Transforming Mansfield through Strategic Leadership and Technology

Joe Smolinski is a dedicated public servant whose military service in Haiti, Honduras, Croatia, Hungary and Bosnia shaped his global perspective. Rising to Director of Utilities in Mansfield, he embodies balance, persistence and integrity, qualities learned from remarkable mentors, while building a lasting legacy of leadership and community impact.

Through this article, Smolinski highlights how intentional leadership drives infrastructure, smart technology and sustainable development. He also emphasizes the importance of building resilient teams and preparing the next generation of leaders.

AT A GLANCE:

• Developing Leaders at Every Stage – Programs like Emerging Leaders, Mentorship and Executive Leadership Development equip future leaders with skills, resilience and perspective.

• Infrastructure with Impact – Strategic investments in roads, housing and public amenities deliver measurable results and enhance quality of life.

• Smart Technology Integration – Implementing predictive tools and digital initiatives strengthens operational efficiency while supporting sustainable growth.

Leading Mansfield Growth: True NORTH Delivers Lasting Impact

My organization is guided by what we call True NORTH. For us, that is more than just the geographical north pole. It is an acronym that defines how we lead and serve. The letters stand for Noteworthy Essentials, Organizational Excellence, Remarkable Experiences, Together as One and a Healthy Economy. Everything we do is measured against these principles.

Our mission begins with delivering Noteworthy Essential services to every person who calls Mansfield home. I am responsible for building a team prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing community. This is where Organizational Excellence comes into play. I could not be prouder of the people who serve alongside me, and I know that when tested, they will rise to the occasion with skill and integrity.

Providing a service is about more than finishing a task. It is about creating Remarkable Experiences. I want every employee to feel empowered so that residents walk away thinking, “That person truly loves their job.” Pride and authenticity cannot be faked; they grow from a culture where excellence and purpose go hand in hand.

When it comes to development, two values stand above the rest. Together as One and a Healthy Economy. I believe neighborhoods should be designed for both convenience and connection. Children should have shared green spaces to meet and build friendships that might not otherwise happen. Thoughtful development strengthens community bonds and fiscal sustainability. Smaller lots, tighter-knit neighborhoods and higher value per acre all contribute to communities that are both literally and figuratively linked, making Mansfield stronger for generations to come.

Why do we call it True NORTH? To answer that, I go back to my time as a young private in the Army, when I went through land navigation training. I learned that there are at least three different types of north.

Grid north represents the lines on a map, useful but distorted, much like routines we fall into because they are familiar. Magnetic north is the point a compass follows, but it shifts 34 to 37 miles each year, reminding me of the temptation to veer off course for approval or ease.

True north is the fixed point actually being sought. In leadership and in life, true north is the why. It is what gets one out of bed in the morning. It is the vision for who one aspires to be and what one wants to accomplish.

Innovative Leadership Initiatives: Cultivating Resilience Across City Departments

I am extremely proud of three programs that shape leadership across our organization, Emerging Leaders, the Mentorship Program and the Executive Leadership Development Program. Each provides leaders, regardless of department, the guidance and tools to navigate their leadership journey successfully.

Emerging Leaders is an eight-week program for early-career professionals stepping into one of their first leadership roles. City management, executive directors and the chiefs of police and fire share lessons from successes and failures, while community members contribute their leadership experiences. The program demonstrates that mistakes are part of growth, and resilience allows leaders to recover and strengthen their skills. I am proud of the confidence, perspective and practical leadership it instills.

The growth and learning fostered in Emerging Leaders naturally extend into our Mentorship Program, where graduates are paired with senior leaders across the organization. Weekly meetings allow participants to reflect on successes, analyze challenges and exchange insights. I hear consistently from mentors that the learning is reciprocal, with insights flowing both ways. This structure keeps leaders engaged, motivated and committed to the work of serving the community.

The Executive Leadership Development Program prepares the next generation, sponsoring rising leaders to attend the University of Texas at Arlington Master of Public Administration program, grounding them in our culture and preparing them for future challenges.

Managing Rapid Growth: Infrastructure, Housing, Quality Improved

Every two years, our citizen satisfaction survey highlights traffic and congestion as the top concern. Our elected officials have acted decisively, and over the past three years, resources for roadway construction and maintenance have nearly doubled, supported by additional crews in the street department. Mansfield’s ambitious Capital Improvement Plan, backed by a healthy economy, ensures infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

Housing is another pressing issue, reflecting nationwide challenges of limited availability, high costs and stagnation in existing neighborhoods near elementary schools. We are intentionally addressing all three. Moving from Euclidean zoning to form-based codes allows neighborhoods to develop organically. Smaller homes, accessory dwelling units permitted by right, and integrated gathering spaces are already making an impact. A broader range of public financing tools is accelerating progress, with early results proving effective.

Quality of life remains central to our work. Citizens want spaces for families, teens and adults, and we have delivered on that expectation. The Staybolt Entertainment District, a Multi-Sport professional stadium and the unique Geyer Commons development are tangible results of listening to our community. The North Texas Soccer Club now calls Mansfield home and was the national champion last year. We are advancing a new hotel and conference concept, alongside the High Five concert venue. Geyer Commons will serve as a historical village, relocating or reconstructing homes from across the city, while a cottage village onsite provides young entrepreneurs a platform to test the market.

Technology-Enabled Governance: Shaping Communities through Analytics

One initiative we are exploring is the creation of a digital city. This platform would forecast how events and growth may impact Mansfield, supporting smarter planning and informed decision-making. Our economic development team uses tools such as Placer AI, while predictive software is being integrated into the finance department. Technology offers great opportunities, but it must rest on a solid operational foundation.

I firmly believe city managers who take a proactive role in identifying, testing and implementing new technologies position themselves far ahead. City management as a profession is well-suited to lead this charge.

Equally important is building sustainable communities. We have the tools to evaluate the revenue potential of every type of land use, and as Mansfield nears full buildout, careful planning is essential. The value generated supports the remarkable services residents expect and ensures ongoing maintenance of roads, water systems, sewer infrastructure and other essential services.

Advice for Future Leaders: Embrace True NORTH with Curiosity

True NORTH is a guiding principle for both individuals and the community. It should remain central to every action. The next generation of leaders must be trained, possess strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate resilience. They must face challenges without losing sight of what matters. Leadership requires lifelong learning, continuous refinement of skills and a commitment to sharing knowledge widely. It’s the curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to uplifting others that define the most effective leaders.