PCC Local Time

PCC 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 Ra...

PCC 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,...

In this episode of PCC Local Time , produced in collaboration with the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management (APMM) , host Nancy Hess explores the evolving relationship between universities and their surrounding communities — the so-called “Town Gown” connection. Our guests — borough managers from three Pennsylvania university towns — reflect on how they navigate both the tension and po...

In the first MuniSquare Book discussioin Podcast, colleagues dive into Paul Bloom’s provocative book Against Empathy . Bloom argues that emotional empathy can mislead us, create bias, and open us to manipulation. Instead, he proposes cultivating rational compassion. Our panel wrestles with the book’s claims—exploring empathy’s role in public service, the ethics of neutrality, manipulation of emoti...

In this episode of PCC Local Time, we sit down with three dynamic municipal leaders from southeastern Pennsylvania— John Ernst (Lansdale Borough) , Amanda Lafty (Upper Merion Township) , and Dave Burman (Haverford Township) . Representing three generations of managers, they dive into the hard questions facing local governments today: housing instability, generational workforce changes, the role of...

This is the first episode of the APMM 2025 podcast series featuring regional roundtables. We are joined by three municipal managers: Greg Primm from Lower Burrell, Kristen Denne from Bethel Park, and Seth Abrams from Forest Hills. We talk about emotional resilience and the personal toll of being the buffer when tensions arise, the importance of honest dialogue with peers, especially within a regio...

In this episode of PCC Local Time, Nancy Hess talks with Mike Baumwoll, co-founder and CEO of Rep’d, about how short-form video and authentic communication are transforming how local governments engage with their communities. From AI-driven script tools to lessons from Twitter and the entrepreneurial world, Mike shares actionable insights on how municipal leaders can overcome fear, speak with clar...

This is a cross-over podcast episode from our Substack site MuniSquare. We hope you will enjoy and follow subscribe if you like what you see. In this episode Nancy Hess and Mike Rowe from the University of Liverpool explore James C. Scott's groundbreaking book "Seeing Like a State" and its powerful implications for local government. Discover how governments make society "legible" through mapping a...

A few weeks ago, APMM concluded another successful conference in Lancaster Pennsylvania. This episode is a recording from one of the sessions and is part of the 2025 APMM series. In this session, four past presidents of APMM open up about what it means to lead while legacy still shapes the norms. With humor, honesty, and insight, they share lessons on mentorship, advocacy, fitting in (or not), and...

In 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 fa...

Today we have a special first episode of our 2025 APMM series with guests Dan Santoro, Incoming President of APMM and Sara Gibson, Conference Chair. We are going to chat about the upcoming APMM conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Monday, May 19th – Wednesday May 21st. This year’s theme is Find Your Spark and it is chock full of sessions and opportunities to connect. APMM is the Association in...

In this episode of our APMM series, we dive into the evolving world of local government leadership. I'm thrilled to be joined by three distinguished guests: Tom Fountaine, George Needles, and Dave Kratzer. Together, they bring decades of experience and deep insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping municipal management today. In our conversation, we cover: • The growing complexity of p...

Today we explore how adaptive thinking, emotional intelligence, and innovative frameworks like the OODA loop and Cynefin transform problem-solving are impacting policing. Lou Hayes Jr., a detective sergeant, and complexity facilitator Gary Wong share insights on navigating uncertainty, fostering trust, and rethinking traditional approaches to leadership. Perfect for leaders, law enforcement profes...

In this episode, I sit down with Yaron Prywes, a coaching psychologist, executive coach, and educator whose career has been dedicated to helping leaders and teams reach their full potential. We explore the transformative power of coaching—how it builds trust, unlocks self-awareness, and helps leaders navigate challenges in both public and private sectors. From resolving conflicts to fostering acco...

Larry Comunale is a seasoned municipal manager whose career has spanned decades of challenges, growth, and impact. In this episode, Larry reflects on his journey from rigid labor negotiations to fostering trust-based relationships and community cohesion. He shares invaluable insights into navigating relationships with elected officials, building transparent budgeting processes, and addressing the...

Board transitions can bring about hand wringing or a promise of welcome change, they may feel like a small shift or a seismic one. But at root, there are fundamental lessons to be learned if you, as the executive leader or manager, are going through one for the first time. On today's show, we welcome Sara Gibson, Borough Manager at Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Scott Hutt...

How many of us feel overwhelmed by the amount of information coming at us about AI today? One of my best thought partners on the topic of AI is Joe Mench, Assistant Manager at Muhlenberg Township in Berks County Pennsylvania. He is truly boots on the ground at the local government level and this conversation is a starting point for thinking about AI today in our organizations. We delve into the pr...

Have you ever thought about capturing your ideas in a book, a TED Talk, or maybe a blog? Perhaps you have a story to tell, expertise to share, or ideas that pile up but never quite come together in a cohesive way. If this sounds like you, stay tuned. In this episode, Emily Crookston explains why even experienced writers might hire a ghostwriter. She shares how ghostwriting is not just about puttin...

In this episode, we explore the multi-faceted career of Crandall Jones, a seasoned City Manager. His is not a predictable story, but one with many twists and turns. Crandall opens up about the challenges that impacted his big decisions. Crandall is currently the Chief Administrative Officer at Upper Darby Township in Delaware County Pennsylvania. He previously served as CAO in Norristown, Pennsylv...

In this episode of the PCC Local Time Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of fire services with Rick Kane, the Manager of Manheim Township and a former Fire Chief. Rick offers unique insights into the critical transition from volunteer to career fire departments, focusing on the importance of strategic planning, leadership, and effective communication. Many municipal managers will tell you...

In this episode, we delve into the evolving relationship between a Township Manager and a Fire Chief, focusing on transitioning from a volunteer to a career fire service. This episode is a fascinating inside look at how a rural community that becomes a suburban one transitions from a volunteer to a full-time career fire service that includes volunteer fire. Robert Pellegrino and Adam Selisker shar...

Bert Brugghemans joins us from the City of Antwerp, where he serves as the Chief Fire Officer. Today, we'll gain Bert’s perspective on leadership and decision-making when routine operations turn into rapid response situations. We talk about Bert's research and how he has progressed his thinking from the early days in the fire service and studies in public health to his later career in leadership a...

Welcome to another episode in the APMM Series on PCC Local Time. I am your host Nancy Hess Our guests today offer us a glimpse of how labor relations in your municipality can help or hinder your efforts as a manager, and significantly impact your workplace. What is unique about labor relations is that you can only really come to it through experience. No amount of study or expertise will make you...

This episode is part of our APMM series on Community Health. Today we dig deeper into the connection between climate action and community health. Our guest, Peter Buck, co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability. Peter brings a perspective that helps us untangle some of the ideas related to climate...

Zoning may be one of the least understood and most under-appreciated aspects of local government. But my guests today see zoning through the lens of community health and want you to come along with them to better understand how zoning and planning impact our lives. Ben Estell is manager of Dormont Borough outside of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County Pennsylvania and R.J. Susko is Planning and Develop...