Shaping Forward-looking Cities with Collaboration and Connection

Jon Amundson, City Manager of Richland, Washington, brings more than 20 years of experience in local government leadership. An ICMA Credentialed Manager, his career spans key roles in the city councils of Richland and Allen, Texas, where he advanced community-centered governance through strategic management and operational excellence. Recognized for cultivating effective, high-performing teams, he guides Richland’s vision for sustainable growth and responsive public service.

In an interview with the Govt Business Review, Jon Amundson shares his perspectives on how curiosity and collaboration shape effective local governance, emphasizing the importance of keeping trust and connection at the heart of successful public service.

A Learning-Filled Journey to City Leadership

Early in my career, I sought every opportunity to understand the full scope of municipal operations. From public works and finance to police, fire and parks, I sought to discover how each function connects to deliver effective community services.

My commitment to learning led me to take up cross-departmental projects, including legislative agendas, facility planning and organizational development. These experiences reinforced my belief that great leaders are first and foremost learners who ask questions, seek diverse perspectives and communicate with clarity. Guided by the 80/20 principle, I continue to invest time in experiences that stretch my skills and broaden my understanding.

I have also seen firsthand how communication serves as the foundation of trust. Whether explaining internal process changes or keeping residents informed during major winter events, I prioritize transparency and consistency to strengthen relationships and achieve shared results.

The best preparation for leadership is exposure to people, processes and the many moving parts that make a city work.

“Future in Focus” for the City’s Growth

The Future in Focus initiative aligns our city’s growth with the values of connection and quality of life that make this community special. By combining land use, transportation and park planning, we ensure that our investments work in harmony to create a more connected and livable city.

The plan weaves together residential, commercial, and recreational areas through enhanced walkability, increased access to open spaces and intentional design. It also promotes compact, sustainable growth that protects our natural environment and encourages economic vitality. The plan was also shaped through extensive community input, ensuring it reflects both the city’s vision and the people’s priorities.

Community input has been at the heart of Future in Focus from the beginning. Through open houses, surveys and neighborhood meetings, residents share what they value most about living in Richland and what they hope for in its future. Their feedback directly influences how we approach neighborhood design, mobility, park access and environmental stewardship. The collaboration strengthens trust and builds a shared sense of ownership.

The best preparation for leadership is exposure to people, processes and the many moving parts that make a city work.

In a nutshell, Future in Focus is about aligning how Richland grows with the values that make this community special. It is a community vision shaped by the people who call Richland home.

Balancing Long-term Project Planning and Immediate Community Priorities

The best way to balance long-term vision with immediate priorities is through alignment with the city council and a disciplined focus on our strategic leadership plan. That plan helps us prioritize our time, talent and resources according to five strategic priorities: high-performance government, financial sustainability, focused development, quality of life and an engaged workforce. These priorities keep us grounded in strategy while giving us flexibility to respond to emerging needs.

One of the most meaningful efforts under my leadership at the Richland City Council has been creating an organizational culture grounded in servant leadership. We’ve built a workplace that empowers people at all levels to lead and serve with purpose. Programs like the Impact Academy, Change Teams and Growth Sessions have strengthened collaboration, accountability and engagement within the community.

We’ve also focused on innovation through technology. A five-year IT strategic plan and several major system upgrades have modernized how we deliver services, making city operations more efficient and data-driven.

By challenging the process and embracing thoughtful change, we’re positioning Richland to meet community needs with agility and transparency.

Building Strong City Councils through Collaboration

Every organization faces challenges. I approach them with perspective and purpose. Whether it involves growth, change or competing priorities, I focus on collaboration and clear communication. I consider challenges as opportunities to lead with steadiness and optimism.

Collaboration is one of our greatest strengths. Internally, we’ve built a culture of teamwork where departments work side by side to solve problems and deliver seamless service. Externally, we continue to invest in regional partnerships.

A current example is the cooperative effort to upgrade the regional public safety communication system in Richland, including improvements to microwave towers and the 800 MHz radio network.

Must-Have Qualities of a City Manager

I was first introduced to The Leadership Challenge during my graduate school studies. Its Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, which include Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart, have guided me ever since.

Years later, those lessons still ring true. They are not boxes to check but daily practices that remind me that leadership is a journey of service, growth and self-awareness.

For those aspiring to the role of city manager, keep in mind that success begins with character and a curiosity-driven approach. Be willing to listen, learn and lead with empathy.