Building Community and Navigating Crisis With Dylan Feik

PodCast | Jan 27, 2025

Dylan Feik is the City Manager for the City of Monrovia, a community in Southern California. Appointed in October 2019, Dylan has extensive experience in local government, including budget and finance, labor negotiations, public works operations, and managing capital improvement projects. Prior to his role in Monrovia, Dylan served as City Manager of Calistoga and held leadership roles in cities across California, Iowa, and Kansas.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[02:51] Dylan Feik shares how living in Monrovia shaped his perspective as a resident and city manager
[07:29] Balancing work, family, and personal passions
[15:52] How parenthood influences Dylan’s leadership style and decision-making
[21:14] Lessons Dylan learned from serving in multiple cities across the US
[26:18] Challenges of leading Monrovia through crises like the Bobcat Fire and the pandemic
[31:11] Major upcoming projects for the City of Monrovia
[35:39] Engaging the community in planning and decision-making for public projects
[39:28] Dylan’s vision for Monrovia’s future
[44:46] Advice for those pursuing careers in public service

In this episode…

What makes a thriving community? Is it the infrastructure, the parks, or the people who call it home? In times of crisis, how do cities maintain their sense of identity while adapting to new challenges?

According to Dylan Feik, a seasoned public service leader, a thriving community is built on authenticity, accessibility, and collaboration. He emphasizes that being deeply rooted in the community through active listening and shared experiences enables leaders to make decisions that truly benefit residents. For instance, Dylan discusses the importance of engaging the public in designing Monrovia’s new parks and community spaces to foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents. This inclusive approach, combined with adaptability in times of crisis, has strengthened Monrovia’s resilience and created a blueprint for a thriving local governance.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Victor Huynh sits down with Dylan Feik, City Manager for the City of Monrovia, to discuss how he has built a culture of connection and navigated critical challenges, including the pandemic and the Bobcat Fire. Dylan shares insights on blending personal values with professional goals, his vision for Monrovia’s parks and community spaces, and how his hobbies help him stay grounded as a leader.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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Quotable Moments

“Being a city manager in a small town like Monrovia is the best job; not a day goes by that I’m not grateful.”
“Monrovia is the destination. This is the kind of place that someone like me wants to aspire to and wants to be at.”
“Balance is about deciding which balls you’re going to juggle and when not juggling all the balls at once.”
“Public service is the most rewarding and noble career I could have hoped for; to help people every single day is a blessing.”
“When I close my eyes and think about Mustangs, this is the car I see in my mind.”

Action Steps

Engage with your community: This involvement fosters a deeper understanding of communal needs and strengthens relationships, demonstrating that effective leadership is rooted in genuine connection and participation.
Balance professional and personal life: Applying this to your life can help manage your work-life balance more effectively, ensuring that you are present and engaged both at home and work, which leads to better decision-making and personal well-being.
Continuous learning and adaptation: Embrace opportunities to learn from different situations and people, which will broaden your perspective and enhance your ability to lead effectively in a variety of contexts.
Rely on and empower your team: By fostering a supportive team environment and delegating responsibilities, you not only enhance team performance but also build trust and encourage innovation.
Invest in community infrastructure: Personal and organizational goals entail investing in the development of your environment, whether by enhancing workplace conditions or supporting local initiatives. Such investments can lead to long-term benefits for both you and your community.

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