Elect Jackie Haines for Local Government Study Commission.
I am dedicated to a stronger, effective Gallatin County.
I am a committed advocate for the future of Gallatin County. With a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a strong background in economics, I am running for a position on the Gallatin County Local Government Review Study Commission. My mission is simple: to ensure our local government is efficient, effective, and reflective of the communities it serves.
What is the Local Government Study Commission?
Montana is the only state in the nation whose constitution requires us to put forth to the voters a Local Government Study Commission every ten years.
If a local electorate chooses to form a study commission, a panel of people are elected by the constituency.
An elected study commission then reviews their county’s power and form of government and makes recommendations for improvements in the structure of government. The study commission then proposes recommendations for improvements. Any recommendations for changes have to be voter-approved, and these proposals will appear on the ballot by November 2026.
My Approach
Collaborative
I believe in the power of collaboration to the best solutions. I believe the study commission should work with current county officials, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and communities across the county to understand what change is needed, and implement that change.
Data-Driven
I hold a master’s degree in Economics from Montana State University, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of economic systems and honed my skills in methodical problem-solving, in-depth analysis, and data-driven decision-making. Today, I use data to inform my daily work throughout our community and believe this approach will help to inform the study commission decisions.
Communication & Education
At the local level, citizen involvement can make the crucial difference in having the appropriate needs of the community met, or not. Communication with the community will be essential to the success of the Commission. All recommendations will be voter approved, and extensive community education is essential for a thorough understanding and support of the changes that will be needed.
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Over 10 Years of Experience with Data
Using Data to Understand Our Region
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20 Years of Local Experience
Working and Living in Gallatin County
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Community Advocate
For a Gallatin County Where We ALL Can Thrive
Community Economic Development Strategy
The Community Economic Development Strategic Plan 2022-2027 for Gallatin and Park Counties
Recent Work
The Ripple Effect: The Importance of Sustaining Big Sky’s Economy
Summarizing the economic impact of Big Sky’s economy
Childcare Industry Report
An in-depth look at the regional childcare industry, with a focus on Big Sky.
Get in Touch!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns or comments!
FAQ
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The local government review is constitutionally required every ten years. This is an opportunity for citizens to review their city’s power and form of government and to make recommendations for improvements in their structure of government. Cities and counties that choose to participate will elect study commissioners to evaluate the local government’s structure and propose recommendations for improvements.
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I am deeply committed to the importance, and potential, of local government. Local government plays a crucial role in shaping the daily lives of residents, serving as the most immediate and accessible form of governance to each of us. Many decisions made at this level significantly impact our everyday experiences, and active citizen participation is crucial to ensure that our government effectively reflects and serves the needs of our community. At the local level, citizen involvement can make the crucial difference in having the appropriate needs of the community met, or not. I am running for local government study commissioner because I want to build a bridge between the feedback from the community and use this to inform, improve the effectiveness of our local government.
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MSU's Local Government Center has wonderful in-depth information. Please visit their website for more information.
MT Voter Review - Local Government Center | Montana State University