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.
From Ceramics to Communications (with Jake Zeigler) | Ep. 130
Summary
In this conversation, Jake Zeigler, Communication Manager for Effingham County, Georgia, shares his journey from the private sector to local government. He discusses the unique challenges and responsibilities of communication in government, the importance of community engagement, and the need for effective communication strategies. Jake emphasizes the significance of understanding public interest and adapting communication methods to meet the needs of citizens. He also provides valuable advice for those considering a career in local government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available and the importance of reaching out to local agencies.
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 (https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions)
Takeaways
Finding the right job in local government can lead to long-term career growth.
Transitioning from the private sector to public service can be fulfilling.
Building a communications department requires understanding community needs.
Effective communication in government is crucial for public trust.
Engaging the community can be challenging but is essential for local government.
Budget constraints impact communication strategies in local government.
Understanding the audience is key to effective communication.
ADA compliance is important in government communications.
Local government offers diverse career opportunities across various fields.
Passion for helping others drives success in public service.
Sponsored by Switchboard.Live (https://switchboard.live/)
14 Oct 2026
From Farm to Government (with Terry Bell) | Ep. 129
Summary
In this engaging podcast episode, Terry Bell, the County Executive of Warren County, Tennessee, shares his journey from farming to local government. He discusses innovative solutions he implemented to improve community services without raising taxes, the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in governance, and offers valuable advice for those considering a career in local government. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of public service, emphasizing the need for creativity and collaboration in addressing community needs.
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 (https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions)
Takeaways
Terry Bell transitioned from farming to local government.
He emphasizes the importance of community representation.
Innovative budgeting allowed for teacher pay raises without tax increases.
Effective communication is crucial in navigating government challenges.
Public education about government roles is often necessary.
Terry's county bought a mall to house a new health department.
He values employee welfare and offers free health clinics.
Conflict resolution skills are essential for a county executive.
Local government can be a rewarding career path.
New employees should learn from experienced colleagues.
Sponsored by Switchboard.Live (https://switchboard.live/)
12 Oct 2026
Unlocking Opportunities in Local Government (with Desiree Myers) | ep. 128
Summary
In this episode of Ground Floor Government, Desiree Myers, Chief Clerk and COO of Clinton County, Pennsylvania, shares her journey in local government, discussing the unexpected opportunities and challenges she faced. She highlights the importance of communication skills, navigating budget constraints, and working with state and federal mandates. Desiree emphasizes her passion for community service and the significance of career growth within local government, offering valuable advice for those considering a career 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 (https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions)
Takeaways
Desiree transitioned from HR in education to local government.
She oversees various departments, including the county prison.
The Bald Eagle Valley Trail project aims to boost local tourism.
Budget management requires creativity and public communication.
Building relationships with emergency responders is crucial.
Navigating state and federal mandates can be challenging.
Desiree's passion for her community drives her work.
Local government offers unique benefits like pension plans.
Career growth opportunities exist, even in challenging roles.
Staying true to personal values is essential in public service.
Sponsored by Switchboard.Live (https://switchboard.live/)
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