HaltingWinter
Candid conversations with city managers and public servants leading cities to greater impact.
07/21/2026
What makes the difference between an employee who simply follows instructions and one who truly takes ownership?
According to Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica, it starts with helping people understand why their work matters.
In this new episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Tom shares leadership lessons from more than two decades in local government, including leading through crisis, building organizational culture, and preparing one of America's largest cities for the future.
If you care about developing people, strengthening your organization, and leading with humility, this conversation is for you.
Listen here: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-tom-modica/
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Sponsor Highlight: Tyler Technologies, Inc.
What does AI actually look like in local government? Explore free resources and real-world examples from Tyler Technologies at TylerTech.com/WINTER.
Why Compliance Isn't Commitment: The Leadership Approach That Inspires Ownership Halting Winter
07/16/2026
What happens when your most experienced employee retires?
For many local governments, it's more than losing a person…it's losing decades of knowledge that was never documented.
Today on The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Bryan Poster, Borough Manager for Telford Borough, Pennsylvania, to talk about preserving institutional knowledge, embracing technology with purpose, and leading organizations through change.
It's a practical conversation filled with ideas that every municipal leader can apply.
Listen now: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-bryan-poster/
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Sponsor Highlight: Tyler Technologies, Inc.
What does AI actually look like in local government? Explore free resources and real-world examples from Tyler Technologies at TylerTech.com/WINTER.
When Your Greatest Asset Retires: How Technology Helps Preserve Institutional Knowledge Halting Winter
07/09/2026
What does it take to build a legacy that lasts?
After 33 years as City Manager of Dubuque, Iowa, Mike Van Milligen has a remarkable answer.
His community transformed through decades of intentional leadership, long-term vision, and one simple philosophy:
"Do things with people instead of for people."
In this new episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Mike reflects on the four principles that guided one of the most respected careers in local government:
• Be Curious
• Be Problem Solvers
• Develop Partnerships
• Hold Each Other Accountable
Whether you serve in local government, lead a team, or simply want to make a greater impact in your community, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom you can apply immediately.
Listen Now: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-mike-van-milligen/
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Sponsor Highlight: Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Great leadership requires both innovation and resilience. Access free resources on AI, budgeting, and organizational readiness from Tyler Technologies at TylerTech.com/WINTER.
The Four Principles of Lasting Leadership: Lessons from 33 Years of Transforming One Community Halting Winter
07/02/2026
Most local government leaders didn't follow a straight path to leadership. Jeremy Scott certainly didn't.
Before becoming County Administrator for Antrim County, Michigan, Jeremy's career included mathematics, communications, marketing, technology, church media, Apple, and IT. Every step along the way prepared him to lead, even when he couldn't see it at the time.
In this conversation, Jeremy shares why adaptability is one of the most valuable leadership skills in local government, how to build a stronger organizational culture without spending more money, and why servant leadership continues to shape his approach to public service.
If you're navigating change, leading through uncertainty, or wondering how your own journey has prepared you for leadership, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen Now: https://haltingwinter.com/hwp-jeremy-scott/
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Sponsor Highlight: Tyler Technologies, Inc.
AI isn't coming to local government…it's already here. Learn how communities are using AI to reduce repetitive work and create capacity at TylerTech.com/WINTER.
The Leaders Who Adapt: Why Great Public Servants Rarely Follow a Straight Path Halting Winter
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