Ground Floor Government

Young, elected, and showing up. Host Hugh Plappert sits down with Dominik Bronakowski, the elected City Clerk of Des Plaines, sworn in at 24 and proud to be the youngest elected citywide official in Des Plaines history. Dominik shares how wearing many hats opened doors, from working full-time in the Illinois State legislature on constituent services and outreach to evenings and weekends in the clerk’s office. From ageism on the campaign trail to proving himself day in and day out, Dominik focuses on transparency, accessibility, and competitive elections. He talks about rolling out translation services for non-English speakers, making it easier for candidates to get on the ballot, and showing up to every city council meeting to learn how government works. His message to young people is simple: show up.ㅤ👤 Guest BioDominik Bronakowski is the elected City Clerk of Des Plaines. Sworn in at 24, he is the youngest elected citywide official in Des Plaines history. He also works in the Illinois State legislature for a state representative in the Lake County area, handling constituent services, outreach, and district office work. Dominik serves at city council meetings, community events, and leads initiatives around accessibility and elections while collaborating with strong staff in the clerk’s office.ㅤ📌 What We CoverWearing multiple hats: full-time in the Illinois State legislature and part-time as City ClerkShowing up to every city council meeting to learn how government works and operatesNavigating ageism and proving capability by doing the work day in and day outTransparency, accessibility, and competitive elections as priorities beyond the status quoRolling out onsite translation services to support non-English speakers at City HallCreating candidate guides to make it easier to get on the ballot locallyCommunity connection through farmers’ markets, permitting and licensing, and liquor licensesMentorship from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski and State Senator Laura Murphyㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedCity of Des PlainesDes Plaines City Council meetingsPlanning and Zoning BoardMayor Andrew GoczkowskiState Senator Laura MurphyLake MichiganDeputy FOIA officerFarmers’ markets

How do you turn unexpected opportunities into a lasting career of service? On this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Vanessa Joseph, elected City Clerk for the City of North Miami and practicing immigration attorney.ㅤVanessa shares her journey as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, her initial plan to return to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, and how her passion for service led her toward immigration law and ultimately public office. She explains how she became bi-vocational, why civic education is central to her work, and how the office of the City Clerk serves as a bridge between residents and their government.Listeners will hear stories about creating the Madam Clerk Project to engage children, launching a Learn to Swim initiative that expanded countywide, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, listening, and building trust.ㅤ👤 Guest BioVanessa Joseph is the elected City Clerk for the City of North Miami and an immigration attorney with a nonprofit organization. Born in the United States to Haitian immigrants, she has spent over a decade working in immigration and human rights law. Since being elected in May 2019, she has served as City Clerk, focusing on civic engagement, transparency, and community service.ㅤ📌 What We CoverGrowing up as the daughter of Haitian immigrants and finding pride in both culturesTransitioning from political science and public administration studies to immigration lawRunning for and being elected as City Clerk in North MiamiWhy the clerk’s office is the bridge between people and their governmentLessons from early challenges and the importance of listening in leadershipCreating the Madam Clerk Project coloring book and distributing over 5,000 copiesLaunching the Learn to Swim initiative in honor of a mentee, now part of a countywide zero drowning programEncouragement for immigrants and residents to participate in boards, committees, campaigns, and local electionsㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedMadam Clerk Project coloring book (City of North Miami initiative)North Miami Learn to Swim programLegacy Magazine “40 Under 40” recognitionHaitian American Chamber of Commerce “20 Under 40” recognition

Changes are challenging. They can make you or break you. They can throw you into an emotional turmoil, and they are important to understand as you develop your career in local government. In this conversation, Hugh Clapper sits down with Shirley Foxx-Knowles, City Clerk of Tampa, to talk about navigating political, system, and career changes.ㅤShirley shares her journey from 16 years in corporate accounting at GTE to more than two decades serving in Tampa’s city government. She reflects on differences between the corporate world and local government, the importance of attitude, and the projects that made a lasting difference for the public. From handling hurricanes and supporting council meetings to leading the archives and records division, Shirley emphasizes service, leadership, and a can-do mindset.ㅤListeners will also hear her perspective on working with three mayors, mentoring staff, and why attitude truly is everything in building a career in public service.ㅤ👤 Guest BioShirley Foxx-Knowles is the City Clerk of Tampa. Recruited to government service by Mayor Pam Iorio, she has worked under three mayors during her 22 years in city government. With a background in accounting and corporate experience at GTE, Shirley leads the clerk’s office and archives and records division, providing vital services to council, departments, and the public.ㅤ📌 What We CoverMoving from corporate accounting to city government and the adjustments requiredDifferences between corporate deadlines and the pace of local governmentWhy attitude, mentorship, and internships shape career successLeading the City Clerk’s office and serving as the hub of information for the public and councilImplementing document storage systems and helping residents become self-sufficient in accessing recordsPreparing for hurricanes, securing staff and equipment, and supporting the emergency operations centerExperiences working with three Tampa mayors: Pam Iorio, Bob Buckhorn, and Jane CastorPublishing history projects, including “Mayors of Tampa,” “Council of Tampa,” and the annual “100 Years Ago in Tampa” seriesAdvice for new careers in local government and the importance of a can-do attitudeㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedCity of Tampa Clerk’s Office Books: Mayors of Tampa, Council of Tampa, City Clerks of Tampa, and 100 Years Ago in Tampa — available on the Tampa City Clerk’s website

On this episode of Ground Floor Government, host David Plappert sits down with Deborah Sorensen, City Secretary of Rowlett, Texas. Deborah shares how rules, laws, and codes shape what cities can and cannot do, highlighting the importance of the Open Meetings Act, the Public Information Act, and election laws.ㅤShe describes the Action Center in Rowlett, a one stop shop for citizens who need help navigating city services, and reflects on juggling multiple roles each week, from preparing agendas and minutes to elections and public information requests. Deborah also talks about leading Rowlett to its first Municipal Clerks Office Achievement of Excellence Award, the challenges of new state legislation, and the importance of transparency and trust with citizens.ㅤListeners will hear her perspective on communication trends, citizen engagement, and the personal side of public service, including being “on” 24/7 as a city representative.ㅤ👤 Guest BioDeborah Sorensen is the City Secretary of Rowlett, Texas. She has served in local government for 17 years, beginning with an Economic Development Corporation role, later working as a paralegal, and then moving into city secretary positions in multiple Texas cities. She joined Rowlett in January 2025, where she continues her commitment to transparency, elections, and citizen service.ㅤ📌 What We CoverLaws and codes that govern city operations, including the Open Meetings Act and Public Information ActThe Action Center in Rowlett as a one stop shop for citizensPreparing agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, elections, and information requestsBalancing an unpredictable workload and citizen interactions dailyReceiving the Municipal Clerks Office Achievement of Excellence Award in Rowlett and previous citiesChallenges from recent state legislation limiting city authorityBuilding transparency and trust with the public, especially when facing criticismCommunication methods used in Rowlett, from videos and social platforms to senior engagementThe growth of Rowlett from a rural city to a metroplex community of nearly 70,000Advice for those entering local government: thick skin, compassion, and prioritizing citizensㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedTexas Municipal Clerks AssociationMunicipal Clerks Office Achievement of Excellence Award

A pothole crew, a dump truck, a radio system, a streetlight on every corner. Behind each visible service sits an army that buys, maintains, measures, and pays for it. In this conversation, Hugh Plappert speaks with Mark Funkhouser, who connects the nuts and bolts of procurement, budgeting, and performance auditing to parks, safety, clean water, and trash pickup. He shares a Kansas City story where resident surveys, an audit, and a voter-approved bond transformed an outdated streetlight system. He talks about mistakes like a public safety radio purchase that failed frontline users, why the second question in government is how to pay for it, and why democracy is difficult and messy. He encourages internships, finance skills, service on boards, and even running for office. He calls the current moment “fend for yourself federalism” and argues that governance precedes finance.ㅤ👤 Guest BioMark Funkhouser is a former Mayor of Kansas City and longtime government performance auditor. He served as publisher at Governing magazine. He teaches budgeting and financial management in the John Lewis MPA program at Tulane. He leads Funkhouser & Associates, focusing on strategic planning and comprehensive plans through a finance and governance lens. He highlights Eleanor Ostrom’s principles for governing a common pool resource and emphasizes that governance precedes finance.ㅤ📌 What We CoverThe “army behind” visible services and why every street name has an invoice and a receiptHow procurement really works for a $150,000 dump truck, from specs to lifecycle costs to appropriationsA Kansas City audit that led to a voter-approved bond and doubled resident satisfaction with street lightingLessons from a failed public safety radio system and how auditors diagnose what went wrongCareers that start with internships and grow into leadership, plus the value of finance trainingWhy the second question is how to pay for it and why democracy is difficult and messy“Fend for yourself federalism” and responsibilities devolving to state and local governmentsGovernance precedes finance, with examples from Flint, Michigan and Eleanor Ostrom’s principlesㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedFunkhouser & AssociatesGoverning magazineJohn Lewis MPA program at TulaneEleanor OstromTeddy Roosevelt’s “the man in the arena”Flint, MichiganKansas City streetlight bond and public safety radio system references

Welcome to Ground Floor Government with David Plappert. In this conversation, Rheanna Ollis shares how a political science path turned into community relations, starting as an unpaid intern, jumping into billing and collections, becoming the first coordinator, and stepping into division head at 23. She talks about juggling social media, uploading city council meetings, a weekly City Council Digest, neighborhood associations, press releases, a video project for the enterprise zone, and working with a graphic designer on target audiences and marketing.ㅤRheanna explains why communication is the hardest part when your target audience is 28,000 people across different backgrounds. She breaks down home rule, how department and division heads shape decisions, and why reaching council members and division heads matters. She walks through City Council Digest to share hot topic items and What’s Brewing, a coffee talk series with free cups, Q&A cards, and accessibility in mind. She also shares feedback from a 25-year comprehensive plan that shifted focus toward beauty, signage, and banners with “you decide what’s possible,” plus practical channels from Facebook and Instagram reels to print media and First Fridays.ㅤ👤 Guest BioRheanna Ollis is the Community Relations Administrator for the City of Danville. With a bachelor’s degree in political science, she started as an unpaid intern, moved into billing and collections, became the first coordinator in community relations, and now leads the division. She sits on the Downtown Danville Inc. board, works across departments on social media, press, neighborhood associations, and city council communications, and launched initiatives like the City Council Digest and What’s Brewing to connect residents with department and division heads and the mayor.ㅤ📌 What We CoverStarting as an unpaid intern, moving to billing and collections, first coordinator, then division head at 23Why communication is the hardest part when the target audience is 28,000 peopleHome rule, council votes, and how department and division heads shape decisions residents feelCity Council Digest: hot topic breakdowns, live streaming, reviews by city clerks, and sending to local mediaWhat’s Brewing: traveling coffee talks, first 15 cups free, Q&A cards, accessibility, and quarterly cadencePublic feedback from a 25-year comprehensive plan: focus on beauty, signage, banners, and welcome signsReaching demographics: Facebook for women 28–52, Instagram reels for 18–28, live streams for staff, print for schools and industryFirst Fridays: kid-focused, low to free cost, downtown businesses, “Discover Danville,” passports, food samples, dance, and musicUsing AI for drafts, captions, ideas, and names like “What’s Brewing” and “City Council Digest,” while keeping a personal touchAdvice to get your foot in the door, call your aldermen, attend meetings, and voteㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedCity Council DigestWhat’s BrewingDowntown Danville Inc.Public WorksFirst FridaysFacebook (Meta)Instagram reelsYouTube and Chris Hardin (travel vlogs)QR code for the city website (on flyers)Enterprise zone video project“You decide what’s possible” banners and signage

Joseph Lewin, producer of Ground Floor Government, sits down with David Plappert, the regular host of the show, for a special behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to get PhoneLive running. Many communities struggle to connect with the 20% of people who cannot access livestreams due to broadband barriers. David explains how PhoneLive bridges that gap by integrating seamlessly with existing streaming platforms, provisioning dedicated toll-free phone numbers, and making participation as simple as answering a call.ㅤ📌 What We CoverWhy PhoneLive matters for the 20% of people without broadband accessThe simple 15-minute setup with no hardware or telephone lines requiredHow PhoneLive integrates with livestream providers as an RTMP destinationDedicated toll-free numbers and 24/7 availability for community accessLive notifications and subscriber call-outs that automatically connect residentsFour ways people can subscribe, from call-ins to CSV import and API integrationSupport options, including text-based help during meetingsReporting and analytics tied to actual phone numbers for follow-up and engagementㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedPhoneLiveDavid PlappertJoseph Lewinㅤ📢 Powered by PhoneLive.

An estimated 10% of U.S. households lack broadband, and as many as 20% of constituents are unable to access city council, school board, and other public meetings online. In this conversation, David Plappert is joined by producer and guest host Joseph Lewin to explore why live streaming alone leaves too many people out and how phone access bridges the gap.They discuss the limitations of current solutions, from manual conference lines to free services with hidden costs, and highlight how dedicated toll-free phone lines with automation remove barriers for marginalized groups, seniors, and people on the move. Using real-world examples—from truck drivers to school board parents—this episode underscores the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and simplicity in government meeting access.📌 What We CoverWhy 10% of U.S. households without broadband face immediate barriers to live streamsHow real-world scenarios like truck drivers, landscapers, and seniors highlight the access gapThe role of phone access as a “least common denominator” for meeting participationLimitations of existing phone systems, including high administrative burden and PIN complexityHidden costs of free conference call services for prepaid phone usersHow Phone Live automates access with dedicated toll-free numbers, live notifications, and archivingWays phone-based access can increase transparency for school boards and public meetingsWhy automated phone solutions reduce IT workload while improving ADA compliance🔗 Resources MentionedPhoneLive.io

Local government meetings shape communities, but for one in five Americans, participation is out of reach. In this first episode of Ground Floor Government, producer Joseph Lewin hosts a conversation with David Plappert about why access to city meetings matters and who is being left out. They uncover overlooked groups struggling to connect, including households without broadband, elderly residents, blue collar workers, and families living below the poverty line. The discussion highlights barriers such as resource limitations, technology gaps, and time constraints that keep people disconnected. David shares stories of residents whose lives changed when access became possible, why cities need to address accessibility, and how upcoming regulations will drive change.ㅤ👤 Guest BioJoseph Lewin is the producer of Ground Floor Government and guest host for this episode. He brings personal experience from years working in blue collar jobs and remote work, offering a unique perspective on accessibility challenges and community needs.ㅤ📌 What We CoverWhy transparency and accountability in local government depend on access for allThe reality that 20% of Americans struggle to connect to online city contentGroups most affected, including those without broadband, elderly residents, people with disabilities, and blue collar workersStories of residents whose voices were heard after gaining meeting accessThe complex steps required for a resident to join a live streamLimitations of current solutions like Zoom call-ins, free conference calls, and traditional phone bridgesHow upcoming ADA Title II regulations will affect cities and compliance effortsA preview of future episodes addressing new tools and solutions for accessibilityㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedUS Census DataADA Title II Accessibility RulesFree Conference Call solutions (referenced in discussion)PhoneLive.io

Local government is often seen as big ideas, policies, and elected officials making decisions. But the reality runs deeper. It depends on the quiet leadership behind the scenes—those who publish agendas, keep records, manage calm amid chaos, and lead teams to keep the public informed. David Plappert, host of Ground Floor Government, highlights the essential roles of city and county clerks, city managers, communication professionals, and IT leaders. This trailer episode sets the stage for conversations about the real work that keeps local governments transparent, connected, and moving forward. If you have ever been the person making it happen when no one else knows, this is your time at the mic.ㅤ📌 What We CoverThe common misconception that local government runs only on policy and elected officialsThe vital behind-the-scenes work of publishing agendas and managing recordsThe role of quiet leadership in calming chaos and guiding teamsHow local government staff keep the public informed and connectedThe focus on city and county clerks, city managers, communication professionals, and IT leadersPreparing for late nights and last-minute meetingsThe impact of tech shifts on how cities serve residentsAn invitation for those who keep local government running to take the micㅤ🔗 Resources MentionedGround Floor Government podcast hosted by David PlappertㅤFor more on how technology can support local government communication and operations, visit PhoneLive.io.