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Downtown Development
Downtown Development Priorities
The Downtown Billings Urban Renewal District was created to eliminate blight through growth of the taxable value of property. The Downtown Billings Partnership (DBP) Board, along with the City of Billings, have prioritized mixed-use development and housing, although all application-types are considered within the guidelines of the Urban Renewal Plan.
How do I Apply For Downtown Development Assistance?
Email the Downtown Development Director, Mehmet L. Casey, mehmetc@downtownbillings.com. Mehmet will help direct you to the correct resources and tools for your downtown business or development plans.
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Is all of Billings paying for Downtown Development?
Tax-Increment Financing is not an additional tax to property owners, but instead, a portion of the determined collected property taxes within the district is set aside for the sole purpose of reinvesting in growing and developing the district.
Who Oversees the Urban Renewal Assistance Program?
The Downtown Billings Partnership (DBP) is the managing company, by contract with the City of Billings, to manage Urban Renewal financing. The DBP Board of Directors works to directly oversee the work of the Development Director, and funds are regularly monitored by the City Finance Department. Large funding projects must also receive approval from City Council.
View archived DBP board meeting agendas
View the calendar for upcoming 2025 DBP Board meetings
What Is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?
A locally-driven economic development tool.
Tax Increment Financing (more commonly referred to as ‘TIF’) is a state-authorized, locally driven funding provision that allows cities and counties to designate a portion of property tax dollars generated within an Urban Renewal District (URD) or Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD). The designated dollars generated by TIF are to be spent on improving economic conditions within or connecting to a specified district. Only that portion consisting of the net increase (increment) in taxable values is reserved for investment in the district. Click to read more.
Resources
General Applications
Property & Business Recruitment
Studies
- 2024 Accelerating Production of Attainable Housing
- 2023 5th Avenue Corridor Feasibility Study
- 2022 Downtown Housing Study
- 2019 Downtown Traffic Study
- 2017 Downtown Housing Strategy Study (updated in 2022)
- 2015 HVS Conference Center Study
- 2015 Parking Strategic Plan
- 2012 Building Revenue for Communities Study
- 2011 Johnson Conference Center Study
- 2002 Conference Center Study