The City of Helena adopted a charter form of government in 1977.  The Helena City Charter authorized “home rule” or self-government powers for the City.  A City with self-government powers may exercise any powers not specifically prohibited by the Montana State legislature or prohibited by the City Charter.

The Mayor and City Commissioners are elected in a nonpartisan election to four-year terms of office. City elections are held in every odd-numbered year. Successful candidates take office on the first Monday in January of the even-numbered year succeeding the elections. The City Charter outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor and Commissioners. The Helena City Commission is the legislative and policy-making body of the City.

The Mayor, who serves as the official head of the City for civil and ceremonial purposes, prepares a statement of the affairs and management of the City each January and appoints members of the boards and committees with the consent of the Commission.

The City Clerk is hired and supervised by the City Commission and is responsible for the administrative support to the City Commission.