Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 365 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
Before we dive into Eric Swanson’s remarkable career, it’s worth pausing on the advice that defines both the man and this episode:
“Just keep showing up.”
It sounds almost too simple. But anyone who has spent time in local government knows it may be the hardest leadership lesson to live.
City managers and public servants don’t lead in ideal circumstances. They lead through political transitions, public criticism, natural disasters, economic uncertainty, staffing challenges, and the countless unexpected moments that never make the strategic plan. The leaders who make the greatest impact aren’t the ones who avoid adversity; they’re the ones who continue serving when adversity arrives.
That’s exactly what Eric Swanson has done throughout a career spanning more than three decades.
As the City Manager of Phoenix, Oregon, and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Eric has served communities across Maine, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Oregon. Along the way, he’s learned that every community has its own culture, every council has its own priorities, and every challenge demands a different approach. Leadership isn’t about applying the same playbook everywhere you go. It’s about adapting without losing sight of your mission.
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Eric shares the lessons that shaped him, from becoming a town manager at just 25 years old to leading Phoenix through the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating Almeda Fire that destroyed thousands of homes and forever changed his community.
One of the most refreshing parts of our conversation is Eric’s humility.
He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. In fact, one of his greatest strengths has been his willingness to ask for help, surround himself with good people, and build trust long before a crisis arrives. Those relationships became invaluable as Phoenix secured millions of dollars in grant funding and coordinated one of the most significant community recovery efforts in Oregon’s history.
Eric also speaks candidly about the realities many municipal leaders quietly carry. He discusses career setbacks, political changes, criticism, and the personal toll leadership can take on families. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, they strengthened his conviction that public service is still one of the most meaningful professions a person can pursue.
If you’re leading a department, managing a city, serving on a council, or simply wondering whether your work is making a difference, Eric’s story offers both encouragement and perspective.
Leadership isn’t measured by how few challenges you face. It’s measured by your willingness to keep showing up—for your team, your community, and the people who depend on you.
Listen to Episode 365: Eric Swanson: Just Keep Showing Up
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.
