Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 340 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
What separates a decent workplace from a great one? For many local government leaders, that’s a current, pressing question.
Recruitment is difficult. Retention is challenging. Burnout remains a constant concern. And as experienced leaders retire, public sector organizations across the country are trying to figure out how to develop the next generation.
In Episode 340 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sat down with Jordan Villwock, Deputy City Manager for the City of Ontario, California, to explore how his organization has become one of the most recognized workplace cultures in local government.
Ontario was recently named the top local government workplace in America among organizations with 1,000–2,500 employees. More importantly, this recognition wasn’t the result of a single initiative or employee engagement campaign. It was the result of years of intentional work.
Jordan shares how Ontario aligns its strategic priorities, develops future leaders, creates opportunities for employee growth, and builds connections across departments. We discuss everything from succession planning and leadership development to communication, accountability, and the systems that help culture thrive over time.
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that culture isn’t built through slogans. It’s built through consistent actions, clear expectations, and leaders who intentionally invest in their people.
If you’re looking for practical ideas to strengthen your organization’s culture or simply want to hear how one city is preparing for the future, this conversation is worth your time.
Listen to Episode 340: Jordan Villwock: The Culture Advantage
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 celebrates the people who serve in 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 and communities across America.
