Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better

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Episode 305 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

Most cities talk about culture. Very few engineer it.

In Episode 305 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, I sit down with Ken Striplin, City Manager of Santa Clarita, California, a leader who has spent more than 30 years inside one organization, rising from intern to city manager.

Under his leadership, Santa Clarita has doubled in population. But growth isn’t the real story.

Culture is.

Ken shares what it actually takes to build a thriving municipal organization:

  • Structured mentorship that develops identity, not just skill
  • Leadership academies that create succession on purpose
  • Cross-department job shadowing that eliminates silos
  • Wellness initiatives that treat employees as whole people
  • Employee surveys that measure engagement and actually act on it

This isn’t aspirational language. It’s operationalized culture.

We also talk about the harder realities of city management:

The weight of ultimate accountability.
The loneliness at the top.
The discipline required to protect your family while serving your community.

If you’re a city manager, assistant city manager, or department leader who wants to build something that lasts, not just survive the next council meeting, this conversation will resonate.

Because culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built.

And it’s worth building well.

Listen to Episode 305: Ken Striplin: Culture Is Built, Not Assumed

Tyler Technologies

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 Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

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 leadership and 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.