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Episode 212 of The HaltingWinter Podcast – Featuring Steve Dalton, City Administrator of Branson West, MO
Brought to you by Zencity

In 1990, Branson West, Missouri, had a population of 37. Today, it’s still technically a town of just over 500. But don’t let the numbers fool you—this place is built like a city ten times its size.

At the center of that transformation? Steve Dalton, a former undercover narcotics officer turned reluctant police chief turned even more reluctant city administrator.

In Episode 212 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Steve joins Seth Winterhalter to unpack how infrastructure, integrity, and bold risk-taking fueled one of Missouri’s most unexpected municipal success stories—including the annexation of Silver Dollar City, a move years in the making and decades in vision.

But this isn’t just a story about growth. It’s about leadership in its rawest form, deciding to serve when you’d rather retire, stepping up when politics get messy, and building for the future when everyone else is celebrating being debt-free.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • How Steve’s law enforcement background shaped his fast, values-driven leadership style
  • Why he believes “debt-free” is often just code for “stagnant”
  • The behind-the-scenes negotiation that brought Silver Dollar City into Branson West’s city limits
  • How empowering a team to handle the present freed him to lead toward the future
  • The power of vision and the infrastructure that makes it real

Steve’s story is proof that credentials alone don’t build great cities. Courage does. Integrity does. And sometimes, so does a sewer bond no one else believed in.

This is one of the most raw, practical, and energizing stories we’ve told, especially for those leading in small towns with big challenges.

Listen now to Episode 212: “Debt-Free Isn’t Growth“
Available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms.
This episode is brought to you by Zencity, who believes these stories need to be told and these incredible leaders supported as they strive to lead their communities to greater flourishing. Schedule your free demo to see how Zencity will 10x your citizen engagement and take you far beyond the STP.

Schedule Your Zencity Demo Here

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The HaltingWinter Podcast celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from cities, counties, and communities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.