Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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The future of local government won’t be shaped by policy alone. It will be shaped by people and by whether the next generation sees city management as a calling worth stepping into.
In Episode 272 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Max Fisher, an MPA student and Assistant to the City Manager’s Office in Levelland, Texas, whose journey into local government offers a powerful mirror for today’s leaders.
Max didn’t grow up dreaming of city management. He came to it through curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience, discovering along the way that local government is one of the few professions where thoughtful leadership can improve lives at scale.
This conversation goes beyond career pathways. It asks harder questions:
• Are internships designed to develop leaders or just fill gaps?
• Are emerging professionals being invited into the why of the work or only the tasks?
• And do today’s city managers realize how closely the next generation is watching?
From small-city leadership lessons to the overlooked power of mentorship and visibility, this episode challenges current leaders to think differently about how the profession is passed on.
If you care about the sustainability of city management—and about who will carry this work forward—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Listen to Episode 272: Max Fisher: Finding the Calling
Why the Future of City Management Depends on How We Develop Emerging Leaders
Tyler Technologies is 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.
