Shows
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOFree Agency in Local GovernmentThere is a polite fiction in local government that serving “at the pleasure of the governing body” rests securely on mutual trust. Often it does. Increasingly, it can feel more fragile.In today’s political climate, the employment relationship between elected officials and their chief administrative officer deserves a closer examination. What protections actually exist? Who advocates for the manager when circumstances shift?In this episode of Generation on the Rise, Eden Ratliff and Dave Pribulka sit down with Brad Gotshall to explore what it means to become, in his words, a “free agent.” They examine co...
2026-02-1751 min
PCC Local TimeFree Agency in Local Government: A conversation with Brad Gotshall about protection, advocacy and reputation.There is a polite fiction in local government that serving “at the pleasure of the governing body” rests securely on mutual trust. Often it does. Increasingly, it can feel more fragile.In today’s political climate, the employment relationship between elected officials and their chief administrative officer deserves a closer examination. What protections actually exist? Who advocates for the manager when circumstances shift?In this episode of Generation on the Rise, Eden Ratliff and Dave Pribulka sit down with Brad Gotshall to explore what it means to become, in his words, a “free agent.” They examine co...
2026-02-1751 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOCrisis as the New NormalEden and Dave are joined by guest Jeffrey Stonehill, Borough Manager of Chambersburg Pennsylvania. They begin with an examination of how crises today differ from those Jeffrey encountered when he began in the field. Although they traverse the doom and gloom of dealing with crisis in the profession, they return to the core reasons they remain in the field.Contrasting generational perspectives and recognition of the vulnerability that comes with commitment and transitions make this episode a memorable one. “If everything is a crisis, nothing is.” - EdenYou have to have...
2026-02-1153 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOHeavy Lies the Crown"We are all one elected official away from a hostile work environment.” - Dave“Yeah, but if it gets that bad, why would you stay?" - EdenToday on Generation on the Rise, what starts as tactical shop talk evolves into a revealing examination of professional isolation, with Dave pushing hard on systemic advocacy gaps while Eden counters with self-reliance pragmatism. By the end, they’re debating whether the profession’s recruitment crisis stems from lack of awareness or legitimate wariness about the job’s inherent instability.“Labor relations are high risk, high r...
2026-02-041h 06
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOThe Crushing Boot of Reality “y’all didn’t think we were gonna talk about the sex appeal of water meters, did you?” -Dave“I just wanna put it out there. Sexy is a bonafide public policy term. It is absolutely in the vernacular.” - EdenIn this episode of Generation on the Rise, host Brandon Ford, along with co-hosts Eden Ratliff, and Dave Pribulka tackles a theme every local government professional eventually feels: what happens to idealism under the administrative weight of local government? They explore how bright-eyed employees and experienced managers alike dare to bring bold ide...
2026-01-2854 min
PCC Local TimeInform, Respect, Deliver: Local Government Managers in the Policy ArenaIn this kickoff-to-2026 episode of Generation on the Rise, hosts Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, and Eden Ratliff tackle the question: what is the real role of a municipal manager in forming local government policy? Generation on the Rise is produced by Nancy Hess (Publisher of MuniSquare) and features Eden Ratliff (Middletown Township Manager, Bucks County PA), Brandon Ford (Lower Merion Assistant Township Manager, Montgomery County PA, and Dave Pribulka (Bellefonte Borough Manager, Centre County PA)MuniSquare is a reader-supported publication. To subscribe to this feed, receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a...
2026-01-1649 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOInform, Respect, Deliver: Local Government Managers in the Policy ArenaIn this kickoff-to-2026 episode of Generation on the Rise, hosts Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, and Eden Ratliff tackle the question: what is the real role of a municipal manager in forming local government policy? They trade stories about leaf-blower bans, stormwater fees, single use plastic bags, and the emotional discipline it takes to “inform the process, respect the outcome, and then deliver with enthusiasm.”Along the way they talk about translating up (staff to board) and down (board to staff), how much emotion managers should bring to policy disagreements, and why this generation of leaders may be more...
2026-01-0949 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOWhen Loyalty Gets Complicated in Local GovernmentSummary: In this thought-provoking episode, Brandon, Dave, and Eden tackle the complex topic of workplace loyalty in local government. The hosts debate what loyalty means in practice, whether it’s connected to tenure, and how it differs from professionalism. The conversation takes an unexpected turn into residency requirements, sparking passionate disagreement about whether living in the community you serve impacts your work. As they wrap up 2024, the hosts announce exciting changes coming in 2025, including guest appearances.MuniSquare is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber....
2025-12-3053 min
PCC Local TimeWhen Loyalty Gets Complicated in Local Government - Generation on the Rise shows us some heat!Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, Brandon, Dave, and Eden tackle the complex topic of workplace loyalty in local government. The hosts debate what loyalty means in practice, whether it’s connected to tenure, and how it differs from professionalism. The conversation takes an unexpected turn into residency requirements, sparking passionate disagreement about whether living in the community you serve impacts your work. As they wrap up 2024, the hosts announce exciting changes coming in 2025, including guest appearances.Generation on the Rise is produced by Nancy Hess (Publisher of MuniSquare) and features Eden Ratliff (Middletown Township Manager, Bucks County PA...
2025-12-3053 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOStrategic Planning: From Vision to the Cross-offable ActionAs the calendar year closes out, Eden Ratliff sits down with Brandon Ford and Dave Pribulka to talk about strategic planning in the real world: not as a glossy document, but as a working “rudder” for budget decisions, priorities, and day-to-day execution.They dig into the tension between aspirational goals (the “why”) and cross-offable action steps (the “how”)—including how to avoid plans that sound inspiring but don’t translate into steps, owners, timelines, or resources.Along the way, they compare planning approaches in large and small communities, debate when to use consultants vs. doing the work in-hous...
2025-12-1741 min
PCC Local TimeStrategic Planning: From Vision to the Cross-offable ActionAs the calendar year closes out, Eden Ratliff sits down with Brandon Ford and Dave Pribulka to talk about strategic planning in the real world: not as a glossy document, but as a working “rudder” for budget decisions, priorities, and day-to-day execution.They dig into the tension between aspirational goals (the “why”) and cross-offable action steps (the “how”)—including how to avoid plans that sound inspiring but don’t translate into steps, owners, timelines, or resources.Along the way, they compare planning approaches in large and small communities, debate when to use consultants vs. doing the work in-hous...
2025-12-1741 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIONavigating Bias in Local GovernmentIn this episode of ‘Generation on the Rise’, the hosts Dave Pribulka, Eden Ratliff, and Brandon Ford “go there” to unpack the inherent biases present in local government, and how it can impact decision-making processes. They explore how biases affect hiring practices and public policy formation, emphasizing the need for a culture of challenge and building perspective in leadership. The conversation also touches on the impact of confirmation bias and the necessity of engaging with voices from outside familiar turf to challenge the status quo.“We all… are looking at the world through our own lens… and ev...
2025-12-0958 min
PCC Local TimeNavigating Bias in Local GovernmentIn this episode of ‘Generation on the Rise’, the hosts Dave Pribulka, Eden Ratliff, and Brandon Ford “go there” to unpack the inherent biases present in local government, and how it can impact decision-making processes. They explore how biases affect hiring practices and public policy formation, emphasizing the need for a culture of challenge and building perspective in leadership. The conversation also touches on the impact of confirmation bias and the necessity of engaging with voices from outside familiar turf to challenge the status quo.Chapters02:51 The Meaning Behind ‘Generation on the Rise’12:06 U...
2025-12-0958 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOGeneration on the RiseIn this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges of work-life balance in local government, touching on public comment dynamics, the pioneering leaf blower ban initiative, and the importance of personal life beyond work. They explore generational differences in work expectations, the impact of remote work policies, and the recent implementation of a paid parental leave policy. The conversation emphasizes the need for boundaries and support in achieving a healthy work-life balance.Highlights include: why culture starts at the top (and why “first in, last out” can quietly poison a workplace), why “email jail” keeps people from fully unpluggi...
2025-11-2657 min
PCC Local TimeGeneration on the Rise: Work Life BalanceIn this episode, Brandon Ford leads the conversation with co- hosts Eden Ratlif and Dave Pribulka. They discuss the challenges of work-life balance in local government, touching on public comment dynamics, the pioneering leaf blower ban initiative, and the importance of personal life beyond work. They explore generational differences in work expectations, the impact of remote work policies, and the recent implementation of a paid parental leave policy. The conversation emphasizes the need for boundaries and support in achieving a healthy work-life balance.Highlights include: why culture starts at the top (and why “first in, last out” can...
2025-11-2647 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOHow to Shape Your TeamJoin hosts Dave Pribulka, Eden Ratliff, and Brandon Ford for a candid talk about shaping your team in your municipal organizations.They explore the essential roles needed in local government, the importance of dedicated HR departments, and the challenges of managing diverse personalities within teams. The conversation delves into the hiring process, community engagement in recruitment, and the dynamics of leadership, emphasizing the need for a balance between doers and thinkers. Get full access to MuniSquare at munisquare.substack.com/subscribe
2025-11-2142 min
PCC Local TimeGeneration on the Rise - How to Shape Your TeamHosts Dave Pribulka, Eden Ratliff, and Brandon Ford, candid talk about shaping your team in your municipal organizations. They explore the essential roles needed in local government, the importance of dedicated HR departments, and the challenges of managing diverse personalities within teams. The conversation delves into the hiring process, community engagement in recruitment, and the dynamics of leadership, emphasizing the need for a balance between doers and thinkers.TAKEAWAYSHR is crucial for understanding municipal dynamics.Community engagement is vital in the hiring process.The role of the police chief can significantly impact management.H...
2025-11-2142 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOConditions for Change: What it Takes to MoveHosts Dave Pribulka, Eden Ratliff and Brandon Ford are joined by Nancy Hess (Publisher, MuniSquare) for a candid talk about what real change management looks like in local government. They explore how trust, timing, and human connection shape change - from labor negotiations to leadership teams to community-driven expectations. Get full access to MuniSquare at munisquare.substack.com/subscribe
2025-11-1344 min
PCC Local TimeConditions for Change: What it Takes to Move......a team, an organization, a local government.Hosts Dave Pribulka, Eden Ratliff, and Brandon Ford, are joined by Nancy Hess for a candid talk about what real change management looks like in local government. They explore how trust, timing, and human connection shape change — from labor negotiations to leadership teams to community-driven expectations.A double header this week… be sure to check out the chat for this week’s show!Subscribe to MuniSquare.Substack.com where you can find Generation on the Rise and PCC Local Time podcast episodes along with lots of other local government content!⏱️ Show Notes02:00 – 10:00...
2025-11-1344 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOGeneration on the RiseFresh from the ICMA Conference in Tampa, the Generation on the Rise crew dives into how to draw the line between leadership and politics. Eden reflects on his ICMA session about rebuilding trust after a $3.2 million fraud case, while Dave and Brandon unpack what it means to stay apolitical and human in a world where expectations sometimes conflict with professional ethics. From the emotional side of management to candid talk about boards, boundaries, and values, this episode captures the nuance and humor of a profession in flux. Join hosts: Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, Eden Ratliff. Get...
2025-11-1249 min
PCC Local TimeBack from ICMA in Tampa - and a Deep Dive on Trust, Boundaries, and the Human Side of LeadershipFresh from the ICMA Conference in Tampa, the Generation on the Rise crew dives into how to draw the line between leadership and politics. Eden reflects on his ICMA session about rebuilding trust after a $3.2 million fraud case, while Dave and Brandon unpack what it means to stay apolitical and human in a world where expectations sometimes conflict with professional ethics. From the emotional side of management to candid talk about boards, boundaries, and values, this episode captures the nuance and humor of a profession in flux. Join hosts: Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, Eden Ratliff.Check out...
2025-11-1149 min
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOGENERATION ON THE RISEHosts: Eden Ratliff (host), Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, and Nancy J. Hess (Publisher of MuniSquare)In this second episode of Generation on the Rise, host Eden Ratliff leads the team into one of the most defining themes of their careers — networking and mentorship, both the good and the bad.Topics: Bad mentoring advice, the golf myth, the shadow side of mentoring, bulls in the china shop dynamic, when to leave the nest, how to actually network and the unwritten map to local governments that only peers understand….“We don’t need another place to tell...
2025-11-041h 01
PCC Local TimeGeneration on the Rise - Episode 2 - Networking, Mentorship, and the Art of Going TherePCC Local Time is pleased to share another episode of a new podcast series, Generation on the Rise, a great companion piece to the content we post here and something we think you are all going to like.In this podcast series, local government's next generation sits down to talk about what's changing, what's hard, and why we believe it's worth doing. Join hosts: Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, Eden Ratliff, and Executive Producer Nancy J. Hess as they find the new normal — not the one we’re used to, but the one we are here to create.
2025-11-041h 01
Generation on the Rise Podcast AUDIOGeneration on the Rise - Episode #1Welcome to Generation on the Rise where local government's next generation sits down to talk about what's changing, what's hard, and why we believe it's worth doing. Join hosts: Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, Eden Ratliff, and Executive Producer Nancy J. Hess as they find the new normal — not the one we’re used to, but the one we create. Get full access to MuniSquare at munisquare.substack.com/subscribe
2025-10-2859 min
PCC Local TimeGeneration on the Rise — Episode 1 - The New Normal: Why We Chose Local GovernmentPCC Local Time is pleased to share the the first episode of a new podcast series, Generation on the Rise, a great companion piece to the content we post here and something we think you are all going to like.In this podcast series, local government's next generation sits down to talk about what's changing, what's hard, and why we believe it's worth doing. Join hosts: Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, Eden Ratliff, and Executive Producer Nancy J. Hess as they find the new normal — not the one we’re used to, but the one we are here to c...
2025-10-2759 min
PCC Local TimeAPMM Series: The Return of the Managers: Reckoning with the Pennsylvania Exception: A conversation with Municipal Managers who left PennsylvaniaIn this powerful session from the APMM annual conference, three former Pennsylvania municipal managers—now working in other states—return to reflect on the structural and political challenges facing the profession in Pennsylvania. They explore what’s holding the profession back, including outdated laws, weak employment protections, fractured local governance, and lack of advocacy. Together with facilitator Dave Kratzer and the audience, they tackle tough questions: Can a manager be both neutral and political? What’s the real role of local government today? And who’s protecting the managers doing the work?This candid, collegial, and at times grit...
2025-06-0632 min
PCC Local TimeAPMM SERIES: The Future of Local Government: A Conversation with Amanda Serock and David PribulkaWelcome to PCC Local Time. This week we have a special episode – the first in a series of episodes created in partnership with APMM, the Association of Professional Municipal Managers. We are talking with the current and upcoming Presidents, Amanda Serock and Dave Pribulka about the topics that are challenging local government today and the municipal manager who is behind the scenes making it all happen.Follow this podcast and sign up for the newsletter to follow this series and related episodes. But more importantly, check out the APMM conference and ICMA conference this fall. If you ha...
2024-04-1243 min
PCC Local TimeClaudia Arriaga, Aaron Siko, Dave Pribulka and Brad Gotshall on Technology Challenges in Local Government45 Today we talk with managers about the the role of technology in local government and the need to adapt to and address technology challenges. My co-host today is Claudia Arriaga, Senior Vice President of Customer Service at OpenGov Our three distinguished guests include: Aaron Siko, Manager, Hempfield Township, Westmoreland CountyDave Pribulka Manager, Susquehanna Township, Dauphin CountyBrad Gotshall, Manager, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin CountyThis episode is brought to you by OpenGov.OpenGov is the leader in cloud software exclusively designed for...
2023-12-141h 08
PCC Local Time#19 - Is there such a thing as neutrality in professional municipal management? A conversation with Matt Candland and Dave PribulkaProfessional municipal managers think about ethics and in particular the ICMA Code of Ethics which guide their profession. Although the term “neutrality” is never mentioned in the tenets, it is a foundational idea, or shall we say, ideal, in the management of local governments. Today our guests, Matt Candland and Dave Pribulka, two professional managers, juxatapose their perspectives to give us a clearer picture of how the concept of neutrality plays out (or doesn’t) in real time.The Pioneering Change Community (PCC) is about informal conversations on evolving ideas in Iocal government management. Learn more a...
2022-09-301h 18
Lehigh Valley DiscourseThe Importance of Charity: Catholic Medical Foundation & Sights for Hope | LV DiscourseJohn Pearce features two charitable organizations for Thanksgiving, speaking with Dennis Zehner and Jennifer Pandolfo from Sights for Hope, along with Dr. Christopher Chapman and Dave Pribulka from the Catholic Medical Foundation.
2021-11-2758 min