Celebrating the League’s 95th Annual Conference
Montana League of Cities and Towns’ 95th Annual Conference welcomed 405 attendees October 7–9 for learning, meaningful conversations, and a shared celebration of the people who serve Montana’s cities and towns. From focused peer group meetings on Wednesday to Friday’s closing recognition, LOCAL STORIES was more than a theme, it was a reminder of how much we learn when we come together.
Wednesday began with opportunities for colleagues to compare notes, work through common challenges, and connect with others who understand their day-to-day responsibilities. These focused peer group meetings set the tone for a conference built around shared experience and practical support.
That evening, the President’s Reception brought attendees to the Montana Heritage Center. Outgoing League Board President Mayor Gail Leeper reflected on her time serving the League and welcomed incoming President Emily Dean, Mayor of Helena. Mayor Dean also presented a City of Helena proclamation recognizing October 7th
as Montana League of Cities and Towns Recognition Day, a meaningful acknowledgment of the League and the communities at the heart of its work.
You shared. We listened.
The conference agenda began with our members. You told us which issues deserved attention, where you needed guidance, and what would make your time away from city hall worthwhile. We listened and brought in experts to help address those priorities.
Keynote speaker Chris Averill, chair of the Montana 250th Commission, invited attendees to consider their communities’ place in the continuing Montana story.
Across 22 sessions, attendees explored issues affecting municipal work today: mental health, municipal finance, land use, water quality and water rights, communications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, economic development, and more. Keynote speaker Chris Averill, chair of the Montana 250th Commission, invited attendees to consider their communities’ place in the continuing Montana story. Sessions also examined emerging questions about data centers and energy, while a property tax lunch panel brought legislative and policy perspectives to a topic of statewide concern.
Some of the most valuable conversations happened between sessions, across exhibitor tables, and during our evening gatherings. The conference app helped keep those connections going, with 367 community board messages and 31 discussion topics extending the exchange of ideas.
Thursday’s social at the historic Montana Club offered another reason to celebrate: 40 years of Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority’s service to Montana’s cities and towns. It was an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new colleagues, and recognize four decades of helping communities protect their people and the services residents depend on.
Our Partners and 55 exhibitors
added expertise, resources, and fresh ideas throughout the conference. Thank you for taking time to understand our members’ challenges and share products and services that can help. Partners received 89,257 impressions in the conference app, creating opportunities for members to discover support for their communities.
We encourage members to keep those conversations going. Visit our Partner Directory to learn more about the organizations supporting the League and how their expertise may benefit your city or town.
And the weather? Helena gave us sunshine and temperatures around 80 degrees on Friday, then switched to winter mode with more than a foot of snow over the weekend. Thankfully, Mother Nature waited until we had wrapped up and folks had made it home before delivering her own version of a conference white paper.
Honoring Four Decades of Service
One of the conference’s most meaningful moments came with the presentation of the Alec Hansen Lifetime Achievement Award
to MMIA and the MSU Local Government Center.
League Executive Director Jennifer Olson presented the award to MMIA Interim CEO Amanda Clark and Board President Cassie Tozer, and MSU Local Government Center Executive Director Dan Clark and Associate Director Ashley Kent.
The recognition honored more than four decades of service, celebrating the people behind the phone calls answered, the questions worked through, the training delivered, and the steady support that helps local officials and staff serve with confidence.
Help Shape the Next Chapter
Thank you to everyone who contributed a question, shared an experience, offered feedback, or made a new connection. Your participation is what makes this conference valuable, and your ideas will shape what comes next.
The 2027 Annual League Conference will take place October 12–14 in Billings. Throughout the year, we’ll ask for your input on topics, speakers, and opportunities to connect. You are also welcome to share ideas at any time. This is your conference. We want your priorities at the forefront and your voices in the planning process. Help us make 2027 better than ever.