Town Government
Amherst Town Council
About the Council
The Town Council is the youngest part of Amherst’s government and the most powerful. It did not exist until 2018, when voters scrapped representative town meeting and put a single 13-member body in charge of the town’s rules and money. Three councillors are elected at large by the whole town and ten represent the five districts, two from each. Councillors serve two-year terms, short enough that a single rough year can end a seat. This is where a daily problem becomes town policy: a flooded street, a stalled housing project, the tax rate on your family’s home.
- Sets policy and law by passing bylaws and resolutions.
- Controls the budget by adopting, cutting, or amending what the Town Manager proposes.
- Hires the Manager and evaluates the person who runs the town day to day.
Council Members
The Council chooses one of its own as President to run its meetings and another as Vice President. The current President is Mandi Jo Hanneke and the Vice President is Ellisha Walker, both elected at large.
Mandi Jo Hanneke
Ellisha Walker
Andrew Churchill
Jillian Brevik
Cathy A. Schoen
Amber Cano-Martin
Lynn Griesemer
Heather Hala Lord
George Ryan
Pamela Rooney
Jennifer Taub
Ana Devlin-Gauthier
Samuel A. MacLeod
Email the full Council at towncouncil@amherstma.gov, or reach the Council office at 413-259-3001. Member contact details are on the town’s Meet Your Town Council page at amherstma.gov.
Meetings & How to Participate
- When: generally the first and third Mondays at 6:30 PM in the Town Room at Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue, with a remote option.
- Agendas & minutes: posted in advance on the town website at amherstma.gov.
- Public comment: residents may speak on agenda items. Check the agenda for the sign-up procedure.
- Watch: meetings air live on Amherst Media and stream online.
Sources
Amherst City Council (amherstma.gov). Verified July 2026.
Amherst City Council coverage (theamherstcurrent.org). Verified July 2026.
What this seat decides
Your Town or City Council
A local ordinance, the city or town budget, or a problem in your own ward or district. The real testimony happens at committee hearings rather than at the full council meeting.
Public hearings and meetings are where residents shape town decisions.