PCC Local Time

• APMM SERIES: Lessons from Town Gown Leaders Nicole Sipos, Rebecca DeSantis-Randall and Jessica Whitely

  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 potential that arise when generations, lifestyles, and values intersect.From housing and community safety to student engagement and communication, they share real-world stories about how small towns are cultivating vibrant, intergenerational communities where students, residents, and local leaders learn to see each other as partners.GuestsNicole Sipos — Borough Manager, Indiana Borough, Pennsylvania (Home of Indiana University of Pennsylvania)A proud graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), she holds a degree in Business and has dedicated over two decades to public service within her hometown. Nichole was appointed Borough Manager in January 2023. She oversees a $12 million annual budget and leads strategic initiatives to support community development, infrastructure, and intergovernmental collaboration.A lifelong resident of Indiana Borough and a strong advocate for the region, Nichole’s deep ties to both the community and IUP have been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships and transparent communication. One of her most notable recent accomplishments includes managing a $4.1 million renovation of the Borough’s Municipal Building.Rebecca DeSantis Randall — Borough Manager, Millersville Borough, Pennsylvania (Home of Millersville University)Rebecca graduated from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, earning a bachelor’s degree in international studies. She went on to receive her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from American University in Washington DC. She began her public service career with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) on both the communications team and then on the career and equity advancement team as a program manager. Following ICMA, Rebecca transitioned to the City of Frederick, Maryland to serve as the City’s first Manager of Equity and Inclusion and a member of the Mayor’s Executive Leadership Team. Currently, Rebecca serves at the Borough Manager in Millersville Borough, PA, managing a community of 8,000 residents. Jessica Whitley — Assistant to the Borough Manager, State College, Pennsylvania (Home of Pennsylvania State University)Jess is a public administrative professional with interest in program design, community engagement, youth advocacy and arts & culture, she is currently serving as the assistant to the Borough Manager in State College, Pennsylvania. Jess holds a 'Bachelor of Fine Arts' and a 'Master of Public Administration' from Syracuse University. A proud member of ICMA since 2022, Jess was a recipient of the prestigious Tranter Leong Fellowship in 2024 and began her journey at the Borough as a Local Government Management Fellow. Jess remains an active member of the SheLeadsGov Committee and the LGMF Alumni Committee. Grateful for the opportunities that have shaped her career, Jess remains deeply committed to serving the public and positively impact others.Follow APMM on LinkedIn and Read more at APMM.netEpisode Timeline00:00 – Introduction: The

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• The Limits of Empathy - A Book Discussion about Paul Bloom's book "Against Empathy"

  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 emotions in politics, and whether empathy can help us navigate today’s polarized climate.Dr. Tom Bryer is Pegasus professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Mike Rowe is Senior Lecturer in Public Sector Management at University of Liverpool, UKMatt Candland is manager of South Boston, VirginiaDr. Mandie Cantlin is manager at East Bradford Township, PennsylvaniaKey Chapters & Timestamps[00:00] IntroductionOverview of Paul Bloom’s book and the central question: is empathy always good, or can it lead us astray?[00:03] Tom’s Opening ChallengeEmotional empathy vs. cognitive empathy; empathy’s unintended consequences in society[00:05] Matt’s CritiqueThe “degree of empathy” and the need for moral grounding; empathy tethered to worldviews[00:06] Mike’s PerspectiveEmpathy doesn’t always lead to action; questioning the head/heart divide[00:10] Mandie on Public vs. Private RolesHow empathy differs when acting as an individual versus as a public servant[00:14] Politics, Torture, and the War on TerrorExamples of how empathy is tethered and manipulated in high-stakes decision making[00:17] Manipulation of EmotionsWillie Horton case, political campaigns, and the spotlight effect in policymaking[00:21] Empathy, Charity, and BiasFundraising appeals and the effectiveness (and risks) of emotional storytelling[00:27] History as a LensCarlisle Indian School as an example of empathy tethered to destructive cultural values[00:31] Rationality vs. EmotionalityDebating whether reason and empathy can truly be separated[00:32] Empathy in LeadershipEmotional intelligence, authenticity, and shifting trends in public leadership[00:33] Political Violence and EmpathyReflections on the shooting of Charlie Kirk, empathy’s role in both violence and reconciliation[00:39] Closing ReflectionsFinal verdicts: qualified support for empathy but with cautions on its limits

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• APMM 2025 Roundtable Series - Southeastern Dispatch with John Ernst, Amanda Lafty and Dave Burman

  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 social media, the looming fiscal cliff, zoning reform, and even the future of public utilities.🗝️ Topics include:Housing pressures in boroughs and suburbsWorkforce shifts and millennial recruitmentSuccession planning and structural reorganizationPotential and limits of social mediaZoning reform and housing affordabilityMS4 compliance burdensShared services and regional collaborationSign up for the PCC Friday newsletter.APMM - Association for Pennsylvania Municipal ManagementEpisode Timestamps00:00 – Housing issues in Lansdale05:00 – Workforce changes and generational transitions08:30 – Collective bargaining and staff retention11:00 – Succession planning and restructuring13:00 – Using social media in recruitment17:00 – Affordable housing and zoning tensions21:00 – Accessory dwelling units and density24:00 – Transit access and economic concerns25:30 – Fiscal cliff and revenue diversification28:30 – Public utilities and privatization30:00 – MS4 mandates and funding responsibilities32:00 – Magic wand ideas for civic education and communication37:00 – Shared staffing and municipal collaboration40:00 – Cross-community learning and rural leadership42:30 – Closing reflections

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• APMM 2025 Series - Western Roundtable Dispatch - Greg Primm, Kristen Denne and Seth Abrams

  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 region and shifting expectations from the workforce and the public. Contact info:Greg PrimmKirsten DenneSeth AbramsAPMM - Association of Pennsylvania Municipal ManagementPioneering Change Community NewsletterKey Topics:The erosion of professional advisory roles and ethical challenges when elected officials disregard legal codes.Legislation by social media" and the pressure for instant responses to public complaintsGenerational workforce challenges and the struggle to retain talent in an era of work-life balance expectationsThe impact of social media on decision-making and public expectationsBalancing short-term political pressures with long-term municipal planning needsRegional cooperation strategies and emergency services challengesTimestamps00:00:00 - Greg's on professional standards erosion00:03:30 - Kristen on "legislation by social media" concept00:04:30 - Seth on zoning decision-making challenges00:07:30 - Communication and social media strategy discussion00:11:30 - Kristen - workforce and generational challenges00:14:00 - Nancy asks about adapting work for younger employees00:19:30 - Seth on staffing and resource constraints00:22:00 - Nancy transitions to relationships with elected officials 00:29:00 - Magic wand section begins00:35:30 - Nancy wraps up magic wand ideas00:36:00 - Final thoughts and parting words begin00:38:00 - Greg raises EMS crisis concerns00:39:30 - Nancy introduces regionalization topic00:44:00 - Positive ending with recruitment discussion00:45:00 - Closing remarks and wrap-up

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• Mike Baumwoll on why human-connected communication matters in local government.

  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 clarity, and build trust—both inside and outside their organizations. Whether you're a curious manager or a communications pro, this episode offers real-world examples and a hopeful path forward.Themes: local government communication, community trust, short video strategy, AI for municipalities, civic engagement, human-centered leadership, government tech, authentic messaging.SHOW NOTES:Mike Baumwoll on LinkedInRep'd WebsiteSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE Key Ideas [00:00–02:00] Short Video Engagement: Local government videos show 70–80% completion rates, signaling residents prefer concise, authentic messages over long emails.Core Lesson: Authenticity matters more than production quality.[02:00–06:00] Building Relationships at Conferences: Trust in government tech starts with handshakes and real conversations. That’s how Rep’d connects with towns like Mount Jackson, VA.[06:00–09:00]AI Readiness in Local Government: Mike describes three groups:Early adoptersHesitant or anxiousCurious but cautious majorityAI must be practical and easy to use to gain traction.[09:00–12:00]Leadership Through Communication: Speaking clearly is a leadership skill. Residents don’t want perfect—they want real.[12:00–17:00]Mike’s Background: From Lafayette College to Twitter, his career journey trained him in marketing, brand messaging, and client relationships. Entrepreneurship runs deep.[17:00–20:00]Lessons from Twitter: The best communication meets people where they already are, taps into existing conversations, and feels organic—not forced.[20:00–24:00]Crisis Communication: Whether it’s a flood, explosion, or school emergency, people need fast, clear updates from local officials—preferably via video, right on the homepage.[24:00–27:00]Why Local Matters: Residents want to trust the people running their communities. It starts with knowing who they are.[27:00–30:00]Coaching for Reluctant Speakers: Rep’d provides AI-generated scripts, teleprompters, and support to make recording simple—even for the nervous or tech-shy.[30:00–32:00]Video as an Internal Leadership Tool: Skills gained through external communication translate to better internal communication and cohesion.[32:00–35:00]From Twitter to Goverment: Mike didn’t imagine he’d end up in local government tech—but now he doesn’t want to be anywhere else.[35:00–37:00]Advice for Entrepreneurs: Building for local government is different. You must care deeply and build trust first. It’s people work.[37:00–End] Future of AI in Government: The entrepreneurial spotlight is shifting to government and AI. The investment is growing—but trust and simplicity must remain central.

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