Your voice. Our standard. Laurel's future.
You have a say when it comes to building a stronger community.
Current Focus
The State of Montana is attempting to force the construction of a forensic mental health corrections facility in the middle of our town — surrounded by homes, schools, and public buildings. Two eastern Montana communities submitted comprehensive proposals with documented community support. Kurt Markegard and Mayor Waggoner submitted a letter after the deadline, without City Council authorization or community input — yet Laurel was selected. Governor Gianforte, the BOI, and DPHHS promised robust community engagement and consideration. They have given Laurel none. We're fighting back through organized community action: we have requested an emergency moratorium and school protection boundary ordinance from the City of Laurel, filed for a recall of Mayor Waggoner, and are pushing for a formal investigation into the conduct that brought us here. The community of Laurel deserves to be informed and involved. We intend to make sure that happens.
⚠ Upcoming: Yellowstone County Commissioners Hearing
A public hearing before the Yellowstone County Commissioners is being scheduled to decide whether the state will receive the zoning change it needs. This is one of the most important votes yet. Your poll response and your presence will be on the record. Now is the time to act.
Recall Petition is LIVE
The recall petition against Mayor Waggoner is officially underway.
Signatures must be gathered on official forms approved by the Yellowstone County Elections Administrator. Digital signatures are not legally valid for the official petition.
Key Deadlines
What happens after signatures are verified:
- Mayor is formally notified and has 5 days to resign
- If he does not resign, a recall election is called
- He may not be appointed to fill any resulting vacancy
Need help registering or signing?
A committee member will come to you. Enter your Laurel address to confirm eligibility.
Yellowstone County Residents → Show your support
Community Poll
Laurel's future belongs to the people of Laurel.
Why your vote matters more than ever
A public hearing before the Yellowstone County Commissioners is being scheduled on the state's zoning change request. Poll results will be part of the public record. Every response counts.
Three questions. One visit. Your ward determines who sees your response.
For City Council — by ward:
- Should the city oppose or support annexation and rezoning?
For the state record:
- Should a forensic corrections facility be placed on Old Highway 10, near West Elementary — regardless of annexation?
- Should this facility be built in Laurel at all?
Even if City Council votes no on annexation, the state can still build on unannexed land. Questions 2 and 3 put Laurel's position on the location on the record — for state officials, the BOI, and the public. Canvassers collect all three responses in person.
Already voted?
Attend Meetings
Your presence makes a difference!
Upcoming Meetings:
School Board Meeting
Monday, April 13, 2026
6:00 PM • Admin Building, 606 S. 5th Street
BOI & DPHHS Public Hearing
⚠ Critical — Your voice matters
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10:00 AM • Laurel Public Library
BOI & DPHHS Public Hearing
⚠ Critical — Your voice matters
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
4:00 PM • Laurel Public Library
School Board Meeting
Monday, April 27, 2026
6:00 PM • Admin Building, 606 S. 5th Street
Show up, ask questions, hold leaders accountable.
Planning on attending?
Let us know what kind of turnout to expect and what you'll be sharing!
RSVP for a Meeting →Speak Up!
Use YOUR voice. Be LOUD.
Talk to ANY news outlet you trust:
- KULR 8 (has asked for community input)
- Q2 News / KTVQ
- Montana Free Press
- Billings Gazette
- Laurel Outlook
- Any outlet that will listen
Talk to whomever you trust. Your story matters.
View Press Coverage →Contact Your Representatives:
City Council members and state representatives have a duty to represent YOU. Let them know where you stand on this issue.
Contact Information →Our Advocacy Record:
Read every formal request and legal document CARED has submitted — and what we've received back.
View Our Advocacy Record →Why We're Fighting Back
Lack of Transparency from City & State
The CAO and Mayor contacted the state without informing city council or the community. We had no chance to share our opinion until it was already in process.
Insufficient Infrastructure Capacity
The city lacks capacity to extend water, fire, ambulance, or police services to the new area without degrading existing services.
Economic Burden on City Infrastructure
Providing city services (police, fire, water & sewer) costs more than projected revenue. The state will not provide any taxes for the property.
Close Proximity to Schools and Homes
The proposed location is dangerously close to schools and residential areas. The impact on our community is deeply concerning.
Blocks Future Growth for Our Community
This location limits future commercial and residential development that could generate tax income for roads, water, schools, and emergency services.