David Tarter Former Mayor of Falls Church, Virginia

“Trust the Process”

What Rebuilding a High School Teaches Us About Civic Leadership

When David Tarter became Mayor of Falls Church, Virginia, he faced a daunting challenge: how could a small city afford to rebuild its crumbling high school without overburdening taxpayers?

The answer wasn’t just financial—it was visionary. It required patience, creativity, and deep public engagement. David led the city through a years-long process that not only delivered a state-of-the-art high school but also sparked economic development, reduced taxes, and reinforced public trust.

In this week’s Community Catalysts episode—part of a special series sponsored by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University—David shares what it means to “trust the process” in public leadership. From coordinating 13 jurisdictions during the COVID-19 crisis to preparing the next generation of community builders, his story is a masterclass in practical, people-focused governance.

This conversation isn’t about theory—it’s about how local leaders navigate complexity with humility, how bold ideas take root through collaboration, and how enduring progress comes from showing up, listening, and leading together.

Listen now: Trust the Process with David Tarter

Know someone who thinks leadership is just about making decisions? Share this with them. It might just change their mind.