As 2025 closes out, Montana Free Press reporters are reflecting on the work they’ve done over the course of the year — and what they expect to be writing about heading into 2026.
Helena sure has kept me busy in 2025, with stories on everything from school district budgeting to the ways community nonprofits navigated funding shifts and the November election that picked new city leadership.
Helena Public Schools, like many other Montana school districts, made some tough decisions this year in an effort to balance service goals with budget realities. Through decisions like closing Hawthorne Elementary and proposing and passing a historic $283 million bond to build and renovate three schools, my coverage helped Helena understand the choices school leaders made.
Local nonprofits, whether involved in the arts, affordable housing and homelessness, or social work, have also faced their fair share of obstacles, which I’ve covered. Federal changes had local impacts that included cuts to the Myrna Loy’s educational programming. In addition, those funding cuts also meant local family and domestic violence shelters lost thousands of dollars in grants that directly helped the people they serve.
In the second half of the year, I spent much of my time covering the municipal election, in which Helenans voted for a new mayor and two city commissioners. The election was coupled with the announcement that City Manager Tim Burton plans to retire at the end of 2025, sparking a search for his successor that resulted in the hiring of Alana Lake.
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON IN 2026?
Heading into 2026, I’ll continue monitoring the local impacts of federal funding shifts and how community organizations address those challenges. I’m also ready (and eager) to watch and report on the progress of the rebuilding of Helena High and Kessler Elementary, and renovations to Capital High over the next two years.
I also plan to cover Helena’s anticipated growth, both in terms of infrastructure and population, and how that may impact property values, city services and grant opportunities. With plans for roundabouts in downtown Helena and on Montana Avenue still in progress, I also anticipate news to report about the city’s transportation system.
Furthermore, the city has been searching for additional affordable living opportunities, recently awarding the Helena Area Community Foundation $100,000 for a collaborative project, as well as a dedicated homeless shelter, so following the progress of potential projects and other initiatives will also be on my radar.
Lastly, keeping a close eye on local government, particularly in this new era of leadership, will be a high priority on my list for 2026.
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