The View from Both Sides of the Table: Building Trust Between Cities and Counties

Episode 221 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity

In local government, cities and counties share the same residents, the same challenges, and too often, a complicated relationship. Budgets, responsibilities, and political pressures can pull them apart, even when their success depends on working together.

This week on The HaltingWinter Podcast, we hear Ryan Pelletier’s story, a leader who’s been on both sides of the table. From managing a one-person town office to overseeing a sprawling county government, he’s navigated the unique demands, personalities, and politics that come with each role. His perspective is rare and exactly what’s needed to move from friction to collaboration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why small-town leadership is the ultimate training ground for problem-solving, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• How to bridge the trust gap between cities and counties when history, politics, or budget battles get in the way.
• The power of shared services—and how to build buy-in for regional solutions that save money and improve service.
• Practical ways to lead for the long game in a political environment built on short cycles.

This isn’t theory—it’s the lived experience of someone who has spent decades in public service, navigating tense conversations, balancing competing priorities, and creating wins that last.

Why This Matters

If you work in local government, you know the challenges: shrinking resources, growing expectations, and a need for alignment across multiple levels of government. This conversation offers real strategies for breaking down silos, building mutual respect, and delivering results that residents can see and feel.

Listen now to Episode 221: The View from Both Sides of the Table: Building Trust Between Cities and Counties and discover how stronger relationships create stronger communities.

→ Listen to the full episode here

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Our Sponsor — Zencity
This episode is brought to you by Zencity, the community engagement platform that helps public sector leaders hear from all residents—not just the “same ten people.” Their tools make it easier to understand what your community really needs and to act on it. Schedule a demo at zencity.io.

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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.