Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 377 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
When people think about the path to becoming a city manager, they often picture someone rising through finance, public works, or administration.
Jennifer Wills took a different route.
Long before she became the City Manager of Longview, Washington, Jennifer was leading outdoor expeditions in Patagonia, working as a wilderness ranger in Alaska, and building community through Parks & Recreation. Looking back, every one of those experiences prepared her for the role she serves today, not because they taught her how to manage budgets or council meetings, but because they taught her how to build relationships.
That may be the most important leadership lesson in this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast.
Leadership begins with people.
Throughout our conversation, Jennifer shares how saying “yes” to opportunities—even the ones she never expected to take—opened doors she never could have planned. A part-time Parks & Recreation position eventually led to nearly two decades of service with the City of Longview before she became city manager in 2025.
Her journey challenges a common assumption in local government: that technical expertise alone prepares someone to lead an organization.
Instead, Jennifer argues that community builders often become exceptional leaders because they spend their careers listening, communicating, solving problems, and creating places where people feel they belong.
That philosophy extends far beyond parks.
Jennifer believes local government isn’t simply responsible for maintaining roads, parks, and public facilities. Its greater responsibility is creating the conditions where neighborhoods thrive, families connect, businesses succeed, and residents feel invested in the future of their community.
It’s why she emphasizes storytelling as a leadership responsibility.
Cities can’t wait until they need public support to communicate with residents. Trust is built long before difficult conversations happen. By consistently sharing successes, celebrating employees, and helping residents understand the value of local government, leaders strengthen relationships that become invaluable when challenges arise.
As the discussion turns toward Jennifer’s transition into the city manager’s office, another important theme emerges: leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating a culture where people feel heard, valued, and connected to a shared purpose.
That perspective becomes especially meaningful as Jennifer reflects on leading Longview through one of the most difficult moments in its recent history following a tragic industrial explosion. Her insights remind us that city managers don’t simply oversee operations—they carry the emotional weight of serving an entire community during its hardest days.
Jennifer’s story is ultimately about much more than career advancement.
It’s about saying yes. It’s about embracing unexpected opportunities. It’s about understanding that the greatest infrastructure any city can build isn’t made of concrete or steel—it’s built through relationships, trust, and belonging.
If you’re a local government leader looking to strengthen your organization, inspire your team, or reconnect with the deeper purpose behind public service, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
Listen to Episode 377: Jennifer Wills: From Parks to Purpose
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 AI to budgeting solutions, 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 leadership and their organization. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/mldc →
The HaltingWinter Podcast shines a spotlight on the people behind our cities and counties. Through candid conversations with local government leaders from across the nation, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and ideas shaping stronger communities while inspiring the next generation of public servants.
