females.'
'What motivates me every day is getting up and doing the important work.'
'We need to be intentional and understand all of the consequences.'
'I think that our government's designed to be transparent.'
'It's a family affair in local government.'

Managing Elections and Community Impact (with Jessica Bailey) | Ep. 43 Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert welcomes Jessica Bailey, the Clerk of the Courts from Porter County, Indiana. Jessica shares her journey from the private sector to local government, highlighting her initial involvement in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and her subsequent election to the school board. She discusses the significant transition she faced when moving from running a business to managing the responsibilities of a full-time government role, which includes overseeing the court system and elections in Indiana. Jessica emphasizes the importance of community service and the various ways individuals can engage in local government, encouraging listeners to find their passion and get involved.

Takeaways

"I think I originally got started just at the ground floor getting involved in the PTO at my kids school."
"Serving as clerk of the courts, it is definitely a full-time job."
"You can never plan for anything 100%."
"We have a mobile voting unit. We've dubbed it our vote mobile."
"Take it slow, take it all in, learn your department and then keep broadening your horizon."

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