#localgovernment #citymanagement #publicservice

Mike Land didn't choose city management. City management chose him. From affordable housing boards in the 1980s to serving as ICMA President today, Mike's career reflects a commitment to service, mentorship, and gratitude. In this conversation, he shares the unconventional path that led him to leadership, why he believes communities raise families together, and what a palm reading predicted when he was sixteen years old.

Phil and Corri talk with Mike about bypassing traditional career routes, giving back to the profession through association service, and why the hardest times are still blessings. They explore the realities of raising kids while managing cities, the power of showing up when you're not on the committee, and what it takes to listen to 14,000 members during three years of COVID disruption.

This episode digs into resilience, the gratitude that sustains leaders through crisis, and why being part of a community means you're at church, at the store, at the park, in the school—not just sitting in an office. Mike brings warmth, wisdom, and the reminder that sometimes the profession finds you exactly when you need it to.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Mike Land

05:41 Mike's Journey into Local Government

10:42 Leadership and Service in Professional Organizations

17:32 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

25:35 The Ethos of Gratitude and Leadership

30:43 Building a Supportive Team and Culture

37:01 Exploring Global Connections in Local Governance

44:14 Building Trust and Community Engagement

51:53 Navigating Challenges in City Management

01:00:32 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations