City Manager Unfiltered

City Manager Unfiltered is a podcast by a city manager for city managers. I am your host, Joe Turner, and I’m on a mission to build a community for ambitious city managers. I want to provide you with the career tools and resources to help make you a better executive so you can rack up victories, polish your resume, dominate interviews, land your dream job, and win your contract negotiations. If you are a city manager looking to level up, check out my podcast, City Manager Unfiltered. Hit that subscribe button today so you don’t miss an episode.
Episodes
Episodes



Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Ep. 30 | Daniel Rosemond Updates Us on Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Former Hallandale Beach city manager Daniel Rosemond checks-in to update us on his wrongful termination lawsuit. The author of the "Death of the Public Servant" won a massive multi-million dollar judgment and we discussed his story from termination to jury awarded verdict to the appeal filed by the Florida beach community.
Rosemond recently received news from the court that the city's appeal hearing date has been set.
We talk about the upcoming appeal hearing, the support he has received from fellow city managers since appearing on the show, his affordable housing consulting business, and other associated topics.
You can catch the previous episodes as follows:
Ep. 10 | Death of the Public Servant
Ep. 12 | Revenge of the Public Servant
Ep. 16 | Betrayal of the Public Servant
SHOW NOTES:
Daniel Rosemond is the author of "Death of the Public Servant" and CEO of the East to West Development Corporation. You are invited to reach out and contact him for professional advice and consultation on affordable housing initiatives and to support him by purchasing his book.
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Becoming a City’s First Ever City Manager with Amanda Mack | Ep. 28
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
When Amanda Mack was tapped to lead the City of Watertown, South Dakota, she didn't just become their first ever female city manager. She became their first ever city manager.
And the manner in which Watertown maneuvered through this process created the foundation for a successful conversion and fruitful marriage between Mack, the governing body, and the community.
The multi-year process culminated in the selection of Mack and though she has enjoyed her experience, there have been some incredible challenges necessitating hard work, passion, and grace.
We talk about her experiences and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that a new manager faces when they become the first executive to lead the organization.
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Setting and Enforcing Governing Body Boundaries with John Weidl | Ep. 27
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wisconsin City Manager John Weidl's boundaries were crossed by members of his governing body while out on paternity leave. This led him to start searching for another position where he was ultimately named as a finalist for a manager position in a neighboring community.
However, he withdrew from the recruitment and opted to continue serving as the city manager for the City of Whitewater.
We talk about the importance of setting and enforcing boundaries and why he decided to stick it out and work with his governing body to build a stronger, healthier relationship with them in this powerful episode.
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
The 36-hour workweek with Jamie Gwynn | Ep. 26
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Jamie Gwynn is an innovative leader on the cutting edge of the alternative work schedule debate. He needed to get creative if he was going to be competitive in this tight labor market, especially as he was forced to compete against the high wages offered by local governments in the Philadelphia metroplex.
We examine the New Hanover Township manager's implementation of a 36-hour workweek in a small, but rapidly growing community with a governing body entirely comprised of Republicans.
Coming out of the COVID pandemic, alternative work schedules are a popular topic. And Gwynn may be the very first in the nation to implement such a schedule.
He is passionate about this subject and encourages other managers to reach out to him with any questions. I have included a link to his LinkedIn profile below.
SHOW NOTES:
Jamie Gwynn's LinkedIn Profile
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Baker Tilly Gets Embarrassed in Deltona, Florida | Ep. 25
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Baker Tilly "shot its shot" in Deltona, Florida and came up with an air ball. Not only did they lose out to Colin Baenzinger & Associates, some no-name shop outscored them in the final results tally.
But wait until you hear what a couple of the governing body members say on the record.
Yikes!
Listen to find out what involvement I had in this recruitment. I am confident that I had some influence on the final outcome.
Baker Tilly should be on your "no-fly" list if you are a city manager or a member of a governing body evaluating recruitment firms.
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Benjamin Effinger is a military veteran who transitioned over to the public sector and has quickly become a rising star who has built a reputation as a dynamic problem solver, grinder, and compassionate friend. Effinger currently serves as an Operations Chief overseeing cash management functions in the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office.
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of hiring veterans and unpack the various veterans benefits available to veterans, their family members, and potential employers. We also learn that Benjamin and his wife pursued doctorate degrees at the same time while maintaining full-time positions and raising a family.
Outside of these responsibilities and obligations, Effinger is passionate about male mental health issues and has assumed a leadership and ambassador role for the Heare Brotherhood -- an organization dedicated to building brotherhood and community where men are seen, heard, and loved.
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Mortgage rates have skyrocketed and homeownership is often a liability for city managers given our short life spans and transient nature. Combined with residency requirements and rampant inflation, it can be extremely expensive for city managers to relocate for a new opportunity.
In this episode I discuss some inventive ways local governments can get creative to lure city managers to dump their sub-3% mortgage rates and relocate to a community in an environment where interest rates exceed 8%.
SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, I referenced my guest appearance with the Northeast Government Executives Council (NEGEC). You can watch my interview replay here.
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Badass Biker Chick Meets Kick-ass Council with Sara McGuffin | Ep. 22
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
A few years back, and only a couple of years into her first town manager gig, Sara McGuffin suffered an accident that nearly ended her life, nevermind her career. In this episode we recount McGuffin's horrific experience and her recovery. We also acknowledge the loyalty and wonderful support provided by the Town of Amherst (VA) mayor and council.
In an age where personal and professional relationships are increasingly disposable, McGuffin's story proves that there are still many who are committed to "doing the right thing."
Now, what if I told you that McGuffin was permanently disabled as a result of this accident? Know this -- that accident did not rob her of her faith in God, her fellow man, or steal away her infectious optimism and all-around badassery!
McGuffin marks the first interview of a female manager on the City Manager Unfiltered podcast. And she does not disappoint. You will not want to miss this one!
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Joe Turner
Born and raised in Southern California, Joe Turner moved to Kansas in 2018 to pursue a career in city management after spending many years working for elected officials and engaged in grassroots advocacy.
As a non-traditional entrant into the field, he brings a unique perspective on city management and local government issues.
However, it has been his ruminations on the evolving professional landscape for city managers and his opinions on contract negotiations and compensation packages that has propelled him to the forefront as a thought leader and influencer amongst peers.
Turner has lamented the lack of advocacy on behalf of city managers as professionals and believes there is a void in this space with respect to advocating for and on behalf of public sector managers, not just the profession of city management.
You can catch up with him over on Linkedin.