Regional Study Commissioner Workshops hosted by the MSU Local Government Center. The trainings will be held at locations around the state and will include a full-day training agenda.

 

The agenda will include the following topics:

  • Issues Confronting Montana's Local Governments
  • Local Government Forms and Powers
  • Break-out sessions to discuss the Structures, Powers, Strengths and Challenges of Alternative Forms of Local Government
    • County Commission Form
    • Commission-Executive Form
    • Commission-Manager Form
  • An overview of Study Commission Procedures and Study Techniques
  • Why and How to Write a Charter
  • Service Consolidation Issues and Supplementary Reports
  • Report Writing
  • Voter Review: Lessons Learned from 2014

 

Upcoming Trainings

Shelby

Dates: December 5, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Comfort Inn & Suites

Register Now

Registration deadline: Monday, December 2

Payment Portal

Whitefish

Dates: December 10, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Whitefish Council Chambers

Register Now

Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 4

Payment Portal

Sidney

Dates: December 10, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Sidney City Hall

Register Now

Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 4

Payment Portal

Billings

Dates: December 11, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton

Register Now

Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 4

Payment Portal

Bozeman

Dates: December 12, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Homewood Suites

Register Now

Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 4

Payment Portal

 

Who should participate? 

Newly elected and/or appointed study commission members are encouraged to participate in these in-person trainings. They are geared to help each study commission start off on the right foot and determine a plan to move ahead with the next 2 years of planning and work that is to be done.

What will participants gain?

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other study commission members and nearby jurisdiction while also developing crucial skills and awareness for the experience to come as a study commissioner.

Participants can expect to cover the following topics:

  • Issues Confronting Montana's Local Governments
  • Local Government Forms and Powers
  • Break-out sessions to discuss the Structures, Powers, Strengths and Challenges of Alternative Forms of Local Government
  • An overview of Study Commission Procedures and Study Techniques
  • Why and How to Write a Charter
  • Service Consolidation Issues and Supplementary Reports
  • Report Writing
  • Voter Review: Lessons Learned from 2014

What is the time commitment? 

The program is a single-day event, typically 10:00 am - 4:00 pm dependent on meeting space availability. The registration fee includes access to the training, all applicable materials, lunch, usable swag,  and light refreshments. 

What is the cost and how many people will participate? 

The cost is $275/person and all study commissioners for participating jursidictions are invited to attend. Based on the five locations, these trainings will be held, we invite you to attend the training that is nearest to you on the date that aligns with your schedule.

Participant Information

Training Information and Pre-Work

1) Complete the registration form (coming soon)

2) Submit payment for registration through the provided online payment portal (coming soon)

 

Cancellation Policy

All participant cancellation requests must be recieved in writing (email is acceptable) by the MSU Local Government Center at least 24 hours prior to the advertised start time of the event. Requests recieved after the deadline will not be refunded the registration fee. 

 

Questions

Reach out to Schuyler Germann (schuyler.germann@montana.edu) with any questions about the in-person trainings.