Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 292 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
In local government, silence rarely gets celebrated.
There are no headlines when water runs clean, streets stay plowed, budgets balance, or council meetings end without conflict. Most days, the absence of complaints is the only signal that things are working.
In Episode 292 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Steve Volkert, City Administrator of Hartford, Wisconsin, reflects on nearly 30 years of leadership in local government and what it means to lead well when the impact is largely invisible.
Steve’s journey from radio and media into city management shaped a leadership style rooted in communication, listening, and trust. In our conversation, he names a truth many local government leaders feel but rarely say out loud: when the work is quiet, it’s often because systems are functioning, people are being served, and crises are being prevented.
We talk about:
This episode is both an affirmation for those carrying the quiet weight of leadership and a reminder that impact isn’t always loud to be meaningful.
If you’re leading without recognition, navigating complexity without credit, or wondering if the work still matters, this conversation is for you.
Listen to Episode 292: Silence Is the Sound of Success
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.
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.
