Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Municipal leadership rarely follows a linear path, but John Mauro’s journey stands out as particularly remarkable. As City Manager of Port Townsend, Washington, John brings a wealth of global experience that has shaped his innovative approach to local governance.
In Episode 157 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with John to explore his fascinating journey from the shores of Maine to four continents and eventually to the Victorian seaport town he now calls home.
John’s story begins in Maine, where early exposure to natural landscapes sparked his passion for environmental science. But it was a prestigious Thomas Watson fellowship that truly transformed his perspective, taking him to Ghana, Bhutan, Australia, and Bolivia to study indigenous relationships with the natural world.
“When you go out and see difference—color, sound, taste, smell—and have this incredible multi-sensory experience… To go back to the familiar was a richer way to see,” John reflects during the conversation.
This global perspective didn’t just broaden John’s horizons—it fundamentally shaped his approach to leadership, teaching him to value diverse perspectives and question his own assumptions.
John’s path to city management wasn’t direct. His career includes nonprofit leadership in Seattle, sustainability work with the City of Seattle, and most notably, serving as Auckland, New Zealand’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, where he helped transform a newly amalgamated “super city” government.
Now, as Port Townsend’s city manager, John applies these diverse experiences to tackle significant challenges, from updating century-old water agreements to creating sustainable funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure.
Perhaps most inspiring is John’s commitment to transparent communication and community engagement. Through initiatives like “The Bureaucracy Now” radio show and monthly coffee chats with citizens, he’s breaking down barriers between government and residents.
“We spent a lot of time dealing with distraction, personal attacks, people spun up about misinformation,” John candidly shares. His response? Meet people where they are, listen authentically, and create multiple channels for engagement beyond traditional council meetings.
John’s conversation with Seth yields valuable insights for anyone in municipal leadership:
This episode offers a masterclass in transformational municipal leadership from someone who’s worked at every scale—from nonprofit advocacy to international “super city” governance to small-town management.
Whether you’re a seasoned city manager, aspiring municipal leader, or simply interested in how global perspective can transform local governance, this conversation delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories.
Listen to Episode 157 with John Mauro now or find The HaltingWinter Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
About The HaltingWinter Podcast
The HaltingWinter Podcast features conversations with municipal leaders who are transforming their communities through innovative approaches to governance, leadership, and organizational culture. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, each episode delivers practical wisdom for building stronger cities through stronger leaders.
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