Local government is often described as part-time work with full-time responsibility. In this conversation, host Hugh Plappert sits down with Donna Reed to explore how a call to community service—literally three calls—turned into a seat on the city council. From a Facebook group supporting parents during COVID to a platform for youth engagement, Donna shares how she learned the rules, built relationships, and found purpose in public service. She opens up about navigating politics she never planned to enter, facing $8.6 million in budget cuts, and prioritizing “people over programs.” Her journey is full of real talk, practical compassion, and a strong belief that leadership is about lifting up others and leaving space for new voices to rise.

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👤 Guest Bio

Donna Reed serves as a council member in Jeffersonville, Indiana. A mom of two and a full-time educator, she entered public service after leading a local Facebook group that helped parents during COVID. Donna’s focus on youth engagement, transparency, and accessibility has shaped her approach to city leadership and community building.

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📌 What We Cover

• How a Facebook group turned community leadership into a council seat
• The “three asks” that changed her path to public service
• Lessons learned about teamwork, checks and balances, and influence
• Creating the Youth Advocate position and Summer Works program
• Managing an $8.6 million city budget loss while protecting jobs and services
• “People over programs”: balancing empathy with responsibility
• Building strong relationships with constituents, representatives, and city staff
• Why transparency, accessibility, and open communication matter
• Advice for anyone considering running for local office
• The importance of lifting up new leaders and building future public servants

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• City of Jeffersonville website: cityofjeff.net
• Donna’s city email: [email protected]

Ground Floor Government is hosted by Hugh Plappert and produced by PhoneLive.io.