HaltingWinter

What makes an organization a great place to work?

In Episode 340 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jordan Villwock, Deputy City Manager for the City of Ontario, California, to discuss how Ontario became the top local government workplace in America among organizations with 1,000–2,500 employees.

From leadership development and succession planning to employee engagement and strategic alignment, this conversation offers practical lessons for anyone interested in building a stronger organization.

If you're a city manager, county administrator, department leader, or simply passionate about creating thriving workplace cultures, you'll find valuable insights in this episode.

Episode 340: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-jordan-villwock/
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Sponsored by Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Local government leaders are being asked to do more with less time, fewer resources, and growing expectations. AI is starting to play a real role in helping teams meet that challenge. Tyler’s free e-book, “AI for Impact: Proven Results for Government,” shares how agencies are using AI to improve operations and better serve their communities. Download it at TylerTech.com/WINTER.

The Culture Advantage: How Ontario Became America's Top Local Government Workplace Halting Winter

Here's something nobody talks about in local government. Your finance director doesn't want the council to see the gap in her knowledge of the new federal compliance requirements. Your public works superintendent doesn't want you to know he's struggling with the new capital project system. Your newest hire is performing with confidence she hasn't fully earned yet.

And if you're being honest, you're probably carrying something right now that you haven't said out loud to anyone either.

This is what Harvard researchers Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey call the second job. And in “An Everyone Culture” — this week's MLDC Book of the Week — they make the case that it's one of the greatest drains on any organization's potential.

The good news? It's not a personnel problem. It's a culture problem. Which means it's a leadership opportunity.

We’re spending the week translating every insight from this book into the specific context of local government…the civil service realities, the elected oversight, the budget constraints, all of it.

Read more: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc-an-everyone-culture/
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The MLDC exists for one reason: to develop the leaders running local government. Find out if it's right for you and your organization at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

The Second Job Nobody Hired You For Halting Winter

Most people never think about public works until something stops working.

But every day, public works professionals quietly keep our communities functioning through infrastructure, utilities, transportation, sustainability, and emergency response support.

During National Public Works Week, we’re proud to feature Paz Gomez on The HaltingWinter Podcast.

Paz shares her incredible journey from the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps to overseeing public works for the City of Carlsbad, California, along with powerful insights on leadership, service, mentorship, and the future of local government.

This is a conversation that will give you a whole new appreciation for the people behind the infrastructure we often take for granted.

🎧 Listen to Episode 335 here: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-paz-gomez/
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Sponsored by Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Residents don’t see systems; they experience outcomes. AI is helping local governments improve response times, access to services, and overall experience for the people they serve. Tyler’s free e-book, “AI for Impact: Proven Results for Government,” walks through real examples of that shift in action. Access it at TylerTech.com/WINTER.

The Mission Behind Public Works: From Navy Engineering to Building Thriving Communities Halting Winter

What happens when you step into leadership…and realize you don’t feel ready?

That’s the honest reality Kathy Hodgson shares in today’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast.

From starting as a teenage lifeguard to becoming the longtime City Manager of Lakewood, Colorado, Kathy’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers from day one.

It’s about:
✔ Saying yes to opportunity
✔ Learning in real time
✔ Surrounding yourself with great people
✔ Leading with fairness and humility
✔ Growing into the role over time

We also discuss how local government leadership has changed dramatically over the years and the increasing pressure leaders face navigating homelessness, incivility, and community challenges.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone serving in local government today.

🎧 Episode 332 is now available: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-kathy-hodgson/
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Sponsored by Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Local government leaders are being asked to do more with less time, fewer resources, and growing expectations. AI is starting to play a real role in helping teams meet that challenge. Tyler’s free e-book, “AI for Impact: Proven Results for Government,” shares how agencies are using AI to improve operations and better serve their communities. Download it at TylerTech.com/WINTER.

When You’re Not Ready, But You Lead Anyway: Growing Into the Role of City Manager Halting Winter