Montana State University Local Government Center celebrates 40 years of service to Montana communities

BOZEMAN - Montana State University Extension's Local Government Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary of supporting local governance. Since its founding in 1985, the center has worked to foster effective, innovative and sustainable local government practices.

"By providing crucial training, resources and guidance to local officials, the LGC has empowered communities to navigate complex challenges, enhance public service delivery and strengthen civic engagement," said Dan Clark, the center's director. "As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the center's lasting impact on Montana's local governments and look forward to continuing its vital mission for years to come."

The Local Government Center got its start at MSU in 1985. Its first director, Kenneth Weaver, saw a critical need for technical assistance for local governments participating in the decennial local government review. Local study commissioners sought expert guidance as they navigated the complexities of evaluating their own local governments.

As a new faculty member in MSU's political science department, Weaver saw an opportunity to advance the university's land-grant mission by using the department's teaching and research capabilities to support Montana's process of local government review.

By working with study commissions, Weaver recognized there was a demand for sustained support. In response to this need, the Montana Board of Regents officially recognized the Local Government Center in 1989. Then, in 1993, the Montana Legislature formalized the center's mission, entrusting it with the responsibility to "strengthen the capacities of Montana's local governmental units to deliver essential services efficiently while providing training, technical assistance and research to local officials."

Today, Local Government Center staff work in city halls, county courthouses and library meeting rooms to deliver in-person training to public officials and local government staff on the responsibilities of elected officials. Staff also provide support over the phone and by email on matters such as filling board vacancies, managing contentious meetings and navigating complex ethical dilemmas, Clark said.

In addition, the center recently launched the Montana Grown Leadership Academy to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of city and county staff. The in-person training focuses on key management and leadership principles.

"By providing the tools to effectively manage resources, lead teams and make strategic decisions, the program empowers staff to overcome the challenges of local governance," Clark said. "Ultimately, this initiative enables them to serve their communities with greater efficiency, empathy and innovation, strengthening local governments and ensuring they are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the people they serve."

With a legacy spanning 40 years, the Local Government Center is preparing for the future.

"The more we accomplish, the more we're asked to do," Clark said. "As Montana continues to grow, so do our challenges, and local governments remain at the forefront of making this state a wonderful place to live. Our vision isn't just to exist for another 40 years but to see the LGC evolve alongside Montana's communities. We are actively shaping a plan for the next four decades, focused on meeting the ever-growing needs of local governments."

To learn more about the Local Government Center, visit its website at www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/.