I’m proud to call Great Falls my home. It’s an outstanding community, offering excellent schools, world-class hunting and fishing, the River’s Edge Trail, and endless year-round outdoor activities.

Community service has always been central to my life. I served in the U.S. Navy, built several successful businesses, and was honored with an Inc. 500 award—America’s 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.

I’ve also served four terms in the Montana House of Representatives and currently serve as a City Commissioner. These experiences allow me to bring proven leadership and real-world problem-solving to the job. I’m running for re-election to continue doing my part to move Great Falls forward.

I’m passionate about tackling key issues that improve life in Great Falls. My goals are straightforward—though not always easy:

1) More housing

2) Safe neighborhoods

3) Economic growth and prosperity

Achieving them takes teamwork, collaboration, and steady leadership.

Under our city charter, all commissioners—including the mayor—have equal authority. My role is to foster communication, build collaboration, and bring people together.

A city commissioner isn’t a ‘Lone Ranger.’ We’re both coaches and team players. Great Falls is full of smart, creative people—we just need to get everyone rowing in the same direction.

Great Falls is growing, and so are our needs. We need more housing—across all types and income levels—and we must prioritize public safety. Our fire, police, and courts are understaffed and underfunded, and that puts us all at risk.

The commission must cut through red tape, stay focused on the big picture, and lead with a vision centered on housing, safety, and economic prosperity.

Infrastructure—roads, water, sewer—must be addressed in partnership with the city and developers. We also need to be open to sensible zoning changes, always balancing growth with respect for property rights.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and simplifying approval processes will help attract investment and foster long-term success.

I fully support streamlining the review process for subdivisions that meet zoning and infrastructure standards.

These projects shouldn’t get bogged down. City staff should approach development with a positive, solution-oriented mindset so we can keep progress moving.

Land and property rights are fundamental. While zoning helps guide growth, codes can become outdated. We must evaluate change requests with an open mind, always keeping the citizen’s best interests front and center.

Attracting business investment is vital to our future. As a lifelong entrepreneur, I know the importance of speed, efficiency, and predictability in local processes.

We must streamline approvals and work with both public and private partners to create an environment where all legal businesses can thrive. Government shouldn't pick winners and losers—it should support success across the board.

Public safety is a core duty of local government. Our police and fire departments are understaffed, and we need to address this head-on—with a public safety levy for personnel and a capital campaign to improve facilities.

We also need to address root causes of crime by investing in mental health and addiction treatment options.

Homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues are often intertwined. We must increase access to treatment and services, working alongside local partners and nonprofits.

These are complex problems that require compassion, resources, and coordinated solutions—not just enforcement.

My background combines military service, entrepreneurship, and public service.

The U.S. Navy taught me discipline and teamwork. Building businesses taught me how to solve problems creatively. And serving four terms in the Montana Legislature—and now on the City Commission—has given me deep insight into the challenges facing our community.

I’m ready to continue putting that experience to work.

Our local tax system is outdated and overly reliant on property taxes, which are restricted by state law. As a result, funding for critical services has declined.

I support a comprehensive review and reform of the system at the state level so local governments can meet modern needs.

By law, local governments cannot raise property taxes on their own—only voters can approve increases for specific needs like public safety, parks, or libraries.

I believe in responsible budgeting and would focus on sustainable alternatives before ever considering new taxes or fees.

Economic growth is one of my top priorities. As a commissioner, I’ll work to recruit and support Primary Sector businesses—those that bring outside dollars into Great Falls and create quality jobs.

At the same time, we must support our existing businesses and entrepreneurs by ensuring they have the tools to grow and succeed here.

Public service comes with real personal, professional, and financial sacrifice.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced boycotts and been denied service by those who disagree with my positions. That’s the reality of serving. But I’m not discouraged. Many have sacrificed far more for our country and community.

 City commissioners receive a small stipend, but it is an unpaid position—and I prefer it that way. It should never be about a paycheck. It’s about giving back. Only those willing to serve for the right reasons should step forward.

Help us build a stronger Great Falls.

Running for office takes resources, and while I’d prefer not to fundraise, it’s necessary to reach voters and share our vision. You can contribute here: https://secure.anedot.com/joe-mckenney-for-great-falls/donate.

Your support fuels progress—and I’m honored to have it.