# From Police Officer to County Executive (with Mike Callagy) | Ep. 99

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ground-floor-government-7436219/from-police-officer-to-county-executive-with-mike-callagy-ep-99
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ground-floor-government-7436219/from-police-officer-to-county-executive-with-mike-callagy-ep-99.md
Podcast: [Ground Floor Government](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ground-floor-government-7436219)
Published: 2026-07-31T17:45:00+00:00
Episode link: https://phonelive.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d33cd30b-db1a-4413-8b04-5c99addbd7dd.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/ground-floor-government-7436219/episodes/from-police-officer-to-county-executive-with-mike-callagy-ep-99
Duration seconds: 1331

## Resource

Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Mike Callagy, the County Executive of San Mateo, California. Mike shares his unique journey from being an undercover police officer to leading a county with a vast array of responsibilities. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of empowering leadership within his team, and the impactful projects like the Navigation Center aimed at addressing homelessness. The conversation also touches on budgeting for community needs, the significance of communication skills in local government, and the diverse workforce that contributes to effective governance. Mike emphasizes the moral obligation of ensuring digital accessibility and the tangible difference local government can make in people's lives. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Mike Callagy's journey from police officer to county executive showcases diverse career paths in local government. The role of a county executive involves managing a large workforce and a significant budget. The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges that required quick adaptation and innovative solutions. Empowering team members and fostering leadership skills is crucial for effective governance. The Navigation Center project exemplifies successful community initiatives addressing homelessness. Budgeting reflects the priorities of local government, focusing on health and welfare. Effective communication is key to navigating the complexities of local government. Motivation in law enforcement is about helping people and making a po…

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## Transcript

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