The Weight of the Role: A Community for City Managers & Administrators

It’s 10:30 PM. Another inflammatory social media post about your recent council decision lights up your screen. The vocal minority sees only black and white, while you see the months of research, budget constraints, and competing community needs that shaped your choice.

Welcome to modern municipal leadership – where compromise is viewed as weakness, nuance gets lost in the noise, and you stand alone at the intersection of public service and political pressure.

The Reality of Leading Today’s Cities

As a city manager or administrator, you’re carrying a weight few understand:

• Every decision becomes a public referendum on your character
• Your wins are credited to others while your missteps go viral
• You navigate political minefields while maintaining professional neutrality
• The workday never really ends, and neither does the scrutiny
• You lack true confidants who understand both the professional realities and personal toll

Municipal leadership has never been more demanding – or more isolating.

“The MLDC has been exactly what I needed. The weekly discussions with other city managers who truly understand our unique challenges have been invaluable.” – John Naron, City Manager, Texas

“The MLDC’s weekly meetings have become the highlight of my week. The conversations go beyond theory to real solutions, and I’ve built genuine relationships with other leaders who understand the weight of this role.” – Bill Wagoner, City Administrator, Illinois

The MLDC: Where Connection Meets Growth

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle was designed specifically to address these realities by offering four core pillars of support:

Weekly Community Connection
Confidential virtual meetups with fellow city managers – share challenges, find solutions, and build relationships with peers who truly understand your reality.

Curated Learning Experience
Essential leadership insights delivered in your preferred format (read or listen), specifically translated for municipal challenges and designed to fit your packed schedule.

Practical Tools & Resources
A comprehensive toolkit of frameworks, templates, and strategies – from council relations to crisis management – tested and proven in municipal settings.

Personal Resilience Support
Master the strategies for thriving both personally and professionally, with focused guidance on maintaining boundaries, managing stress, and navigating political pressures.

Your Investment in Sanity and Success

Your MLDC Membership Experience Includes:

Core Community Benefits:

• Private online platform and mobile app for 24/7 connection
• Weekly confidential virtual meetings with fellow city managers
• Ongoing support through private messaging and group discussions

Leadership Resources:

• Curated content specifically for municipal leaders
• Implementation toolkits and frameworks
• Insights from subject matter experts

Investment: $999/year or $99/month

Special Bonus: Complimentary executive coaching session to tackle your most pressing leadership challenge ($500 value)

This Isn’t Just About Professional Development

It’s about thriving in an environment that tests your leadership and personal resilience daily. It’s about finding your tribe of fellow leaders who understand the weight you carry. It’s about remembering why you chose this path – and finding new strength to continue making an impact.

Ready to Stop Going It Alone?

Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle and:

• Build resilience to lead sustainably without burning out
• Find clarity and confidence in your toughest decisions
• Lead with renewed purpose despite constant pressure