Four images make up the banner: Image one is a group of people sitting around and discussing, image two is the front window of a co-op shop, image three is a diverse group of people, young and old, pulling weeds in a field, and image four is a group of people walking through a small town.

Strengthening the civic, economic, and leadership capacity of communities

The MSU Extension Community Vitality Program engages Montanans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and leadership abilities of their communities. We approach community vitality work with the values of collaboration, curiosity, excellence, and responsiveness, ensuring our efforts are community-centered and community-driven.

BUILDING LOCAL LEADERSHIP

People sit in a classroom environment and listen to a person present.

Big Sky, Big Leadership aims to expand the pool of local leaders and equip them with skills needed for proactive solutions to rapid community change and volunteer burnout.

Through local facilitation, the program helps communities develop leadership capacity. There are currently eight programs in various counties, with two more in development. Participants build networks and contribute to positive changes, including fostering collaboration across political divides and driving local economic growth.

Big Sky, Big Leadership has served 400 participants with more than 13,000 hours of leadership training

TETON COUNTY BANDSHELL INCREASES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Choteau Lions, Chamber of Commerce, and Teton County MSU Extension partnered to raise grant funds to sponsor a new:

9-week concert series for more than 2,000 total attendees with 96% reporting improved quality of life

The community gathers on a nice summer day by a stage hosting a music group.

REIMAGINING RURAL ROADSHOW AIMS TO INSPIRE SMALL TOWNS TO DREAM BIG

The Reimagining Rural Roadshow highlights the importance of Montana’s small towns, recognizing the charm and value of people who live in them. To support rural communities to overcome challenges of limited capacity and resources, the Roadshow connects rural Montanans with statewide agencies, expanding partnerships, increasing awareness of available resources, and inspiring communities to dream big.

Seventy people from 21 communities attended, with participants gaining valuable knowledge and motivation to take action through increased connections. Since the start of the Reimagining Rural program, it has enriched 53 communities across Montana.

Two older women are discussing in a conference setting.

“ The Roadshow was a wonderful way to connect with leaders and community volunteers from some of the most rural communities. I met new people, got new ideas, and provided technical assistance that will continue to propel communities forward.”

– Reimagining Rural Roadshow resource-provider

MUNICIPAL EDUCATION PROVIDES SKILL DEVELOPMENT

The Local Government Center partners with the Montana Association of Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers to host the Montana Municipal Institute. This annual 4.5-day training provides International Institute of Municipal Clerks certification. The institute serves both new and experienced clerks representing rural towns to the most urban centers. From clerk-treasurers to rural water specialists, 74 of 81 participants were extremely satisfied with presenters.

Annually, Montana municipalities manage $3.6 billion dollars of appropriated funds

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER (LGC) ONLINE COURSE ENHANCES EFFICIENCY

Local government clerks, treasurers, council members, mayors, elected officials, and employees care deeply about their communities and doing their jobs well. Resources and training are provided by the LGC, which offers a twice-per-year ‘Fundamentals of Montana Municipal Government’ online course. The participants, 110 from more than 50 municipalities, value the efficient online format to save travel costs and time, as well as connecting with other municipal officers and having reliable course reference materials.