346: Jeff Niten: Building Beyond Today

Jeff Niten: Building Beyond Today
Why Great Communities Require Long-Term Thinking

Episode 346 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jeff Niten, City Manager of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, to explore what it takes to lead a community with the future in mind.

Jeff's journey into local government began far from city hall. Growing up as the son of an Army drill sergeant, he learned discipline, service, and adaptability through a childhood that took him from Alaska to South Carolina to Southern California. What started as an interest in public policy and urban planning eventually led him through county government, community development, and city management.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff shares lessons learned from helping rapidly growing communities navigate development, infrastructure, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. He discusses why professional local government leadership matters, the challenges cities face when growth outpaces resources, and how leaders must often make decisions today that won't reveal their full impact for decades.

Jeff also offers valuable insights on building trust with elected officials and residents, empowering staff to lead, breaking down organizational silos, and creating a culture where innovation is encouraged rather than feared.

Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or aspiring local government leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that great communities aren't built by reacting to today's challenges alone—they are built by leaders willing to think beyond today.

About Jeff Niten
Jeff Niten is the City Manager of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, with more than two decades of experience in local government leadership, planning, and community development. Throughout his career, he has helped communities navigate growth, infrastructure challenges, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. Passionate about public service, Jeff is known for his commitment to transparency, empowering staff, and building communities that thrive not just today, but for generations to come.

This Episode is 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
Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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