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PODCAST

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. 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

government

All Episodes

15:11

How City Clerks Shape Community Engagement (with Niki...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/13

SummaryIn this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Niki Newsome, the city clerk of Santa Monica, California. They discuss Niki's journey into local government, the challenges faced by city clerks, the importance of community engagement, and the impact of budget constraints on local governance. Niki shares her experiences with public trust, accessibility in government, and the skills necessary for success in public service. The conversation concludes with advice for those interested in pursuing a

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21:21

The Journey of a City Manager (with James Fisher) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/11

SummaryIn this conversation, James Fisher, a city manager with over 35 years of experience in local government, shares his journey from being a lifeguard to leading communities. He discusses the importance of local government in making a positive impact, the challenges of financial management, and the essential people skills needed for effective leadership. Fisher emphasizes the diverse opportunities available in local government and the significance of community service.TakeawaysLocal government

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25:01

From Newsrooms to Government (with Nancy Leuenhagen)...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/08

SummaryIn this conversation, Nancy Leuenhagen, the Communications Director for Washoe County, Nevada, shares her journey from a career in journalism to public service communications. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in local government, particularly in crisis management and storytelling. Nancy highlights the importance of training, creativity, and accessibility in her role, and encourages young professionals to consider careers in public service communications.TakeawaysPublic

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15:53

From Broadcasting to Public Service (with Jamie...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/06

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Jamie Kindred, the Director of Public Relations and Recreation in Hondo, Texas. Jamie shares her unconventional journey into local government, transitioning from a broadcasting career to public service. She discusses the importance of public relations in fostering community engagement, the challenges of managing budgets creatively, and the significance of being relatable to the public. Jamie emphasizes the need for

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12:36

From News Anchor to Local Government Leader (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/04

SummaryIn this episode, Laura Christmas shares her journey from broadcast journalism to becoming the Director of Communications for Clay County's government. She discusses the importance of effective communication in local government, the challenges of crisis management, and the significance of ADA compliance in public communications. Laura encourages aspiring professionals to consider careers in local government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available and the impact they can make in their

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24:33

From HR to City Manager (with Jennifer Poirrier) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/01

SummaryIn this conversation, Jennifer Poirrier shares her journey from a human resources background to becoming the city manager of Clearwater, Florida. She discusses the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with managing a city that heavily relies on tourism, especially in the wake of natural disasters. Jennifer highlights significant community projects, such as the redevelopment of Coachman Park, and emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and teamwork in local government

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20:19

Unlocking Opportunities: Internships in Local...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/29

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Elke Johnson, a communication coordinator in local government, about the importance of internships in starting a career in public administration. Elke shares her journey from the private sector to local government, the challenges and opportunities of internships, and the essential skills needed for success in this field. The conversation emphasizes the value of communication, networking, and understanding the budgetary

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21:00

The People Behind Local Government (with Kendal...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/28

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Kendal Francis, the City Manager of Muskogee. They discuss the dynamics of local government, the journey into city management, the challenges faced, and the importance of communication and leadership. Kendal shares insights on supporting staff, celebrating successes, and the impact of budget decisions on the community. He emphasizes the need for accessibility and transparency in local government and encourages aspiring

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14:55

From Stay-at-Home Mom to City Clerk (with Lisa Kent)...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/24

SummaryIn this conversation, Lisa Kent shares her inspiring journey from a stay-at-home mom to a city clerk in local government. She discusses the various responsibilities of her role, the challenges she faces in public service, and the importance of people skills in her job. Lisa highlights the significance of financial management in elections and the efforts made towards digital accessibility for the community. She emphasizes the need for collaboration across departments and expresses her passion

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19:41

From TV Reporter to Public Relations Expert in Local...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/22

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Stu Gooden, the PR manager of utilities for Charlotte County, Florida. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in local government, particularly in the utilities sector. Stu shares his journey from television journalism to public relations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in promoting water conservation and managing crises. He highlights the need for young people to consider careers in

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12:54

Navigating Local Government: Insights from a City...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/20

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Marie Balthrop, a city clerk in Texas, who shares her journey into local government, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the skills required for success in her role. Marie discusses the importance of community service, financial management, and effective communication in local government, as well as her proudest achievements in enhancing community facilities. She offers valuable advice for those considering a

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18:08

From Housewife to City Clerk: A Journey of Growth...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/17

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Shawn Campbell, the City Clerk of Auburn, who shares her inspiring journey from being a stay-at-home mom to a key figure in local government. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, the challenges faced in public service, and the impact of community projects. Shawn emphasizes the need for public transparency, effective budgeting, and the essential people skills required in local government roles. She

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21:09

The Role of City Clerks in Community Service (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/15

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Mark Massey, the Clerk of Council for Savannah, Georgia. They discuss Mark's unique journey into local government, the vital role of city clerks, the challenges faced in public service, and the skills necessary for success in this field. Mark shares insights on community impact, the importance of empathy, and the evolving nature of local government, especially in the digital age. He also offers advice for those

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19:11

Mastering Local Government Communication: Lessons...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/13

SummaryIn 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

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14:46

From Temp to City Clerk (with Nicole Gwyn) | Ep. 51

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/10

SummaryIn 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

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19:31

Navigating Local Government Communications (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/08

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysShelby Abner transitioned from media to local government communications.Community outreach is a key focus in her

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18:36

The Journey of a City Clerk (with Rosemarie Call) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/06

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysRosemarie's journey began with

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28:33

The Power of Storytelling in Civic Engagement (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/03

SummaryIn 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

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21:27

The Role of a City Clerk in Community Transparency...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/04/01

SummaryIn 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

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17:38

From Crossing Guard to City Clerk (with Tina...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/30

SummaryIn 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

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126 results

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