CITY COMMISSIONER ANDY SHIRTLIFF ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR OF HELENA

Helena, Mont. – Andy Shirtliff, a longtime resident, community leader, and City Commissioner, has announced his candidacy for Mayor in the 2025 municipal election.

Commissioner Andy Shirtliff with his wife Laura, her two sons, and their two pups.

"I've called Helena home for over 15 years. I am deeply invested in this community and its future," said Shirtliff.

Leadership is not a title, it's how we show up for each other.

"With support from my family and excitement from friends and neighbors, I am announcing my candidacy for Helena's Mayor. I've seen firsthand how special our community truly is, and Helena deserves a leader who understands that leadership is not a title, it's how we show up for each other. I'm ready to bring my experience, vision, and passion as Helena's Mayor."

After serving two terms, Mayor Wilmot Collins will not seek re-election, leaving the seat open. "I would like to thank Mayor Collins and his wife Maddie for their years of service to our community and our country. It has been an honor to call Wilmot a friend and serve with him on the Commission."

As Commissioner, Shirtliff has focused on investing in housing affordability, economic development, improving government services, strengthening infrastructure, and improving community engagement by consistently showing up and leading collaborative solutions.

I am committed to building a stronger Helena

and moving our community forward

Shirtliff has a proven track record of getting things done for Helena. He led collaborative efforts with downtown business owners, tenants, and workers to find parking solutions. He joined businesses and event planners in working towards a streamlined city permitting process. Shirtliff also worked with city officials to keep events on the walking mall.

"I am committed to building a stronger Helena and moving our community forward," Shirtliff said.

Shirtliff's campaign plan for "A Stronger Helena" will focus on three key areas:

Our people – improving city services and communication, encouraging efficiencies, strengthening critical infrastructure for our growing community, and prioritizing public safety by supporting our firefighters, police officers, and detectives who keep us safe.

Our places – championing housing solutions, prioritizing safe, accessible, and connected neighborhoods through improved roads and sidewalks, preserving our history, and protecting our parks, trails, and open spaces for future generations.

Our prosperity – encouraging entrepreneurship, streamlining permitting processes, investing in our downtown, promoting our community, and working with Helena's small businesses and strategic partners to foster a strong and resilient local economy.

"I believe in a Helena that works together for

a more livable, vibrant, and prosperous community,"

Shirtliff has earned the respect of Helena's residents and businesses for his approachability, dedication, and ability to bring people together to solve complex issues. He is committed to continuing this work as Helena's Mayor.

"I believe in a Helena that works together for a more livable, vibrant, and prosperous community," Shirtliff said.

"We're in the people business. I'm running for Mayor to ensure that we

continue being the kind of community that shows up for each other

and builds a stronger Helena together."

In addition to serving on the City Commission, Shirtliff is the Executive Director of a statewide housing organization focused on affordability and attainability.

He also chairs the Helena Farmers' Market board and is the Chair for Montana Business Assistance Connection, MBAC, an economic development organization that supports and invests in Helena's businesses.

Shirtliff recently joined the advisory board for the Cancer Support Community and volunteers for various local causes. He sits on two advisory boards for Helena College, is a proud member of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the local Disaster Action Team for the American Red Cross of Montana.

Shirtliff lives in Helena with his wife, Laura, a Helena native, along with her two sons and their pups. Shirtliff has dedicated his career to public service, workforce development, small business advocacy, and community building. He is an alumnus of the University of Montana and the Leadership Montana class of 2017.

For more information about Andy Shirtliff and his vision to move Helena forward, visit AndyShirtliff.com or follow the campaign on social media @AndyForHelena.

###