Wayne Snell - Leadership Rarely Asks Permission When A City Needs You & It Depends

About this episode

Building Resilient Communities: A Conversation with Wayne Snell of the City of Irving, Texas

Episode guest: Wayne Snell, Director of Inspections, City of Irving, Texas
Host: Greg Diktakis, Takis Talk Podcast

Introduction

When it comes to shaping safe, thriving cities, few voices are as insightful as Wayne Snell’s. As the Director of Inspections for the City of Irving, Texas, Wayne combines decades of field experience with a forward-thinking approach to leadership and innovation.

In this Takis Talk conversation, host Greg Diktakis explores Wayne’s journey—from the life-changing experience of Hurricane Katrina to embracing AI and drone technology in modern inspections—and how he’s redefining leadership in public service.

From Hurricane Katrina to Building Resilience

Wayne’s perspective on resilience stems from personal experience. Living in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, he saw firsthand how quickly systems can fail—and how communities rebuild.

“There’s one part nobody captures—the smell,” he recalled. “Imagine rotting meat for months. It was a life-changing experience that taught me how fragile our systems can be.”

That moment defined his belief in strong building codes, preparedness, and collaboration—core principles that guide his work in Irving today.

Preparedness Through Collaboration

In Texas, the threats are different—tornadoes, hail, and severe weather—but the lessons remain the same. Irving’s emergency management team, led by the police department, coordinates annual mock drills to ensure readiness across all departments.

“We bring everyone together—fire, police, engineering, and public works,” Wayne said. “When we have a problem, we’re all at the table working together to solve it.”

This spirit of collaboration defines Irving’s executive culture and reflects how leadership and teamwork drive community resilience.

Embracing Technology: Drones and Virtual Inspections

While not an “early adopter” by his own admission, Wayne is practical about technology. His department uses drones and virtual inspection platforms to improve efficiency and safety.

“For under $6,000, we launched a drone program with two high-quality drones,” he explained. “Every inspection is recorded and tied directly to the permit record—it’s safe, efficient, and permanent.”

From AI-powered inspection tools to digital permitting systems, Wayne sees technology as a bridge between innovation and accountability.

Leadership, Ethics, and the Power of Communication

In his article “Pro Ethics,” Wayne reminds readers that building officials aren’t obstacles—they’re partners in progress.

“We’re not here to obstruct projects. We’re here to ensure safety,” he said. “Good communication is key. People just want to understand why.”

His leadership philosophy balances empathy, professionalism, and pragmatism—a mindset captured in his favorite phrase:

“It depends. What are you trying to accomplish?”

‘Insight Inside the Built Environment’ — Writing to Inspire

Wayne is also the author and publisher of “Insight Inside the Built Environment,” a newsletter that explores leadership, public administration, and community building.

What began as a response to his daughters’ question—“Dad, what do you actually do?”—has grown into a respected voice in the building safety and leadership community.

“The goal is to strengthen collaboration and remind others that leadership connects people, process, and purpose,” Wayne said.

His articles touch on wide-ranging issues—from homelessness a

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