Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 334 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
This National Public Works Week, The HaltingWinter Podcast highlights the people doing far more than building roads, pipes, and infrastructure.
In Episode 334, Seth sits down with Julie Underwood, Public Works Director for the City of Kirkland, Washington and former city manager, for a conversation about leadership, service, and the growing challenge facing local government organizations across the country: preparing people to lead.
Julie shares her remarkable journey from being born in Vietnam during the Vietnam War to leading at the highest levels of local government in the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, the conversation explores the emotional realities of municipal leadership, the importance of belonging, and why technical expertise alone is not enough to sustain healthy organizations.
One of the strongest themes in the episode is the urgent need to intentionally develop future leaders, especially in public works, where many employees are promoted for their technical skills without ever being trained to lead people.
The episode also highlights the incredible work happening through the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy, which Julie helped launch to support and accelerate women into leadership positions across local government.
This is a powerful conversation for city managers, public works professionals, department leaders, and anyone who believes local government is ultimately about serving people well.
Listen to Episode 334: Building More Than Infrastructure
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 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.
