Media Act, Bringing Middle Earth to Montana? To date, 1,571 bills have been introduced, over 250 more than were introduced in the 2021 session. Of those introduced, approximately 1/4 are considered dead, either failing passage or missing a deadline. The … Continued
Chamber
Montana Community Reinvestment Plan (MCRP) Act The Billings Chamber has been strongly supportive this session of pro-housing legislation aimed at reducing housing regulations and governmental barriers that make it more difficult for the private sector to address our affordable housing … Continued
Leaping into the Second Half of Session The legislature is back in full swing this week, returning after transmittal break with a final count of 42 legislative days remaining. The official calendar gives lawmakers until May 5th to conclude business … Continued
Halftime The legislature is all done . . . with the first half of the 68th Legislative Session. Forty-five legislative days into the constitutionally allowed 90, lawmakers receive a brief intermission to return home and recharge. After the marathon days … Continued
Combining Forces: Ag + Tourism = Agritourism The Billings Chamber is closely connected to our state’s top two industries, agriculture and tourism. We recently hosted our annual Ag Appreciation Banquet, highlighting the importance of agriculture in Montana. The Chamber also … Continued
Each year the Billings Chamber of Commerce awards exceptional leaders whose impact and example are deserving of recognition—not simply for their accomplishments, but also for their character, their leadership, and their integrity. The 2023 Business Excellence Awards honor individuals and … Continued
“These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends” In 2016, a television show called Westworld aired on HBO. Based on the original 1973 film written by Michael Crichton, both the tv series and movie are set in an amusement park full of … Continued
Thank you to City Council for an exciting first step! City Council voted last Monday night to adopt the Concept Design for a Multi-generational Recreation Center by an 8-1 vote. Thank you, Mayor Cole and Councilmembers Shaw, Gulick, Owen, Neese, … Continued
Improve Voter Information, Don’t Limit the Local Process Three bills are coming up this week that terminate, or increase requirements for, voter-approved mill levies and bonds. The first is SB 251, which establishes a termination date for all mill levies … Continued
Returning Control to Local Businesses Last year, Billings City Council killed a zone change that would have provided over 100 new infill housing units. It would have been a significant benefit to our businesses in need of workforce, our overall … Continued