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A childhood spent dodging sniper fire is a brutal teacher, but it forged one of the calmest leaders we know. Chief Building Official Frank Bufarish joins us to share how growing up in Lebanon’s civil war shaped a perspective that now powers Livermore, California’s forward-looking building division—where empathy, clear thinking, and relentless coordination turn complex projects into community wins.

We dive into the real work behind a modern city: early alignment meetings that eliminate rework, juggling code enforcement with plan review and inspections, and shepherding everything from national labs and Tesla operations to hydrogen hubs and designer retail. Frank explains why customer service is the backbone of public service, how to de-escalate at the counter, and what it takes to deliver predictable, high-quality results for builders, homeowners, and major employers.

Technology gets a thoughtful audit. We talk phased digital permitting, hands-on support at public workstations, and when drones or AI make sense for safety and documentation. Frank shares candid views on California’s energy rules and accessibility leadership, why mandates should match technological readiness, and how ADUs both expand housing and pressure small-lot neighborhoods. We also celebrate the human side—family, gardening, and wineries that keep Livermore grounded and vibrant, from Wente’s history to boutique valley favorites.

If you care about city building, inspections, accessibility, housing, or the nuts and bolts of economic development, this conversation delivers practical insights and a steady moral compass. Subscribe, share with a colleague who cares about better service, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What topic should we unpack next—ADUs, drones, or advanced team meetings?

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This episode of Takis Talk delivers a compelling interview with Lee Butler, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Santa Cruz—a pivotal figure propelling one of California’s most dramatic housing turnarounds. Immerse yourself as our host Butler in a vibrant, candid conversation about the tough realities, surprising wins, and visionary leadership shaping one of the nation’s least affordable yet most innovative coastal cities.

About the Guest: Lee Butler

Lee Butler’s background is woven with decades of experience in planning and urban development, with a particular passion for the Santa Cruz community he calls home. His approach balances pragmatic policy-making, hands-on project management, and environmental stewardship, informed by a diverse professional trajectory that includes work in Silicon Valley and academic training in environmental sciences. Butler’s pragmatic yet caring philosophy shapes housing initiatives, revitalizes downtown, and weaves environmental priorities throughout the city’s dynamic growth.

Santa Cruz: A City Breaking the Mold

This episode dives into how Santa Cruz—once the least affordable city in America—became one of the rare California jurisdictions to meet all state-mandated housing targets, including very low and low-income categories under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) program. Butler reveals the nuts and bolts behind these achievements, from creative public-private partnerships and leveraging city-owned land to supporting nonprofit developers and securing federal, state, and private grants. Listeners get exclusive insights into the South of Laurel area plan, connecting downtown to the beach through mixed-use, walkable urban expansion reminiscent of the much-loved Santana Row, along with projects that deliver affordable units, new hotels, and vital infrastructure for business and tourism.

The Many Layers of Local Leadership

The episode pulls back the curtain on the intricate dance of city management, where Butler juggles local residents, university growth, shocked tourists, and the demands of environmental conservation. Greg’s lively style teases out candid observations about tough trade-offs—why downtown building heights landed at 85 feet, how affordable and market-rate units are interwoven through innovative inclusionary ordinances, and the hidden impacts of short-term rentals and Coastal Commission oversight. Listeners will learn about infill development’s power and why Santa Cruz won’t expand outward, thus preserving open space while growing upward in sustainable, inclusive ways.

The Human Element: Surf, Food, and Family

It’s not just about policies and programs. Butler shares glimpses into his daily life, from the challenge of turning off work emails, to family surf sessions on the world-famous Steamer Lane, and cherished moments at eclectic Santa Cruz restaurants like Bad Animal Bookstore and Bantam. The interview brims with the energy of a city that balances economic dynamism, creative placemaking, and lively community spirit the kind that keeps locals, students, and visitors coming back.

Key Takeaways for City Leaders and Citizens

Takis Talk listeners will walk away with battle-tested strategies for tackling housing crises, managing urban growth, and integrating environmental priorities. Butler’s story is both an inspiration and practical playbook for anyone—from planners and developers to city officials and engaged citizens—striving to build resilient, equitable, and livable communities. The episode emphasizes the “all of the above” approach to solving housing shortages: supporting ADUs, duplexes, townhouses, and the right policies for market rate and deeply affordable units. Greg’s questions—sometimes playful, sometimes pointed—draw out the complexity and humanity behind city-building, making the policy discussions both accessible and personal.

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Leading with Vision: Executive Recruitment, Strategic Planning, and Team Culture in Local Government

Local government leaders are tasked with guiding their communities into a more resilient and vibrant future. The journey from planner to Assistant City Manager—and now, executive recruiter and strategic planner with Tripepi Smith—gives Christine Martin a unique vantage point on what it takes to cultivate leadership, manage change, and build organizations where people thrive. Her story, and her practical advice, provide a modern roadmap for local government professionals who aspire to leave a lasting mark on their communities.

Navigating a Career in Local Government

For Christine, a career in local government was not preordained. Raised with modest means and watching her parents struggle to make ends meet, she saw firsthand the importance of grit, resilience, and self-reliance. Despite starting out with student loan debt and little financial safety net, she persisted—first as an intern, then as a community planner, and later as Assistant City Manager in Livermore, California. Her progress up the municipal ladder was powered by constant learning, a willingness to volunteer for new projects, and a commitment to growing her skills both inside and outside her agency.

Christine urges up-and-coming professionals to expand their horizons by joining professional associations, attending leadership summits, and seeking out mentors. She credits her shift into executive leadership partly to a chance encounter and a life-changing read—the book "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr—which reframed her understanding of fear and opportunity in professional growth. “Be out there doing things and looking around, even if you don’t think you’re interested in them,” Christine advises. “You never know what’s going to pop up that sparks your fire.

Lessons in Executive Recruitment

Having moved into executive recruitment with Tripepi Smith, Christine draws a clear contrast between routine hiring and searching for transformational leaders. She explains that successful executive searches blend targeted outreach with broad-based communications. The process includes:

• Creating compelling, visually engaging recruitment brochures that speak to both the heart and experience of candidates.
• Using both active job postings and direct outreach via personal networks and peer referrals to find the ideal candidate.
• Screening for not just technical proficiency, but cultural fit, emotional intelligence, and a passion for public service.

Agencies frequently turn to firms like Tripepi Smith because internal HR departments are often stretched thin managing routine recruitments. Specialized recruiters have a broad professional network, marketing resources, and the capacity to focus intently on high-level roles, ultimately freeing city staff to manage other pressing priorities. ​

Strategic Planning: From Shelf Document to Action Plan

Strategic planning is a familiar buzzword in government circles, but as Christine notes, its quality and impact can vary widely. To be effective, a strategic plan should be “a living process” that includes meaningful input from elected officials, staff at all levels, and the community. Individual interviews with council members to surface genuine priorities and concerns.

• Engaging staff and the public through surveys, workshops (both virtual and in-person), and focused discussions—sometimes even in multiple languages.
• Distilling community and leadership feedback into actionable, measurable objectives that inform staff workplans and city budgets.

“The real meat and potatoes,” Christine says, “is creating a work plan for each objective. That’s what differ

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Building Resilient Communities: A Conversation with Wayne Snell of the City of Irving, Texas

Episode guest: Wayne Snell, Director of Inspections, City of Irving, Texas
Host: Greg Diktakis, Takis Talk Podcast

Introduction

When it comes to shaping safe, thriving cities, few voices are as insightful as Wayne Snell’s. As the Director of Inspections for the City of Irving, Texas, Wayne combines decades of field experience with a forward-thinking approach to leadership and innovation.

In this Takis Talk conversation, host Greg Diktakis explores Wayne’s journey—from the life-changing experience of Hurricane Katrina to embracing AI and drone technology in modern inspections—and how he’s redefining leadership in public service.

From Hurricane Katrina to Building Resilience

Wayne’s perspective on resilience stems from personal experience. Living in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, he saw firsthand how quickly systems can fail—and how communities rebuild.

“There’s one part nobody captures—the smell,” he recalled. “Imagine rotting meat for months. It was a life-changing experience that taught me how fragile our systems can be.”

That moment defined his belief in strong building codes, preparedness, and collaboration—core principles that guide his work in Irving today.

Preparedness Through Collaboration

In Texas, the threats are different—tornadoes, hail, and severe weather—but the lessons remain the same. Irving’s emergency management team, led by the police department, coordinates annual mock drills to ensure readiness across all departments.

“We bring everyone together—fire, police, engineering, and public works,” Wayne said. “When we have a problem, we’re all at the table working together to solve it.”

This spirit of collaboration defines Irving’s executive culture and reflects how leadership and teamwork drive community resilience.

Embracing Technology: Drones and Virtual Inspections

While not an “early adopter” by his own admission, Wayne is practical about technology. His department uses drones and virtual inspection platforms to improve efficiency and safety.

“For under $6,000, we launched a drone program with two high-quality drones,” he explained. “Every inspection is recorded and tied directly to the permit record—it’s safe, efficient, and permanent.”

From AI-powered inspection tools to digital permitting systems, Wayne sees technology as a bridge between innovation and accountability.

Leadership, Ethics, and the Power of Communication

In his article “Pro Ethics,” Wayne reminds readers that building officials aren’t obstacles—they’re partners in progress.

“We’re not here to obstruct projects. We’re here to ensure safety,” he said. “Good communication is key. People just want to understand why.”

His leadership philosophy balances empathy, professionalism, and pragmatism—a mindset captured in his favorite phrase:

“It depends. What are you trying to accomplish?”

‘Insight Inside the Built Environment’ — Writing to Inspire

Wayne is also the author and publisher of “Insight Inside the Built Environment,” a newsletter that explores leadership, public administration, and community building.

What began as a response to his daughters’ question—“Dad, what do you actually do?”—has grown into a respected voice in the building safety and leadership community.

“The goal is to strengthen collaboration and remind others that leadership connects people, process, and purpose,” Wayne said.

His articles touch on wide-ranging issues—from homelessness and hiring practices to ethic

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When José Madrigal became City Manager of Durango, Colorado in the middle of a pandemic and following a financial scandal, he faced a mountain of challenges — and not just the literal ones surrounding Durango. In this episode, José shares how he rebuilt trust through transparency, empowered his team with autonomy, and created a culture rooted in authenticity and family-first values.

From implementing open financial reporting systems to leading with empathy and intent, José offers a masterclass in modern municipal leadership. We discuss how he balances high performance with humanity, what “effort and intent” really mean in decision-making, and how small cities can achieve big results through trust and collaboration.

If you’re a leader striving to inspire, empower, and transform your organization from the inside out, this episode is for you.

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Takis Talk – Episode with Ceci Muela
In this episode of Takis Talk, host Greg Diktakis sits down with Ceci Muela, Interim Deputy Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Oakland, to explore the balance between leadership, community service, and resilience.

Ceci shares her journey from single mom to respected leader, drawing inspiration from The Alchemist and Queen Elizabeth I. Together, Greg and Ceci dive into the human side of code enforcement, the art vs. graffiti debate, and the challenges of hoarding, street vending, and neighborhood preservation. Beyond her role in city leadership, Ceci opens up about her love of CrossFit, painting, travel, and the unique bond she shares with her 15-year-old daughter.

This thoughtful, inspiring, and often lighthearted conversation reveals how Ceci blends strength, compassion, and mentorship to empower both her teams and her community—while reminding us all to not get stuck in the suck.

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Not the same old boring PowerPoint presentation. Take a listen, see what's coming.

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