Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 267 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Some cities live at a steady hum. Carbondale, Illinois, often lives at full volume.
With a major university, a long history of activism, and national issues regularly surfacing on local streets, Carbondale is one of those rare communities where protests, politics, and public pressure are part of the weekly rhythm. And for City Manager Stan Reno, that’s not a crisis — it’s the calling.
In this week’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Stan shares a leadership journey that few can replicate. He grew up in Carbondale. He raised his hand to serve Carbondale. And now, almost three decades later, he’s leading the city he’s never left.
Stan’s path runs through every layer of municipal life: patrol shifts, narcotics investigations, federal task force work, leadership roles across the police department, and eventually the chief’s office — all long before the city council tapped him to become interim city manager. And then, eventually, to take on the role permanently.
What makes his story worth your time is not the résumé. It’s the posture.
Stan leads with transparency, humility, and the steady confidence of someone who has made tough decisions in real time, not just theory. He talks openly about navigating a job where he’s no longer the subject-matter expert, managing a community that is constantly evolving, and balancing safety, free speech, and community emotion when protests show up unannounced.
He also speaks honestly about the internal work that matters just as much as the external noise: rebuilding culture, supporting staff through political turbulence, and creating an organization that can serve the public well because it is healthy on the inside.
For anyone working in local government, especially in communities wrestling with change, Stan’s insights hit close to home. His journey is a reminder that courage isn’t always loud, leadership isn’t always glamorous, and the work that truly moves a city forward often happens long after the headlines fade.
If you’re navigating pressure, leading through complexity, or simply trying to keep your team grounded when everything around you feels loud, this episode will sharpen your perspective.
Listen now: 267: Stan Reno: Leading Through the Noise
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms or at HaltingWinter.com/news.
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.
If you’re committed to leading well and shaping a healthier culture for your team, now is the time to save your seat for the 2026 cohort.
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.
