Community Development is more important than ever because today over 65% of people choose where they want to live based on access to outdoor recreation, proximity to parks and trails, arts and cultural activities, and other community amenities. We want our community to be the number one choice!
Community Development builds a foundation for regional economic development and a vibrant economy by cultivating a high quality of place to attract and retain quality workforce and industries.
Community Development accomplishes their mission by planning, partnering, managing projects and administering grants for redevelopment and placemaking.
Their work centers around:
- Downtown revitalization includes developing and supporting tax increment finance districts and their projects, creating shovel-ready industrial space through creating a targeted economic development district, providing access to Brownfield assessments, and encouraging workforce housing;
- Quality of place developments including the Space2Place micro placemaking grant program, supporting a new vision for funding and development of regional parks and trails and other placemaking initiatives.
Lockwood TEDD
Yellowstone County established the Lockwood Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD) to help foster planned, ready-to-go industrial space. Located just east of Billings, the area offers over 1200 acres of land along the BNSF railroad and with easy access to the highway system from the Billings Bypass (currently under construction).
Building the Foundation for a Vibrant Economy!
Taking Space 2 Place!
Innovative people and businesses are attracted to communities with cultural amenities, lifestyle diversity, lively downtown areas, green space and trails, quality medical facilities, a collaborative environment, strong infrastructure, excellent educational opportunities, and a well-trained workforce.
We work with a variety of groups to build the foundation for a desirable quality of life supported by basic infrastructure and services, as well as attractive cultural and recreational opportunities. Community Development personnel frequently identify opportunities for cooperative efforts among community partners in Yellowstone County.
Other Community Projects
Parks & Trails
Community Development is more important than ever because today over 65% of people choose where they want to live based on access to outdoor recreation, proximity to parks and trails, arts and cultural activities, and other community amenities. BSED Community Development is at the forefront of advocating for the development of new parks and sustainable funding of existing parks and trails. Our work includes working with our City’s Parks Department and local advocacy groups on planning and development of parks and trails.
Coulson Park
Coulson Park is being developed as a regional outdoor destination. Working with our City’s Park Department and partnering with community groups, the Coulson Park Master Plan has been created. Now with the help of strong community partners and advocates, Coulson Park is beginning development to become a regional destination and a gateway from Interstate 90 to downtown Billings.
Downtown Housing
Affordable workforce housing is essential to the economic vitality of a community. BSED’s Community Development team is currently updating a downtown housing study and working with a community partner on strategies to increase downtown housing availability.
Brownfields
A Brownfield is a property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. BSED had a US EPA grant funded program to assist with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments.
How Can Big Sky ED Help with Your Project?
Big Sky Economic Development’s community development team will meet with your entity to learn about your project and organizational goals, share its knowledge about making projects successful, and suggest resources and possible collaborative partners. Big Sky Economic Development charges a fixed per-hour rate for grant development and writing services. For more information or to schedule a no-cost intake session with the community development team, please call 406-256-6871, or contact by e-mail.
