Citizen Participation
Your Voice Matters
Know your rights. Know your options.
Many people think their only opportunity to participate in local government is speaking for a few minutes at a City Commission meeting. That's only one option. Whether you want to submit written comments, understand how your government works, learn about changing your form of government, or understand how leadership changes, this page is designed to help.
Know Your Voice & Options
📄 Can't Attend a Meeting?
You can still participate. The Livingston City Commission Handbook states: "Prepared statements are welcomed and should be given to the City Clerk. All prepared statements shall become a part of the permanent record." If you cannot attend a meeting, or simply prefer writing instead of speaking, you can submit written comments to become part of the public record.
Commission Email citycommission@livingstonmontana.org
Questions Residents May Have
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How far in advance should they be submitted?
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Will they be included in the meeting packet?
🏛️ Understanding Livingston's Government
Livingston currently operates under a Commission-Manager form of government. In this system, residents elect the City Commission. The Commission adopts the budget, passes ordinances, establishes policy, and appoints the City Manager. The City Manager is then responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the City and carrying out the policies adopted by the Commission.
Montana law authorizes several forms of municipal government, including Commission-Manager, Commission-Executive, Commission, Commission-Presiding Officer, Town Meeting, and Charter Government. Each form distributes executive and legislative authority differently. In some systems, elected officials exercise more direct administrative authority, while others delegate most executive responsibilities to a professional manager. Each model has its own advantages, tradeoffs, and accountability structure.
Questions Residents May Have
- What form of government does Livingston have?
- What are the roles of the Commission and City Manager?
- What other forms of municipal government exist in Montana?
📝 Did You Know?
Many people believe Livingston must wait for the next scheduled Local Government Review before considering a different form of government. That's not the only option. Montana law provides a petition process that allows citizens to begin the process of reviewing their local government's form if the statutory requirements are met.
Questions Residents May Have
- How many signatures are required?
- What happens after a petition is submitted?
- What forms of government are available in Montana?
- How long does the process take?
🗳️ Recall Elections
Montana law also provides a process for voters to seek the recall of elected officials. Recall elections begin with a petition and follow procedures established in state law. This process applies to elected officials, including City Commissioners.
Questions Residents May Have
- Who can be recalled?
- What are the legal requirements?
- How many signatures are needed?
- What happens after a petition is certified?
👔 Who Is Responsible for the City Manager?
The City Manager works for the elected City Commission. The Commission hires the City Manager, establishes policy, approves the budget, and oversees the administration of City government. Montana law provides that the City Manager may be: "...removed only by a majority vote of the whole number of the commission." If residents believe changes in City leadership are needed, the appropriate place to communicate those concerns is with the elected Commission.
Questions Residents May Have
- How does the Commission evaluate the City Manager?
- What performance expectations have been established?
- How can residents communicate concerns to their elected commissioners?