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Helena Welcomes New City Manager Alana Lake
Lake Outlines Plans to Provide Consistent Leadership and Collaborative Approach
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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The city of Helena, Montana has appointed Alana Lake as its new city manager, following a 3-2 vote by the city commission. Lake, a fifth-generation Montanan with over a decade of experience in military and federal law enforcement, is focused on the future of Helena and plans to bring a collaborative approach to infrastructure projects and community development.
Why it matters
Helena has seen significant turnover in the city manager's office in recent years, with four individuals holding the position over the last six years. Lake's appointment represents an opportunity for the city to stabilize its leadership and chart a strategic course for the future.
The details
Lake, who previously served as the executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission, believes her leadership skills honed through years of service will be transferable to her new role. She has emphasized the importance of listening and learning from city staff and the community, as well as taking a collaborative approach to infrastructure projects and community development. In her first few months, Lake plans to focus on managing the city's budget, working with Helena schools on recent bond projects, and addressing issues related to affordable housing and the local job market.
- Lake was appointed as the next city manager in December 2025.
- She will operate under the guidance of the city commission.
The players
Alana Lake
The newly appointed city manager of Helena, Montana. Lake is a fifth-generation Montanan with over a decade of experience in military and federal law enforcement, and previously served as the executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission.
Tim Burton
The former city manager of Helena, who provided guidance and support to Lake during the transition.
What they’re saying
“Think about the future of Helena, you know, not just what's here in front of us today, but how can we be thoughtful and strategic about what we want to do in the future.”
— Alana Lake, City Manager (newsdirectory3.com)
“Coming in here, my main goal coming in has been to listen and to learn.”
— Alana Lake, City Manager (newsdirectory3.com)
“Really understanding the inner workings and details of a lot of these projects is extremely important to ensure that we're not just providing this great new infrastructure, but it's a thoughtful and collaborative effort with the community.”
— Alana Lake, City Manager (newsdirectory3.com)
“You have the perspective in the community to make a difference. We only have a specific silo of perspective here at the city, and so we need all your perspectives to come in and give us ideas of how to do business better and more effective.”
— Alana Lake, City Manager (newsdirectory3.com)
What’s next
Lake plans to focus on managing the city's budget, working with Helena schools on recent bond projects, and addressing issues related to affordable housing and the local job market in her first few months.
The takeaway
Lake's appointment as Helena's new city manager represents an opportunity for the city to stabilize its leadership and chart a strategic course for the future, with a focus on collaboration, community engagement, and addressing key challenges facing the city.
