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Kimberly Richardson: The Hidden Power of Strategic Planning How a shared vision can transform leadership, collaboration, and organizational culture. Episode 409 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies America Runs on Local Government. Now you can wear the message with pride and help us tell the stories behind it. Shop the limited-edition Founders Collection, available for preorder through November 22: https://shop.haltingwinter.com/ What if your city's strategic plan could do more than establish priorities? What if it could actually transform your organizational culture? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Kimberly Richardson, Assistant City Manager of Peoria, Illinois, to explore how strategic planning can become a powerful tool for developing leaders, strengthening collaboration, and changing how an entire organization works together. Drawing from her experience across multiple Illinois communities, Kimberly shares how Peoria is moving beyond traditional strategic planning to build a culture where department leaders think beyond their individual responsibilities and take ownership of shared priorities. But this conversation goes far beyond strategy. Kimberly opens up about her own leadership journey, the self-doubt that nearly caused her to walk away from local government, and the mentors who helped her recognize the leader she was capable of becoming. From the importance of developing future leaders to the challenge of turning vision into meaningful action, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest opportunity in strategic planning may not be what your organization accomplishes, but who your people become in the process. At the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, Kimberly presented a skill-building workshop titled "From Vision to Department Results: Building Strategic Leaders and Action Plans Across All City Departments." The session explored how municipal leaders can move beyond traditional strategic planning to develop shared accountability, strengthen cross-departmental leadership, and turn community priorities into meaningful organizational action. About Kimberly Richardson Kimberly Richardson serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Peoria, Illinois. With more than 20 years of experience in local government, her career has included leadership and operational roles in communities throughout Illinois, including Bensenville, Rockford, Riverside, Flossmoor, and Evanston. Her diverse experience spans economic development, public works, community engagement, technology, organizational operations, and executive leadership. She brings a unique perspective to municipal management, emphasizing relationship-building, leadership development, and collaboration across departments. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Join the Waitlist Here: https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: Talk Like TED Episode 408 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Most presentations are forgotten before the meeting ends. The ones people remember and pass along do something different. This week in the MLDC, we're looking at Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo, who studied more than 500 TED talks to find what makes a message stick. For local government leaders who present constantly, from council chambers to budget hearings to tense public comment periods, the answer matters more than you'd think. The pre-order window is open for the Founding Collection of hats, t-shirts, and hoodies from the America Runs on Local Government campaign at shop.haltingwinter.com. Proceeds fund our work telling the stories of the people and projects that make our cities and counties function and flourish. Order before November 22nd! The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Amy Snider: The Executive Leadership Trap When Your Greatest Strength Becomes Your Team's Weakness Episode 407 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies America Runs on Local Government. Now you can wear the message with pride and help us tell the stories behind it. Shop the limited-edition Founders Collection, available for preorder through November 22: https://shop.haltingwinter.com/ What if the very skills that made you successful are now holding your team back? In local government, the leaders who rise through the ranks are often the ones who know how to get things done. They solve problems, take ownership, and step in when things get difficult. But at the executive level, those same instincts can become a liability. Amy Snider, Deputy City Manager for Harrisonburg, Virginia, joins Seth to explore one of the most overlooked challenges of executive leadership: knowing when to stop being the fixer. Drawing from her unconventional journey through education, city, and county government, Amy challenges the idea that assistant and deputy city managers should function as super department heads. Their greatest value isn't knowing more than everyone else. It's creating the conditions for everyone else's expertise to work together. Together, they explore the dangers of overfunctioning, the power of giving employees permission to innovate, and why communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution aren't simply soft skills; they're essential executive competencies. Amy also shares insights from her ICMA Annual Conference session in Long Beach, "Assistant City Managers Are Not Super Department Heads: Understanding the Realities Behind the Title," which challenged municipal leaders to rethink the responsibilities, expectations, and skills that make assistant and deputy city managers effective. If you've ever struggled to let go, delegate responsibility, or resist the temptation to solve every problem yourself, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership. About Amy Snider Amy Snider serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she oversees five departments: Public Works, Public Utilities, Public Transportation, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development. She brings a distinctive perspective to executive leadership, emphasizing relationship-building, facilitation, conflict resolution, and empowering department leaders to succeed. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Doreen Jokerst: Modernizing Policing from the Inside Out A Better Future Begins with the People Behind the Badge Episode 406 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies America Runs on Local Government. Now you can wear the message with pride and help us tell the stories behind it. Shop the limited-edition Founders Collection, available for preorder through November 22: https://shop.haltingwinter.com/ What does it really take to modernize policing? New technology, better equipment, and updated policies are part of the equation, but Overland Park, Kansas, Police Chief Doreen Jokerst believes meaningful transformation begins somewhere else: with the people and culture inside the organization. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Doreen joins Seth Winterhalter to explore why the future of policing depends on intentional leadership, employee wellness, organizational trust, and a commitment to taking care of those who serve their communities. Drawing on her experience in municipal and university policing, Doreen discusses the cumulative toll of public safety work, the importance of creating a culture where employees feel supported, and why leaders must model the very behaviors they expect from their teams. She also shares her approach to building a strong partnership with the city manager, breaking down departmental silos, engaging community members through listening rather than defensiveness, and helping residents better understand the complexities of local government. For city managers, police chiefs, department directors, and municipal leaders, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: You can't transform the services you provide without investing in the people who provide them. About Doreen Jokerst Doreen Jokerst serves as Chief of Police for the City of Overland Park, Kansas. Her law enforcement career includes nearly two decades with the Parker Police Department in Colorado and service as Chief of Police at the University of Colorado Boulder. A founding board member of The Curve, a nonprofit focused on advancing police leadership and organizational culture, Doreen is passionate about modernizing policing through intentional leadership, employee wellness, and meaningful community relationships. At the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, Doreen presented "Beneath the Surface: Understanding Policing Culture and What It Takes to Modernize It," a session examining the role of city managers in supporting police leadership, strengthening organizational culture, prioritizing employee wellness, and navigating the challenges of modern policing. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Join the Waitlist Here: https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: You're Not Listening Episode 405 of The HaltingWinter Podcast We think we're listening as long as we're not interrupting. But most of us are just waiting for our turn to talk, and in local government, that habit costs more than we realize. This week in the MLDC, Seth Winterhalter digs into You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters by journalist Kate Murphy, exploring what her two-year investigation into the science of listening reveals for city managers, county administrators, and department heads navigating council meetings, staff conversations, and public pushback.  The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Sherilyn Lombos: The Most Important Council Meetings Aren't Public The Conversations That Build Trust, Defuse Conflict, and Keep Politics from Derailing Progress Episode 404 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies The most important conversations between city managers and elected officials often happen long before anyone takes their seat at the dais. After 20 years as City Manager of Tualatin, Oregon, Sherilyn Lombos has learned that trust isn't built during a crisis. It's developed through intentional relationships, honest conversations, and a willingness to address difficult issues before they become public confrontations. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Sherilyn joins Seth Winterhalter to explore how regular one-on-one meetings with elected officials can strengthen relationships, reduce surprises, protect staff, and create the conditions for effective governance. But the conversation goes far beyond council relationships. Sherilyn shares lessons from two decades of leadership about building a lasting organizational culture, developing resilience through adversity, and creating a legacy that continues long after you've left the position. Because the relationships you invest in today often determine how you navigate the challenges of tomorrow. 2026 ICMA Annual Conference: Sherilyn presented How to Make Your One-on-Ones with Your Elected Officials Really Count in Long Beach, California. The session explores why regular individual conversations with elected officials matter and how city managers can use them to build trust, improve communication, and prepare for more productive council meetings. Find the recording on the ICMA members' website. About Sherilyn Lombos Sherilyn Lombos has served as City Manager of Tualatin, Oregon, for 20 years, helping shape the city's organizational culture, community engagement, and approach to local governance. Her leadership emphasizes trust, employee well-being, strong relationships with elected officials, and building an organization where people want to work. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Alex Mansfield: The Impossible Math of Local Government Leading When the Responsibilities Outnumber Your Resources Episode 403 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies The expectations of local government never seem to shrink, but the resources available to meet them are another story. How do you lead a community when every decision involves competing priorities, limited budgets, and responsibilities that never stop growing? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Alex Mansfield, City Administrator of Amery, Wisconsin, to explore the realities of municipal leadership and the difficult decisions required to turn community priorities into meaningful progress. Following in the footsteps of his late mother, who also served as a city manager, Alex brings a unique perspective shaped by experiences in municipalities ranging from small communities to large metropolitan organizations. He shares why understanding a community's history is essential to shaping its future, how budgets reveal an organization's true priorities, and why effective leadership requires more than simply doing more with less. They also discuss the challenges of economic development in smaller communities, the importance of professional relationships, and why leaders must model the personal well-being they want their employees to experience. ICMA Conference Session: Alex is a panelist for Supporting Small Businesses in Small Places at the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach. The session explores creative, practical approaches to economic development for communities with limited budgets, constrained space, and fewer traditional growth opportunities. If you missed the session, look for the conference recording. About Alex Mansfield Alex Mansfield serves as City Administrator for the City of Amery, Wisconsin, a community of approximately 3,000 residents. A second-generation municipal leader, Alex was inspired to pursue public service by his late mother, whose career in city management demonstrated the profound impact local government can have on communities. His approach to leadership emphasizes fiscal responsibility, community understanding, strategic decision-making, and building organizations that serve both residents and employees well. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: The Speed of Trust Episode 402 of The HaltingWinter Podcast When was the last time you considered why a simple decision in your organization somehow requires four signatures and six weeks? It might not be a process problem; it might be a trust problem. This week in the MLDC, Seth Winterhalter breaks down The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey and makes the case that trust isn't a soft skill; it's an economic force with a measurable speed and cost. From the "trust tax" that slows everything down to the five waves that build trust from the inside out, this episode sets up a week of practical, local-government-specific applications inside the MLDC.  The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Matt Mueller: We Had to Reinvent Our City Every Four Years Leading Through Explosive Growth from 25,000 to 70,000 Residents Episode 401 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies What happens when your community grows so quickly that the organization you built just a few years ago can no longer meet its needs? When Matt Mueller became Town Manager of Little Elm, Texas, in 2012, the community had approximately 25,000 residents. Today, it's approaching 70,000. But managing that kind of explosive growth requires far more than building roads, hiring employees, and expanding services. It requires continually reinventing how an entire municipal organization operates. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Matt joins Seth Winterhalter to explore what it takes to lead through extraordinary change. He shares why Little Elm has essentially had to reinvent itself every three to four years, how the demands of growth force leaders to evolve, and why developing the people already inside your organization is just as important as bringing in new talent. The conversation also explores one of the most challenging transitions in leadership: moving from being the person who gets things done to becoming the person who equips others to succeed. Matt shares why even your highest-performing employees need intentional development before stepping into leadership roles. Finally, Matt reflects on the mentors who shaped his career and the remarkable ripple effect of investing in the next generation of municipal leaders. From a young lifeguard discovering local government to a town manager helping shape future executives, his story demonstrates how a single opportunity can influence communities for generations. ICMA Conference Spotlight: Matt was a presenter at the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach for a session titled, Legacy in Motion: Mentoring Through the Ages. Alongside three generations of mentors and mentees, the session explored how leadership lessons, professional relationships, and a commitment to service are passed from one generation to the next. Conference attendees can revisit the session recording for a deeper look at the power of mentorship in local government. About Matt Mueller Matt Mueller has served as Town Manager of Little Elm, Texas, since 2012, helping guide the community through a period of extraordinary population growth and organizational transformation. Originally from a small town in Oklahoma, Matt discovered his passion for local government through early municipal employment, internships, and influential mentors. His career has included service with the cities of Edmond, Claremore, and Guthrie, Oklahoma, before moving to Little Elm. With a leadership philosophy grounded in public service, continuous improvement, and developing others, Matt is passionate about strengthening the municipal management profession and preparing the next generation of local government leaders. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Steve Mokrohisky: Culture Doesn't Care What You Say Why Behaviors Matter More Than Values Episode 400 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies Every organization has a culture. But it's not defined by the values printed on the wall, the mission statement on the website, or the words leaders use to describe it. Culture is shaped by the behaviors people demonstrate, reinforce, and tolerate every day. Steve Mokrohisky, County Administrator of Lane County, Oregon, joins Seth Winterhalter to share how he's helped transform a complex public organization of nearly 2,000 employees by moving beyond aspirational values and making organizational culture something employees actually practice. Drawing from more than 25 years in local government, Steve explores why strategic planning is essential to escaping reactive leadership, how curiosity and humility make executives more effective, and why building an organization that can thrive without you may be the ultimate measure of leadership success. The conversation also tackles one of the most difficult realities facing city and county managers: navigating disruptive governing body members while maintaining professionalism, organizational stability, and personal integrity. From employee wellness and organizational trust to leadership succession and work-life alignment, this episode challenges public sector leaders to consider a fundamental question: Does your organization's everyday behavior reflect the culture you say you're building? Heading to ICMA Long Beach? Navigating difficult relationships with elected officials is one of the most challenging aspects of professional local government management. In his ICMA Annual Conference education session, "How to Deal with Disruptive Governing Body Members," Steve explores how city and county managers can respond to disruptive governing body behavior, establish healthy governance expectations, and maintain effective leadership when political dynamics threaten organizational stability. About Steve Mokrohisky Steve Mokrohisky has served as County Administrator of Lane County, Oregon, since 2014, overseeing a regional government serving approximately 400,000 residents across 5,000 square miles. With more than 25 years in local government, including leadership roles in Wisconsin and Nevada, he has focused on organizational transformation, strategic alignment, and employee well-being. Under his leadership, Lane County has been recognized as Oregon's healthiest large employer for five consecutive years. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: Give and Take Episode 399 of The HaltingWinter Podcast This week in the MLDC, Seth Winterhalter breaks down Adam Grant's Give and Take, the research-backed case that how you handle reciprocity at work predicts success more than talent or effort alone. Grant's research reveals a surprising pattern: givers show up disproportionately among both the lowest and highest performers in any organization, while takers and matchers cluster safely in the middle. The difference isn't how much you give; it's whether you give with any judgment about your own limits. For local government leaders especially, this is something to be mindful of. Public service attracts givers by nature, which is a real strength, but also a real burnout risk. Seth unpacks why the leaders who last aren't the ones who give the most in any single crisis or budget cycle, and why one taker on your team can do two to three times more damage than a giver can offset. The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Michael Kovacs: Growth Isn't Free The Infrastructure Bill Your City Is Quietly Building Episode 398 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies Growth can look like success. New homes. New businesses. New roads. A growing tax base. But every piece of infrastructure a city builds today creates an obligation someone will have to pay for tomorrow. In this episode, Seth sits down with Michael Kovacs, City Manager of Fate, Texas, to talk about what it means to build a city that can actually afford its future. Michael shares lessons from a career that has taken him from a small, financially distressed border community to resort towns, coastal communities, disaster recovery in Galveston, and now one of the fastest-growing areas of North Texas. Along the way, he has developed a very different way of thinking about growth, development, infrastructure, and the long-term financial health of a city. Michael also shares hard-earned lessons from disaster recovery, including why local governments must be prepared to take ownership of the long road back after the immediate response is over. At the center of the conversation is a bigger question for every local government leader: Are we building communities that future generations can actually afford to maintain? Heading to ICMA in Long Beach? Michael will be part of the ICMA education session "Maintaining, Replacing, and Funding Roads: How Much Is Enough?" The session will explore the true long-term cost of maintaining and replacing municipal streets and how communities can begin preparing today for infrastructure expenses that may still be decades away. About Michael Kovacs Michael Kovacs is the City Manager of Fate, Texas, where he has served for more than a decade during a period of extraordinary community growth. His experience spans small-town administration, tourism and resort communities, rapid growth, emergency management, disaster recovery, infrastructure, development, and long-term municipal financial planning. Today, Michael is helping Fate think beyond the traditional suburban growth model by focusing on development patterns, infrastructure costs, fiscal sustainability, and what it will take to build a community where people can live for every stage of their lives. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Deborah Stuart: Are You Developing Leaders or Just Promoting Employees? Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline in Local Government Episode 397 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies What if the biggest challenge in your leadership pipeline isn't finding better people but preparing the people you already have? In Episode 397 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Deborah Stuart, City Manager of Mason, Michigan, to explore what it takes to intentionally develop the next generation of municipal leaders. Deborah shares how "stay" interviews helped her uncover what employees actually wanted from their careers and where the organization was unintentionally setting talented people up for failure. Being technically excellent at a job doesn't automatically prepare someone to manage people, navigate conflict, oversee budgets, or lead a team. That realization led Mason to rethink its approach to employee development, creating clearer pathways for advancement and giving employees opportunities to build leadership skills before the next position opens. Seth and Deborah also discuss why people sometimes need someone else to help them see what's possible, the importance of mentorship in city management, and why economic development is ultimately about relationships, not simply incentives, projects, and data. Deb's commitment to developing and supporting others has also earned her the Christine Burns Award from Michigan Municipal Executives two years in a row, recognizing her work to support and advance women in the municipal management profession. About Deborah Stuart Deborah Stuart serves as City Manager for the City of Mason, Michigan, a role she has held since 2016. Her career includes extensive experience in downtown and economic development at both the local and state levels before moving into city management. She is passionate about developing people from within, creating visible pathways for employee growth, and helping emerging leaders recognize opportunities they may not yet see for themselves. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now: https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: The Motive Episode 396 of The HaltingWinter Podcast This week in the MLDC, Seth Winterhalter explores The Motive by Patrick Lencioni, a leadership fable built around two rival CEOs, one struggling and one quietly thriving, and the uncomfortable conversation that reveals why. Lencioni draws a sharp distinction between leaders who take the top job as a reward for hard work, and leaders who take it as a responsibility to do the difficult, unglamorous work their organization actually needs. Seth breaks down why this question hits differently for local government leaders than it does in the private sector, as many city managers, county administrators, and department heads didn't arrive in leadership through pure ambition, but through tenure, reliability, or simply being next in line. That path makes it easy to never stop and ask which motive is actually driving you. Inside MLDC this week, members are working through five specific takeaways from the book and applying them to their local government context. The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Jennifer Miller: "No" Is the Lazy Answer Breaking Silos and Building a Culture That Solves Problems Episode 396 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies "No" is often the easiest answer in government. It gets the issue off your desk, protects the process, and keeps things moving. But as Jennifer Miller, Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County, Virginia, puts it: "No is the lazy answer." Great leadership requires something harder: helping people understand what is possible, breaking through organizational silos, and creating a culture where people are empowered to solve problems. In this episode, Jennifer joins Seth to explore what she learned through more than two decades of military and federal service and how those lessons translate into local government leadership. They discuss why residents don't care whose department owns the problem, how cross-functional teams can become powerful "silo busters," why leaders must protect employees who take creative risks, and the responsibility professional staff have to enable informed decision-making. It's a conversation about moving beyond bureaucracy as an excuse and building organizations designed to collaborate, innovate, and get things done. About Jennifer Miller Jennifer Miller is the Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County, Virginia, where she helps lead one of the largest local governments in the country. Before joining Fairfax County, Jennifer spent more than two decades serving in senior civilian leadership roles with the Department of the Air Force while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. Her career has spanned law, real estate, infrastructure, environmental policy, military service, and executive leadership, giving her a unique perspective on leading complex, mission-driven organizations. Jennifer will also be presenting the education session "Mission Driven Leadership: Veterans Building Trust and Integrity in Local Government" on Sunday, October 18th. The session will explore how military experience translates into local government leadership, how communities can better recognize the skills veterans bring, and how veterans can translate their experience for careers in cities and counties. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open through October 31st at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com