About Russ

Russ Nelson is Belgrade’s longest-serving Mayor, retiring from 22 years of service at the end of 2025. Russ has lived in Belgrade for 30 years and recently retired from a 40-year career in banking.

As Mayor, Russ helped Belgrade navigate two decades of rapid growth, always prioritizing maintaining services and a high quality of life for residents. He has a track record of always putting Belgrade first:

  • Russ worked to change a Montana liquor license law to keep Belgrade’s liquor licenses from consolidation with Bozeman. Today, Belgrade’s liquor licenses stay right here in the city, strengthening Belgrade’s local economy and supporting the local economy. 

  • As Mayor, Russ worked with our Montana Senators to secure federal money for road construction, obtaining enough money to help build the East Belgrade interchange.

  • Russ oversaw the voter-approved permanent levy to fund the Belgrade Police Department and other investments in the Belgrade Community Library and Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District.

Russ understands how to navigate change and is ready to step up and serve the residents of Belgrade and House District 67, advocating for them in the Montana legislature.

A man with glasses, a beard, and a bald head walking outdoors near a parking lot on a cloudy day. He is wearing a blue quarter-zip jacket, dark pants, and black shoes. There are trees, some snow patches, and cars in the background.

Putting Belgrade First

Belgrade needs steady leadership that prioritizes constituents over special interests. Russ Nelson is committed to always putting Belgrade first:

  • Russ Nelson will fight to protect property tax relief for Montana homeowners and find ways to lower taxes to make Belgrade more affordable while still protecting critical local services and schools.

  • Russ Nelson will work to improve access to high-quality vocational training and apprenticeship programs to give more opportunities to kids who aren’t going to college. 

  • As Mayor of Belgrade, Russ Nelson worked to reduce red tape and keep money right here in our community instead of losing opportunities to bigger cities like Bozeman. 

  • Russ Nelson will use his experience as a local government leader to ensure Belgrade continues to work with local, state, and federal partners to keep our community safe and strong. 

  • Russ Nelson will fight to protect and expand important business development incentives so the entire community benefits from Belgrade’s growth. 

  • Russ Nelson will stand up for our first responders by protecting retirement and mental health care benefits for law enforcement and firefighters, helping attract and retain first responders here in our community.

  • Russ Nelson will always prioritize the needs of his community and pledges to be a responsive leader for Belgrade. 

SUPPORT RUSS