Show Notes: From City Hall Kid to City Hall Leader Episode 131 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Martha Bennett, City Manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon, for a unique perspective on municipal leadership through the lens of someone who literally grew up in city management. From watching her father navigate council meetings to now leading one of Oregon's most distinctive communities, Martha shares invaluable insights on effective governance, mission-driven leadership, and building sustainable cities.

Key Takeaways

• The power of mission-focused leadership in municipal government
• How to effectively manage the "30-30-30-10" time allocation for city leaders
• Strategies for fostering productive council dynamics and civil discourse
• The importance of tailoring communication to different stakeholders
• Why setting the table for policy discussions is more important than driving outcomes
• Balancing high quality of life with growing community demands

Career Highlights Discussed

• Second-generation city manager perspective
• Experience with unique governance structures (Metro, Columbia River Gorge Commission)
• Leading diverse communities from Ashland to Lake Oswego
• Service on ICMA Board and Oregon City/County Management Association
• Navigating complex regional partnerships and initiatives

Leadership Insights

• The critical balance between policy work and tangible results
• How to maintain personal boundaries in a public-facing role
• Strategies for translating complex municipal issues for different audiences
• Building trust across politically diverse communities

Resources Mentioned

• ICMA
• Oregon City/County Management Association
• The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Launch Week The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched this week, on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 25% off an annual subscription. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! Join the MLDC today! --> Join Here