Dwight Boddorf: The Municipal BattlefieldWhat It Takes to Lead, Survive, and Win in Local Government

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Episode 320 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What does it take to lead when there's no playbook, no margin for error, and the stakes impact thousands?

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Dwight Boddorf, Borough Manager in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, author of The Municipal Battlefield, and a recent National Academy of Public Administration LocalGov250 Champions Honoree, to explore the realities of leadership in local government, where pressure is constant, resources are limited, and every decision carries incredible weight.

Dwight shares his journey from homelessness to the Marine Corps, through combat injury and recovery, and into municipal leadership, offering a perspective shaped by resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to service.

Together, they unpack what it really looks like to lead inside systems that don't always work, how to navigate the uncertainty that defines local government, and why communication, adaptability, and mission clarity are more important than ever.

Whether you're a city manager, department head, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership and what it takes to sustain it.

Check out Dwight's new book: The Municipal Battlefield

Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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