Helena Seeks Applicants for City Commission Vacancy, Deadline December 10

The City of Helena opened an application period on November 19 for a vacancy on the City Commission, inviting residents who are qualified electors to submit a resume and cover letter. Under the Helena City Charter Article II section 2.01, commissioners must be residents of the city and qualified electors. Applications are due to the Clerk of the Commission by 4 00 PM on Wednesday December 10 2025.

The commission will review applications against several criteria to identify top candidates for a first round of interviews. Applicants must reside within the city limits, be at least 18 years of age, demonstrate a commitment to the City Charter, and show the ability to meet the time commitments necessary to carry out commissioner duties. The commission will determine how many candidates are selected for interviews based upon the volume and qualifications of the applicant pool.

A final round of interviews will seek further information from selected candidates about their demonstrated commitment to local issues in the spirit of the Preamble of the Helena City Charter. The charter language indicates that the appointment process will weigh candidates not only on residency and legal eligibility, but also on their engagement with community priorities and readiness to assume the responsibilities of civic office.

Local residents who wish to apply must submit materials to the Clerk of the Commission by email at dmclayborn@helenamt.gov or by mail or hand delivery to 316 N. Park Ave. Room 323, City County Building, Helena, MT 59623. The city website includes a tentative timeline for the application and interview process beginning with the November 19 posting and concluding with the December 10 deadline. Applications consist of a resume and a cover letter.

The vacancy and appointment process carries immediate implications for Helena governance. The appointed commissioner will join peers who make decisions on budgets, land use, public services, and civic priorities that affect daily life. The time commitment requirement underscores that the role demands sustained engagement, and the call for demonstrated allegiance to the charter signals an emphasis on fidelity to local rules and community values.

For civic groups and residents watching municipal policy, the selection offers an opportunity to influence the direction of city government. Encouraging a diverse pool of applicants can help ensure the commission reflects the community it serves. With the December 10 deadline approaching, prospective candidates should prepare application materials promptly to be considered in the selection process.