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As Butte’s lead economic development organization, we are very fortunate to be on the front line of the many great things that are happening in our community.  From Uptown to the flats and everywhere in-between, there is economic activity happening on a variety of levels.  The economic growth is exciting and we are proud of the work that our community partners do to continue to make Butte the great community that it is.  While we certainly enjoy all of the current activity, we must always keep our eyes on the future which is why we have been very involved as our partners at Butte-Silver Bow update their growth policy.

Our county growth policy is the document that guides local decision makers in what the future of our community can be.  We certainly envision a community that has a vibrant and diverse economy and builds upon our strong mining heritage and work ethic.  We are confident that together we can continue on this foundation of good jobs and continue efforts to create new jobs for all levels of employment.  We highly encourage you to get involved with the growth policy update process and to share your vision of what Butte-Silver Bow can be.  We know how lucky we are to live work and play in one of the best communities in Montana, and we want to continue that high-quality growth into the future.

Sincerely,
Joe Willauer 

Background

Butte-Silver Bow is beginning the process to update the City-County Growth Policy.  A lot has changed throughout the region and the state since the last policy was adopted in 2008 – the local and state-wide economy looks different, attitudes on housing and transportation continue to evolve, and Butte-Silver Bow is poised to re-envision its future as a leader in these conversations.  Given its central location, storied history, proximity to major growth centers and the outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities that abound, Butte-Silver Bow is flush with opportunity.  The growth policy update will seek to harness that opportunity by re-envisioning Butte-Silver Bow’s future with you – its residents – at the helm!

How To Get Involved

The growth policy update process is an opportunity for residents of Butte-Silver Bow to have a stake and a say in the future of your community.  In the coming weeks and months we will be hosting a series of public meetings and events in Butte and throughout the county.  These meetings will be aimed at gathering public input on the existing growth policy, its vision for the City-County and the policies in place to move that vision forward.  A community survey will be launched after the first of the year to gain additional insight into the future of Butte-Silver Bow, and in late January/early February there will be an opportunity for residents to participate in visioning sessions to provide direction and determine the future growth and development aspirations of the City-County moving forward.  Check this website and the City-County Facebook page  for more information on upcoming opportunities to participate in the process – we will be updating both regularly.  For more information about the update process, please contact:

BSB Planning Department
Lori Casey
lcasey@bsb.mt.gob

Survey Now Available for Input  Into Growth Policy Plan

We want to hear from you!  The Community Survey is an opportunity to share your opinion on issues and opportunities that will drive countywide goals, priorities and an vision for Butte-Silver Bow's future. The following link will lead you to an online survey conducted through Survey Monkey.  All responses are anonymous and your privacy is guaranteed.  We value confidentiality and want all responders to have confidence that they can be candid.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BSB2019GPUpdate

The survey will remain open for your use until February 19th, 2019.   After that date all survey results will be collected and analyzed by our consultant team.  A summary of the information and feedback received through the Community Survey will be provided to the City-County Planning Board and County Staff and made available online at the project website, incorporated as an appendix in the Growth Policy update and will serve as a guidepost for the development of the plan and implementation strategies therein.    

If you would prefer to answer the survey by using a hard copy rather than doing it online, you may obtain a copy of the survey at the following locations:

  • Butte Silver Bow Courthouse
  • Butte Silver Bow Library (226 West Broadway and Butte Plaza Mall)
  • Butte Silver Bow Health Department
  • Sportsman Motel, Melrose, MT

Hard copies of the survey can be returned to these locations upon completion. 

Contact OPD Project Manager Allison Mouch if you have any questions about the survey.  She can be reached at Allison@orionplanningdesign.com.  There will be additional opportunities to provide input during the week of February 11th  - please watch this website for more information about upcoming public meetings and events to be held that week.   

Thank you in advance for your time in completing the survey; your input is important to this process and the future of your community!

It’s no secret that outdoor recreation makes a major contribution to the Montana economy.

In fact, the Treasure State’s outdoor economy is credited with generating $7.1 billion in consumer spending, more than 71,000 jobs, $286 million in state and local taxes, and $2.2 billion in wages and salaries for workers each year, according to September report from the Montana Governor's Office of Outdoor Recreation.

While economic development officials in Butte, Anaconda and Dillon don’t have localized data showing the precise impact of recreation on area businesses and workers, they agree that it’s already an important driver of growth — and that it will serve a key role in charting future opportunities for investment...

Read the Article from The Montana Standard

The New Innovate Montana Website is Live!

We're getting more and more excited as this event continues to progress. Check out the new website and sign-up for updates on ticket release, speakers, breakout sessions, and more!

http://innovatemontana.com/

 
Sign-up for Updates!

HOUSING IN BUTTE: THE DREAM HOME YOU CAN AFFORD

Surrounded on all sides by beautiful topographical features — the Beaverhead and Deerlodge National Forests, Flint Creek Mountain Range to the north, Highland Mountains to the east, the Ruby Range to the south and adjacent to both the beautiful Big Hole and Jefferson Rivers — Butte has always been a desirable place to settle if based upon nothing but breathtaking aesthetic beauty. 

Beauty aside, however, the intentional diversification of Butte’s economy compounded with the city’s low cost of living have created an environment in which young families are able to thrive in their community.  Not to mention, the housing market is quite affordable. According to an article published by The Montana Standard, “Butte-Silver Bow is still the most affordable housing market in the state.”

Read more from the Montana Connections Development Park

Are you a business owner or an aspiring business owner? Need some tools and guidance to help your business or idea succeed? Register for this one-day workshop in Butte on March 7th at the Thorton Building (65 E. Broadway) from 8:30-4pm.

This one-day workshop will cover topics such as financing your business, business ownership & entrepreneurship, understanding markets & your competitive space, the economics of a small business start-up, picking the correct legal entity for your business, business planning and how to create a business cash-flow. 

The cost is $25 per person and attendees must register beforehand at bit.ly/hwspark.

Register!
Understand business cash flow and how to improve it!

The most successful businesses have found that the key to long-term success revolves around effective financial management. Through case studies and a down-to-earth style, experience this remarkably powerful program:
• Understand why and how to benchmark your company performance.
• Establish the difference between “making a profit” and “having cash” volume and costs.
• Learn how to correctly compute your break-even and
the effects of price, and how to do more of both.

Presented by: Julie Jaksha, Regional Director of Headwaters RC&D
February 20 - 21, 2019
Register for Profit Mastery
Get to know the Butte Local Development Corporation!  

Butte's Champions of Change - BLDC Platinum Sponsors

The Butte Local Development Corporation proudly thanks our Platinum Sponsors! Their investment in Butte highlights their passion for Butte's economic development. They are true champions of change in our community.
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Copyright © 2017 Butte Local Development Corporation. All rights reserved.

Butte Local Development Corporation
65 East Broadway - Fifth Floor
Butte, MT 59701

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