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Commissioners and study panel weigh neighborhood councils, outreach to boost public participation
Summary
Multiple commissioners told the Study Commission they support community or neighborhood councils and stepped‑up outreach to improve public participation. Commissioners suggested digital groups, newsletters in utility bills, and in‑person listening sessions as ways to reach rural and younger residents.
Several sitting commissioners told the Study Commission that low public participation constrains government effectiveness and suggested neighborhood or community councils, newsletters and online outreach to close the gap.
"I really like the idea of neighborhood councils," Commissioner Russell O'Leary said, noting the charter authorizes their creation and saying well‑organized councils could help commissioners hear local concerns more regularly.
Commissioner Michelle Shea and others called public education and easier ways to engage the county "key" to better participation. Shea urged more visible outreach and suggested commissioners make themselves available at community events and speak plainly about how local government works so residents feel comfortable testifying.
Several commissioners proposed low‑cost outreach tools: distributing newsletters with utility bills to reach rural residents; creating county‑sponsored Facebook groups or digital neighborhood pages; and holding listening sessions around the county. Commissioner Thomas Walker, representing a rural district, said door‑knocking and walking local trails were effective ways to learn concerns in his area.
Study Commission members agreed to plan public listening sessions; the panel discussed using July for outreach rather than drafting a preliminary report. Commissioners asked staff to design formats that are conversational (not formal public‑comment hearings) and to provide short educational primers before meetings so participants understand the topics under review.
No vote or policy change resulted from the June 23 exchange. Commissioners asked the Study Commission staff to coordinate listening sessions, prepare simple informational handouts, and explore partnerships with community organizations and Montana Tech students to support social‑media outreach.
