Government Center Celebrates 40 Years of Service In Montana
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.
To learn more about the Local Government Center, visit www.montana.edu/extension/ localgov/.
