A Guide for Residents Who Want to Understand, Participate, and Help Shape Their Community

One of the things I love most about living in Wurtsboro is it’s a small town shaped by it’s residents. Knowing that I can help shape the future my family will inherit is meaningful for me. Local elections can be decided by fewer than 100 votes. An idea shared between two neighbors can grow into something that benefits the whole town. Do not underestimate the difference you can make by being involved.

About our town.

The Town of Mamakating is a small town in Sullivan County made up of hamlets, neighborhoods, farms, lakes, and growing communities connected by a shared responsibility: caring for the future of the town together.

Local government affects everyday life more than most people realize — from roads, water, taxes, zoning, parks, emergency services, and public safety to housing, business development, and environmental protection. Understanding how your town works is the first step toward having a voice in it.

Population 12,655

Registered Voters 7,500

Residents Who Vote 1,500

  • The Town of Mamakating operates under a Town Board form of government.

  • The Town Board has six members, each representing one ward. Town Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6 PM at Mamakating Town Hall. The meetings are open to public comment on the following town matters:

    • Budgets and taxes

    • Zoning and planning

    • Public buildings

    • Parks and recreation

    • Growth and development

    • Quality-of-life issues

  • The Town Supervisor acts as the chief elected official and oversees the administration of town government, budgeting, and coordination between departments.

  • Highway Department Maintains and improves town roads and handles snow removal. Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Review land use and development applications, including proposals and requests for zoning variances. Other town departments and services include Parks & Recreation, the Building Department, the Town Clerk, the Assessor’s Office, and youth programs. Volunteer fire departments and community groups also serve our area, though they are separate from town departments.

  • Property taxes. Road repairs and snow removal. Building permits and zoning. Environmental conservation. Local business growth. Housing and development. Public events and parks. Water quality and infrastructure. Emergency preparedness. Community character and quality of life. Many important decisions happen at the local level before they ever reach state or federal government.

Healthy towns are built by residents who participate.

Attend Town Board Meetings

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Town Board meetings are open to the public and are generally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. They offer a chance to hear public comments and follow discussions about local issues, the town budget, development proposals, and community concerns. Attending is one of the best ways to understand what’s happening in our town and how decisions are made.

Speak During Public Comment

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Residents usually have an opportunity to: Ask questions. Share concerns. Support or oppose proposals. Offer ideas and solutions. Even a few minutes of thoughtful public input can influence local decisions.

Join a Committee or Volunteer

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Many towns rely on volunteers and community participation. Residents can often: Join advisory boards, volunteer at community events, help with beautification projects, support youth initiatives, participate in environmental stewardship, organize local gatherings or neighborhood efforts.

Stay Informed

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How to get involved.

Residents can stay informed by: Visiting the town website, reading meeting agendas and minutes, following local announcements, joining community groups, speaking with neighbors and local leaders. An informed community creates stronger accountability and better decision-making. Review the Town's Comprehensive Plan. 

Local elections often have low turnout, which means a small number of votes can shape the future of our town. Voting for Town Supervisor, Town Board members, county representatives, and school board members—and on school budgets—is one of the most direct ways we can influence our community.

A Message to Residents from the Town of Mamakating

‍ ‍The future of the Town of Mamakating will not be shaped by one person alone. It will be shaped by the collective participation of neighbors, families, workers, business owners, parents, elders, and young people willing to contribute their voices and energy to the place they call home. Whether you attend one meeting, volunteer for one event, or decide to take on a larger role in the future — your involvement matters.

Source

Vote in Local Elections

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About Ward 4

The Town of Mamakating has six wards. I live in Ward 4, which stretches from Yankee Lake to the Bash Kill. Fewer than 300 Ward 4 residents typically vote in local elections, so every vote can make a difference.

Not yet registered to vote?

Download a blank form as a PDF, print with your printer, fill out completely with pen, and submit the form in person at the Board of Elections Office or by mail. To receive registration forms by mail, you can call (845) 807-0400 to request a voter application.

Mail to:
Sullivan County Board of Elections
100 North Street
Monticello, NY 12701

For more details, visit Sullivan County Voter Registration website here.

Download Your Voter Registration Form