#18 - The Grant Whisperer: Austin Bleess

City Manager Austin Bleess of Jersey Village, Texas has helped secure more than 31 million dollars in grant funding for his community, but his real impact comes from the culture he has built along the way. In this episode of The Clear Voice, Austin joins host James Groom and Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese to talk about what it takes to win grants, manage them effectively, and use them to strengthen city operations rather than stretch them thin.

From practical tips on preparation and data tracking to lessons in leadership and team engagement, Austin shares how purpose driven leadership can turn complex challenges into long term wins. The conversation also explores the difference between habits and practice, why culture is the foundation of every great organization, and how continuous learning keeps leaders sharp.

Whether you are a city manager, department head, or future public sector leader, this episode offers perspective on how intentional leadership creates both financial and cultural success.

Explore current job opportunities and leadership roles in local government at www.clearcareerpro.com

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Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.

Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.

Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.

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