Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 275 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Municipal leadership has a way of convincing people they’re supposed to carry it all by themselves.
The pressure doesn’t shut off.
The criticism doesn’t always make sense.
And the responsibility—financial, organizational, human—never really leaves your shoulders.
In this Reconnect episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down again with Mike Land, City Manager of Coppell, Texas, and newly installed ICMA President, to talk about what it actually takes to sustain leadership over the long haul.
We talk about culture—not as a buzzword, but as the lens through which hard decisions are made when resources shrink and expectations grow. Mike shares how Coppell is navigating long-term financial constraints by engaging the front line, aligning language and decision-making, and refusing to solve complex challenges from the top down.
But this conversation goes deeper than operations.
It’s about isolation.
It’s about renewal.
And it’s about why organizations like ICMA matter—not for credentials or conferences alone, but because they remind leaders that they are part of something larger than their own city or title.
When you’re the only city manager in your community, connection isn’t optional—it’s essential.
This episode is a reminder to pause.
To breathe.
And to remember that leadership was never meant to be a solo act.
Episode 275: Mike Land — Why We Don’t Lead Alone
Culture, ICMA, and Finding Renewal in the Work That Never Shuts Off
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 civic services to public safety, 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 organization.
Members receive weekly leadership content, access to our daily podcast, monthly virtual trainings, and a clear roadmap for building a culture that reduces burnout, strengthens retention, and drives meaningful impact in every department.
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.
