More Than Roads: Building Systems, People, and Purpose in Public Works

This week is National Public Works Week, and we’re celebrating by turning up the volume on one of the most essential and least understood arms of local government.

In Episode 178 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Blancke, Assistant Public Works Director for York County, South Carolina, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most complex, dynamic, and mission-driven departments in local government.

Ryan’s story is more than just a career path. It’s a lesson in leadership, systems thinking, and saying “yes” to growth.

He started as a high school intern in the county engineering department. Two decades later, he’s overseeing 260+ employees across road maintenance, fleet and facilities, solid waste, landfill operations, water and sewer, and even animal control. It’s a department that operates 24/7, solving problems in real time while planning 10 years ahead.

What Ryan makes clear is this: public works isn’t just potholes and snowplows—it’s the hidden infrastructure of trust, service, and resilience.

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In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How one internship opened the door to a lifelong career in local government
• The difference between project management and process leadership—and why both matter
• How to lead with humility when you’re promoted before you feel ready
• Why public works touches nearly every aspect of daily life—and why most people have no idea
• How to manage the tension between today’s breakdowns and tomorrow’s infrastructure needs
• The value of strong private sector partnerships and how they expand a county’s capacity
• Why public works needs better storytelling to help residents understand where their tax dollars go—and why it matters

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Why This Episode Matters During National Public Works Week

At HaltingWinter, we believe the best leaders are the ones most often overlooked. Public works employees are often first on the scene during emergencies and the last to leave. They maintain the roads we drive, the water we drink, the waste we dispose of, and the facilities we depend on—all while working quietly behind the scenes.

Ryan’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about building systems, trusting your people, and saying yes to growth.

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The HaltingWinter Podcast celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from communities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.