Beyond Politics and Polarization: How Local Government Can Rebuild Trust

Episode 242 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

National headlines shout about division. Political fights dominate cable news. But when residents turn the faucet, drive on the road, or walk into city hall, they aren’t asking for red or blue solutions; they just want their community to work.

That’s where local government steps in.

In this week’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, I sit down with Graham Mitchell, City Manager of El Cajon, California, to talk about the role of city management in rebuilding trust during a divided age.

Listen to the full episode here [or on your podcast platform of choice]:

Graham’s journey is both unexpected and instructive:

• He grew up in Washington, D.C., surrounded by federal leaders yet discovered his calling in local government almost by accident.
• He learned early that bigger isn’t always better. After serving in larger cities, he found that fit and community connection mattered more than prestige.
• He led through racial tensions, economic challenges, and budget crises, often forced to innovate when resources ran dry.
• Today, in El Cajon, he oversees one of the most diverse cities in America and home to refugees from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and beyond. His tours of city hall, where new immigrants sit in the city manager’s chair for the first time, have become powerful symbols of belonging.

This episode unpacks not only Graham’s career but also the broader question: How can local government rise above politics and polarization to restore trust where it matters most?

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Our Sponsor — Tyler Technologies

We’re also proud to be sponsored by Tyler Technologies, a leader in empowering the public sector with software solutions that connect data, streamline operations, and improve service delivery. From civic services to public safety, Tyler helps local governments build stronger, more resilient communities. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter →

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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.