In an era of unprecedented challenges for local governments, Howard W. Brown Jr. stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. One of the country’s few Black city managers, Brown has led cities across the nation. Now, he is sharing his hard-won wisdom in a memoir that is sure to cause a stir in civic circles across America.
The Trail to Success: A City Manager on Leadership, Management, and Civic Empowerment (Dorpie Books) arrives at a critical juncture for U.S. cities. As municipalities grapple with the corrosive effects of misinformation, Brown’s insights offer a timely roadmap for leaders navigating these turbulent waters.
“I look at what’s unfolding in Springfield, Ohio, where lies about Haitians eating cats have spiraled into a public safety emergency, resulting in bomb threats and school closures and am reminded of my experience of combating misinformation when I led Indiantown, Florida,“ said Brown, who battled against COVID-19 skepticism and faced a county sheriff who refused to enforce our mask mandate. Brown was even falsely accused of corruption and subjected to baseless claims about nonexistent FBI investigations.
“In today’s digital age, combating misinformation is one of the biggest challenges we face as city managers,” Brown said. “It’s not just about managing services anymore; it’s about managing narratives and ensuring truth prevails.”
Brown’s book provides a blueprint for leaders facing similar situations, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and community engagement in combating misinformation.
Brown’s journey from a first-generation college student to a trailblazing city manager is as improbable as it is inspiring. Growing up in Pensacola, Florida, his fascination with municipal workers was kindled by his grandparents’ respect for local sanitation staffers, an unusual origin story for a future civic leader.
“My grandparents taught me that every job in a city matters,” Brown recalled. “Those early lessons in appreciating public service shaped my entire career trajectory.”
But The Trail to Success is more than a tale of professional triumph. It’s a raw account of personal struggle — a youthful marriage and subsequent divorce, the challenges of single parenthood, financial hardships, and the glare of public scrutiny. Through it all, Brown’s unwavering commitment to public service shines through.
“This isn’t just a job; it’s a calling,” Brown asserted. “Every challenge I’ve faced, both personal and professional, has only strengthened my resolve to serve and make a difference in our communities.”
His memoir serves as both a master class in civic management and a rallying cry for a new generation of public servants. At its core are lessons on fostering teamwork, driving innovation, and making a tangible impact on communities.
As the workplace evolves, so too must leadership styles. Brown acknowledges the shifting expectations of a diverse, expressive workforce that values flexibility. “We need to embrace change,” he emphasized. “The future of public service depends on our ability to adapt, to welcome new ideas, and to create environments where diverse talents can thrive.”
In a political climate often characterized by division, Brown’s story is a testament to the power of dedicated local leadership. As cities face challenges ranging from climate change to economic inequality, The Trail to Success offers a vision of public service that is at once pragmatic and deeply hopeful.
“My goal with this book is to inspire,” Brown explained. “I want the next generation of civic leaders to see that despite the challenges, a career in public service is incredibly rewarding. We have the power to shape the future of our cities, one decision at a time.”
For Brown, success isn’t measured in personal accolades but in the strength and resilience of the communities he serves. With this memoir, he’s not just sharing his story, he’s passing the torch to a new generation of civic leaders ready to take up the mantle of public service.
“If there’s one message I want readers to take away,” Brown concluded, “it’s this: No matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you can make a difference in your community. That’s what public service is all about.”
