April 6th CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION THREATENS BILLINGS’ DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS…AGAIN

Feeling some ‘Deja Vu’? Us too! We are asking our community and downtown supporters to step forward once again in support of the important work accomplished in the Downtown Billings Urban Renewal District by our Downtown Economic and Business Development team.

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Bear with us as this is lengthy but very important information below.

The friction

On Monday, April 6th, Billings City Council will discuss the possible consolidation of the management of the City’s three Urban Renewal Districts (URD) into one contract through a potential Request For Proposals (RFP). This is an initiative brought forth by Councilmember Mike Boyett to explore costs savings in how the three unique districts are managed. Currently, the three districts (Downtown Billings Urban Renewal District, East Billings Urban Renewal District, South Billings Urban Renewal Association) are managed through separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with three different entities that focus solely on the URD they manage. Each of these districts has a constitutionally required Urban Renewal Plan that was written and adopted for each URD that identifies unique strategic goals, priorities, and work plans, a district specific budget, a dedicated Board of Directors, and a staff that works with stakeholders within the district to make the strategies identified in the Urban Renewal Plan a reality (click for Downtown Urban Renewal Plan). Each URD is completely unique in its size, development goals, existing infrastructure, budgets, and work plans, just to name a few things that make these areas incomparable and successful in their own work. Combining the management of the three districts into one contract would certainly result in a considerable decrease of services and momentum.
Though we have not received formal instructions yet from City staff or Council, we are working under the assumption that we will need to be prepared to present a strong case for the value of our work on behalf of Downtown Billings and the important economic development facilitated by our team.

Possible results of the April 6 discussion:  

  1. Possibility 1: Billings City Council makes a decision not to renew the current MOUs and directs staff to issue an RFP seeking proposals to manage all three districts by one entity or individual.
  2. Possibility 2: Billings City Council makes a decision to renew the current MOUs and we proceed as usual.
  3. Possibility 3: Some OTHER option…

Our Recomendation

…as Economic Development and Community Development professionals is that the Billings City Council remains committed to the successful collaboration with the Downtown Billings Partnership (DBP). A focused and intentional management of the Downtown Urban Renewal District, by a qualified and experienced entity like the DBP, will ensure the continuation of decades of positive momentum, community development, and thoughtful investment on behalf of downtown Billings.

What’s at stake

If the Downtown Billings Partnership does not retain management of the downtown Urban Renewal District and the associated funds are decreased significantly, the following programming that incentivizes downtown development and investment will be impacted negatively: 

  • Downtown economic development efforts
  • Downtown community development efforts
  • Downtown Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • Downtown signage
  • Downtown business recruitment and retention efforts
  • Downtown’s Battle of the Plans program
  • Downtown business & economic communications
  • Downtown parking liaison
  • Downtown art 
  • Downtown infrastructure advocacy
  • Promotions of downtown for business activity

How to take Action

If you’ve worked with our Downtown Development team; are a supporter of our work and efforts on behalf of the Downtown Urban Renewal District, been a prior recipient of TIF or currently receive TIF, sat or sit on a board of an entity that has received TIF through CPTED, signage, or facade restorations, represented a client who received TIF, worked on a project that received TIF, received communications from our team about downtown development, engaged with our team to fill your vacancies, or simply have seen the benefits from our economic development efforts, this is where we need your support. 

  1. Attend the April 6th City Council work Session and give public comment. 
    Voice your support of the existing downtown Development efforts in person at the new City Hall located at 316 N 26th St. The Council Chambers are on the 5th floor. The meeting begins promptly at 5:30 and the meeting agenda will be published on April 3rd. In person public comment is welcomed and incredibly impactful. They request your name, address, and to keep your comment within 3 minutes. The meeting is televised and archived by Community  Seven Television. 
  2. Call and/or Email your Ward Council Representatives.
    If you’re unsure who represents you, here’s a map of all the Wards. 
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