Hewy Woodman, a former city council member of Helena, has dedicated himself to fostering community engagement and accessibility. Known for his approachable demeanor, Woodman seamlessly connects with residents at local events, embodying a commitment to keeping Helena’s citizens informed and involved.
Woodman’s journey to Helena began unexpectedly. After exploring the area, he was captivated by its charm, remarking, “I had driven down a cow pasture, and I hit Old Town. I saw the Davidson Dam and I said, ‘Oh my goodness.’” This initial encounter led him to settle in the community, where he later raised a family. His passion for sharing information with loved ones back in his hometown of Montgomery prompted him to launch the blog, No Sleep in Helena. The blog quickly became a reliable source for local happenings, as he gathered information and shared it with an interested audience.
As Woodman immersed himself in Helena’s community life, he began volunteering at local events. His enthusiasm for public service grew through these experiences, leading him to realize the importance of giving back. “Once I started hanging around the events, I got drafted into volunteering,” he explained. This involvement reinforced his desire to serve the community that had welcomed him.
His passion for transparency and accessibility inspired Woodman to seek a position on the Helena City Council. Motivated by the difficulty of accessing city laws, he aimed to create a more open government. “I had just gotten out of law school, and I was really excited to go through all the laws in Helena, and they didn’t provide it,” Woodman noted. Elected in 2012 without opposition, he joined Mayor Mark Hall in advocating for public access to city legal information.
During his tenure, Woodman focused on making the city’s laws readily available online. He encountered challenges, particularly resistance from some council members who feared that increased access might lead to more lawsuits. In response, he emphasized that transparency would help residents understand the city’s processes, reducing misunderstandings. “If you don’t give out any information and then you give out a little, people are going to scrutinize it because they didn’t know the whole process,” Woodman stated.
Under Woodman’s leadership, Helena underwent significant growth, expanding rapidly during his three terms. He played a pivotal role in guiding the community through this transformation, which included establishing the city’s first social media presence. “I actually made the first social media account, a Twitter account for the city and transferred it to them,” he shared. This initiative improved communication and allowed residents to stay informed about local developments more effectively.
After concluding his council term in November 2025, Woodman continues to engage with the community he loves. His commitment to maintain open lines of communication stands out as a key achievement. “I started as a blogger who basically shares everything,” he said, reflecting on his initial motivations. Woodman has developed a reputation for being accessible, even to those who may disagree with him, which he considers a point of pride.
Former council member Laura Joseph praised Woodman’s thorough approach to governance. “He always did his research, he asked really good questions, he looked into the issues that were before us in depth,” she remarked. Joseph highlighted his dedication to understanding community sentiment, especially on contentious issues.
Woodman’s enduring presence at community events, often dressed in festive attire, reinforces his dedication to making Helena a vibrant place to live. His ongoing contributions to local festivities ensure that they remain memorable experiences for residents.
Helena is frequently described as a special place to call home, and the commitment of individuals like Woodman is a significant factor in creating that sense of belonging. His journey from a curious newcomer to a community advocate exemplifies the impact one person can have on a town’s connectivity and spirit.
