Hewy Woodman has dedicated his life to fostering community connections in Helena, Montana. A former city council member, Woodman’s journey began unexpectedly when he discovered the city while driving through the countryside. What started as a chance encounter has evolved into a lifelong commitment to making Helena a more connected and informed community.
Woodman first arrived in Helena after inadvertently driving through a cow pasture, ultimately finding himself at the picturesque Davidson Dam. His initial curiosity led him to explore the area further, eventually deciding to make Helena his home. Reflecting on his arrival, Woodman stated, “I had driven down a cow pasture, and I hit Old Town. I saw the Davidson Dam and I said, ‘Oh my goodness.’”
Once settled, Woodman became eager to share his experiences with family and friends back home. This passion prompted him to launch his blog, No Sleep in Helena, which served as a vital platform for locals to stay updated on community events. “Being a young father with a young family, I tried to go around and collect information,” he remarked about his early efforts. The blog thrived on community engagement, gaining traction as residents provided feedback and contributed event details.
As Woodman immersed himself in Helena’s social fabric, he began volunteering at various community events. This experience deepened his commitment to serving his adopted city. “Once I started hanging around the events, I got drafted into volunteering,” he shared. The encouragement from seasoned volunteers helped him embrace this new role and solidified his connection to the community.
Woodman’s drive to enhance information accessibility ultimately led him to pursue a position on the Helena City Council. His frustration with the lack of available public information motivated his campaign. “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,” he explained. Elected in 2012 without opposition, Woodman joined forces with Mayor Mark Hall to advocate for transparency and accessibility.
Throughout his tenure, Woodman focused on making Helena’s legal information publicly accessible. He faced challenges, particularly surrounding concerns that increased access might lead to more lawsuits. Yet, he strongly believed in the importance of transparency. “If you make that information open, you’re going to have people complain, but at least they can understand how that process worked,” he stated.
During his three terms, Woodman witnessed Helena’s rapid growth and played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges that accompanied such expansion. He introduced the city’s first social media account, recognizing the transformative power of digital communication. “Social media has transformed the way Helena exists,” he noted, highlighting the shift from a small community to a rapidly growing city.
After completing his council service in November 2025, Woodman remained committed to engaging with the public. He continues to attend local events, often donning festive attire, ensuring that community celebrations remain vibrant and enjoyable. His dedication to connecting with residents has left a lasting impression.
Former council member Laura Joseph praised Woodman’s approach to municipal governance, stating, “He always did his research, he asked really good questions, he looked into the issues that were before us in depth.” His commitment to understanding community sentiments was integral to his decision-making process.
Ultimately, Woodman’s legacy in Helena is characterized by his unwavering commitment to keeping the community informed and engaged. His journey, from a curious newcomer to an influential community leader, underscores the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on their surroundings. Helena has often been described as a special place to call home, and Woodman’s service is a significant factor in that sentiment.
