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The League and MMIA, our sister organization, send out bi-weekly emails and quarterly newsletters with local government funding opportunities, need to know info, upcoming events, risk management best practices and services, and valuable resources for those working in and with cities and towns across Montana. SIGN UP FOR EMAILS HERE.

Read our past newsletters HERE.

Overview

The State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Program, established through House Bill 355 during the 2023 legislative session, is a state-funded initiative designed to assist cities and towns in financing the maintenance and repair of local government facilities through collaborative efforts. Local governments are required to contribute a cash match to participate in this partnership.

Starting from July 1, 2023, for the biennium, a total of $20 million is allocated from the general fund to the Montana Department of Commerce ("Commerce"). These grants will be awarded in accordance with the provisions of HB 355, ensuring compliance with eligible projects recommended by the legislative bodies of each city or town. The Department of Commerce requests that you make reasonable efforts to submit completed applications by March 30th. LEARN MORE.

Eligible Projects

  • Drinking water systems-Wastewater treatment systems
  • Fire suppression systems (if independent of a drinking water system)
  • Streets
  • Roads
  • Bridges
  • Landfills
  • Streetlights
  • Airports
  • Public grounds and buildings
  • Projects that expand existing water and wastewater treatment plants that are being operated at 90% of design capacity or greater

Grant Limits

City and Town Allocation of Funding Amounts

Project Application

Grant Application

Model Resolution Template - This is a sample resolution to reference. Please note, it it not required by HB 355. To learn more visit the Department of Commerce State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act webpage.

Virtual Town Halls with Montana Department of Commerce

First Virtual Town Hall with Department of Commerce held on November 6, 2023
WATCH RECORDING

Virtual Q & A with Department of Commerce held on December 5, 2023
WATCH RECORDING

Second Virtual Town Hall with Department scheduled for January 23, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m.
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Infrastructure Bill Programs and Grant Opportunities Available

Members you don’t want to miss these current opportunities!
The National League of Cities, Results for America, and the United States Conference of Mayors have developed a new program called the Local Infrastructure Hub. The Hub is a national program that ensures all cities and towns can access federal infrastructure funding for local recovery, community improvement, and deliver results for residents. The Hub connects local leaders to leading policy and innovation experts who will help guide cities and towns of all sizes to access funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Make sure your municipality gets vital infrastructure funding, and sign up for updates for more information.

Grant Application for assistance Bootcamps - January 2023

News & Resources

Upcoming Events and Webinars

Further information can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website here.

ARPA Reporting

ARPA Law, Rules, Expenditure Guidance, and FAQs

State of Montana ARPA Programs

Municipal Town Hall Recordings

This bi-annual survey collects data including starting and maximum salaries and minimum education/experience requirements for a wide variety of common municipal positions. Many of our members find this resource helpful in setting their own salaries and requirements for hiring. 

VIEW THE 2024 SALARY SURVEY

Please note the tabs on the bottom of this spreadsheet delineating positions by city/town.

If you have questions regarding compensation or other HR matters, please contact the League.

Past Surveys

2024 SALARY SURVEY Download

Welcome to Local Government in Montana!

You’ve taken on an important role in serving your community and you don’t have to do it alone.

Montana League of Cities and Towns, Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority, and MSU Local Government Center hosted an informative webinar designed just for newly elected officials on January 23, 2026.

Watch the recording learn who we are, how we work together to support Montana’s local governments, and the many resources available to help you succeed in your new position.

  • The League supports Montana’s cities and towns through state and federal advocacy, training and research, and expert services in municipal finance and land use and planning.
  • MMIA provides reliable coverage and risk management programs built specifically for Montana’s cities and towns.
  • LGC offers training, technical assistance, and research to help local officials strengthen their leadership and governance skills.

Start your term with confidence! WATCH RECORDING.


MMIA RECORDINGS


And, visit this page again for more videos and resources. We will be posting short videos on topics like Land Use and Planning, Advocating for your Community at the Legislature, Risk Management Best Practices, Open Meeting Requirements, and more.


2024 Online Training for Newly Elected Officials

This five-week webinar series, hosted in January and February of 2024, covers a wide range of topics to equip newly elected officials with a solid foundation and understanding of local government. From the basics of the form and function of local governance to risk management, review this series as a resource for local leadership. Please check back for updated videos and resources in early 2026.

Please find recordings and slides below:

Week 1
Introduction to Municipal Government Resources (video link)

Week 2
Understanding the Purpose and Function of Municipal Government (video link)
Purpose and Function of Municipal Government Slides (PDF)

Week 3
Roles and Responsibilities in Municipal Government (video link)
Roles and Responsibilities Slides (PDF)

Week 4
Montana Open Meeting and Citizen Participation Laws (video link)
Open Meeting & Citizen Participation Slides (PDF)

Week 5
Collective Advocacy and Risk Management (video link)

Resources:

Montana's Entitlement Share Payment is a yearly payment to local governments to compensate for lost property tax revenue, earmarked fees, and other revenue. The concept was established in 2001 by HB 124 as a way to address the potential for errors that could occur when revenue streams are redirected. You can find more information and previous fiscal year entitlement share documents on the Department of Revenue's website, HERE.

FY 2027 City/Town Entitlement Share Payments FY 2026 City/Town Entitlement Share Payments Fy 2026 TIFs Entitlement Share Payments FY 2026 Growth Rate Memo

Counties, cities, and towns must submit a complete copy of the final budget together with a statement of tax levies to the Department of Administration by the later of October 1 or 60 days after receipt of taxable values from the Department of Revenue (MCA 7-6-4003).

NEW budget requirement – effective for fiscal year 2025 submissions and beyond.

In addition to the budget packet submission (in PDF format), local governments must also submit pages 53 – 55 of the DOA final budget template separately as an Excel document.

FY2026 Budget Worksheet Fiscal Year Budget and Budget-to-Actual Budget Pages 53-55 Special Purpose District Budget Mill Conversion Resolution - to re-set mills Mill Conversion Resolution - to convert to dollar amount

These projections are provided by the Montana Department of Transportation Fiscal Services Division. Note that these figures are projections and will change as the Department progresses throughout the year and collects actual revenue. 

2026 City/County Fuel Tax Allocation Projections

These spreadsheets, last updated on March 14th of 2026, show the self-reported costs, fees, and rates of various city/town services as well as the pay for specific positions.

Mayor and Councilperson Pay Judge Pay Sheriff Agreements/Costs Bulk Water Rates Water and Sewer Rates Water and Sewer Connection Fees UB Late Fees Cemetery Costs Swimming Pool Costs