Episode
A Christmas Replay: Timeless Lessons in City Management & Leadership | Ep.16
- Podcast
- Gov360
- Published
- Dec 23, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 5195
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
What keeps city managers going when the pressure, politics, and public scrutiny feel relentless? In this special holiday episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann revisits a candid, wide-ranging conversation with Joe Turner, founder of the American Association of Municipal Executives and host of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast, and Will Kolbow, City Manager of Calimesa, California. Originally recorded as part of the award-winning Yucaipa 360 podcast, this discussion remains as timely today as when it first aired. Together, these three city managers reflect on the realities of the profession, the different paths that lead to the city manager’s chair, and why—despite the risks and sacrifices—local government leadership still matters. From unconventional career journeys and first-time city manager experiences, to executive compensation, public trust, misinformation, and the evolving role of podcasts in government communication, this episode offers an honest look at what it really means to lead in local government. Whether you’re early in your career, sitting in the city manager’s chair, or questioning whether the profession is still worth it, this conversation provides perspective, encouragement, and reassurance that you’re not alone. ⸻ 🔑 Key Learnings: • There is no single “right” path to becoming a city manager • The city manager works for the City Council, not directly for the public • Executive leadership in local government carries significant personal and professional risk • Strong financial and organizational fundamentals are critical to successful city management • Long-form communication builds trust in ways press releases and social media cannot • City managers need stronger peer support, advocacy, and professional community • Despite the challenges, local governme…