Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 269 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Most people outside city hall never see the tension local government leaders carry. They don’t see the governance dynamics behind the scenes, the pressure to deliver services with limited resources, the weight of decisions that shape lives and neighborhoods for decades.
But every so often, a conversation cuts through the noise and reminds us what this work is really about.
Episode 269 is one of those conversations.
Recently, I sat down with Jenny Haruyama, City Manager of Beaverton, Oregon—a leader whose story threads together the heart of public service, the complexity of city management, and the quiet resilience required when politics, people, and progress collide.
Jenny didn’t step into leadership because it was easy. She stepped in because she cared, first as a part-time recreation employee learning that people want to be seen, later as a budget officer facing down fear, and ultimately as a city manager navigating one of the most significant governance transitions in her region.
Her insight is candid and refreshing:
What emerges is a portrait of a leader grounded in service and unshaken by complexity. It’s a reminder that behind every policy debate, every council meeting, every staffing challenge, there are human stories of leaders trying to do right by their communities while carrying a tremendous weight.
If you’re a city manager, an assistant manager, a department head, or someone who hopes to lead in this space one day, this episode will meet you where you are. It will challenge you, steady you, and remind you why this work matters.
Listen to Episode 269: High Stakes, Human Stories → HaltingWinter.com/News
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen or at HaltingWinter.com/resources.
This episode is sponsored by Tyler Technologies, the 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 →
The MLDC is where local government leaders go to grow, together. It’s the fastest-growing leadership development community designed specifically for the public sector, now paired with a comprehensive 9-month Leadership & Culture Program for those ready to elevate their organization.
Members receive weekly leadership content, access to our daily podcast, monthly virtual trainings, and a clear roadmap for building a culture that reduces burnout, strengthens retention, and drives meaningful impact in every department.
If you’re committed to leading well and shaping a healthier culture for your team, now is the time to save your seat for the 2026 cohort.
Learn more at haltingwinter.com/mldc →
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.
