“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.” - Eden

In 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 ideas into organizations that move at a cautious, political pace.

From FEMA flood maps and unaffordable insurance mandates to curbside compost pilots, rural broadband, and “pitch day” idea sessions, the hosts debate the long game of innovation in public service. Is idealism crushed… or refined? Is innovation easier in small towns or large systems? And how do managers protect enthusiasm without promising what can’t be delivered? This episode is a candid look at risk, culture, pace of change, and how leaders keep the spark alive in a system that is built to resist.

"I have two post-it notes on my desk that have followed me to the many jobs that I've had. One says, 'don't be an obstacle.' And the other one says, 'shut up and listen.'" - Dave

"Ideas don't usually die straight out—they die or fade away administratively. The bureaucracy often wears everything down." - Brandon

“Local government is a long game. Innovation especially is a long game.” - Eden

⏱️ Timestamps

* 00:00 – Cold open, MLK weekend, intro

* 01:30 – Topic launch: idealism vs reality in local government

* 03:30 – Recruiting innovators vs navigating systems

* 06:00 – Culture, risk, and managers driving pace of change

* 08:30 – When ideas get shelved: personal experiences

* 11:30 – Eden’s floodplain / stormwater infrastructure story

* 15:30 – Cynicism vs experience vs risk aversion debate

* 18:30 – Timing, turnover, and “the long game”

* 20:30 – Small vs large municipality innovation debate

* 24:30 – Defining innovation vs change

* 29:00 – Dave’s rural broadband case study

* 33:00 – Is this generation more innovation-oriented?

* 36:00 – Social media, scrutiny, and risk today

* 43:30 – How managers build a culture of innovation

* 48:30 – “Pitch Day” concept discussion

* 52:30 – Advice to young professionals

* 55:00 – Closing reflections

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