In 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 unplugging, what it looks like to structure remote work without creating resentment, and a concrete example of a benefits move that actually supports families: a 12-week paid parental leave policy that includes birth, non-birth parents, adoption, and foster adoption. “Work-life balance is not about time management. It’s about boundary management. You could always make the time work, but it’s those boundaries—setting those boundaries up.” - Brandon Get full access to MuniSquare at munisquare.substack.com/subscribe
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57:35
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57:35
How to Shape Your Team
Join 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
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42:58
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42:58
Conditions for Change: What it Takes to Move
Hosts 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
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44:49
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44:49
Generation on the Rise
Fresh 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 full access to MuniSquare at munisquare.substack.com/subscribe
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49:10
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49:10
GENERATION ON THE RISE
Hosts: 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 war stories or complain about councils. We need a space that actually sounds like us — managers who still believe in the work, even when it’s messy.” - Dave“This is where we go there. We’re willing to go deep, and we’re not afraid to talk about the things everyone thinks but few people say out loud.” - Eden“These are the conversations we’ve been having for years at conferences and in hallways. We just decided to hit record.” - Brandon“There’s a dark side to mentoring. Sometimes the same person who opens the door can also be the one who closes it behind you.” — Nancy“Friendships can and should survive competition. It’s not about who wins — it’s about who keeps growing.” — EdenMuniSquare is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MuniSquare at munisquare.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome 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. munisquare.substack.com
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