Just six months into his role as Springfield City Manager, David Cameron has already experienced a crash course in leadership. From building relationships with staff and learning the unique dynamics of Springfield (after serving in Republic), to getting out in the community to meet stakeholders and figuring out how to balance it all—his first months on the job have been anything but quiet.

Then came a ballot issue that moved fast, leaving little time for public education and feedback. Whew. So what has he learned? How is he gathering input, listening to citizens, and adjusting along the way? And what opportunities lie ahead for Springfield? David also breaks down the basics many people wonder about: What does a city manager actually do? How is that role different from city council? And how is municipal government approaching one of ...