Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 week ago

Residents urge council to allow duplexes in single‑family areas as Billings updates land‑use map Public commenters at Thursday’s work session urged the city to permit duplexes across single‑family neighborhoods to create 'missing middle' housing. Council members said they want written proposals and public input before deciding and may revisit the duplex question when full council is present.

Residents are calling on the Billings City Council to embrace duplex housing in single-family neighborhoods to tackle the housing crisis, sparking a heated debate about property rights and community needs.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #UrbanDevelopment #HousingAccess #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 week ago

Billings staff outline how state law will shift many zone-change decisions to administrative review City staff told the council the Montana Land Use Planning Act lets staff approve zone changes that match the adopted future land use map, with appeals first to the planning commission, then council, and court. Council members raised concerns about appeal timing, standing and the potential for delays.

Billings is set to streamline its zoning review process, giving city staff more power to approve changes that align with the new Billings 2045 future land use map—what does this mean for local development?

Learn more here!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #BillingsZoning #CivicAccountability

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

Staff presents economic growth projections and draft future land‑use map categories to council Planning staff summarized an SB Friedman economic analysis projecting population and housing growth to 2045 and previewed the draft future land‑use categories and mapping approach; council discussed infill incentives, annexation, open‑space labeling and transitional N3/N4 categories.

Billings is gearing up for a massive transformation with projections of 30,000 new residents and over 16,000 housing units by 2045—are we ready for the growth?

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #InfillDevelopment #CitizenPortal #BillingsHousing #UrbanPlanning #EconomicGrowth

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

Billings council scraps duplex allowance in work‑session vote, declines one housing incentive At a special work session, the Billings City Council voted to remove a proposed allowance that would have permitted duplexes where single‑family homes are currently allowed and declined one named housing incentive; staff will revise the draft land‑use materials before the next hearing.

The Billings City Council has decided to scrap a proposed duplex allowance, signaling a shift in housing strategy that could impact neighborhood dynamics.

Learn more here

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #ZoningReform #BillingsHousing #HousingIncentives #CommunityPlanning

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Billings council unanimously adopts cuts to building permit fees, citing competitiveness and streamlined reviews The Billings City Council voted unanimously to adopt a staff‑recommended resolution that reduces building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire system permit fees roughly 23–31%, simplifies fee categories, and eliminates several review surcharges; staff say changes reduce a roughly 22‑month reserve toward a 10–12 month target.

Billings City Council has made a bold move by unanimously approving significant cuts to building permit fees, aiming to boost local home-building and make housing more affordable!

Read the full story

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #ConstructionReform #LocalGovernment

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Residents urge Billings council to bar local cooperation with ICE; activists call for resolution During non‑agenda public comment, several residents and immigrant‑rights groups urged the council to adopt a resolution directing the Billings Police Department not to enter 287(g) agreements or otherwise cooperate with ICE; speakers cited national incidents and demanded protections for immigrant residents.

Billings residents are rallying for the city council to take a stand against ICE cooperation, demanding protections for immigrant rights and community safety.

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #RacialProfiling #CitizenPortal #BillingsImmigrantRights #CommunityProtection #LocalAction

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Billings staff outline Billings 2045 land-use plan required by new state law and urge council input on housing-incentive choices Planning staff presented the Billings 2045 draft framework under the Montana Land Use Planning Act, said the city must adopt at least five state-listed housing-incentive measures, and described a projected need for about 16,000 new housing units by 2045; staff requested council feedback on the interim planning commission’s recommendations and on a future land-use map.

Billings is gearing up for a population boom, with plans for 16,000 new housing units needed by 2045—how will the city adapt to this growth?

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #BillingsHousing #UrbanPlanning #HousingIncentives #PublicParticipation

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Billings weighs paying insurance deductible and negotiating sale to ArtHouse after Babcock Theater ceiling collapse After the May 2025 ceiling collapse that shuttered the Babcock Theater, staff presented condition assessments with high-priority code-repair estimates of $1.4M–$1.7M and total potential costs of $3.5M–$4.3M; ArtHouse expressed willingness to negotiate a purchase, and staff recommended covering immediate insurance deductible and pursuing a negotiated sale.

The future of the Babcock Theater hangs in the balance as city officials explore a potential sale to ArtHouse after a devastating ceiling collapse left the beloved venue in ruins.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Billings residents urge Stagecoach Trail as city hears 30% design and funding update Residents filled public comment to back the Stagecoach multiuse trail; city engineers presented a 30% design with three route options and said a $4.8 million federal Transportation Alternatives grant and outside matches cover most construction, with a projected city share of about $750,000 under current estimates.

Billings residents are rallying for the Stagecoach Trail, a project designed to enhance safety and connectivity, with engineers revealing a promising funding plan that could bring it to life by 2027.

Learn more here!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BillingsTrails

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

2 months ago

Residents urge Billings City Council to bar local cooperation with ICE and seek alternatives to Israeli-owned geofencing Multiple residents urged the Billings City Council to direct police not to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE, to limit data-sharing and to seek alternatives to Placer AI for parks geofencing; councilors heard a range of public comments but took no formal action at the meeting.

Residents in Billings are pushing for the City Council to sever ties with ICE and reconsider using Israeli-owned geofencing software, igniting a heated debate about local values and community trust.

Read the full story

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CivicAccountability #BillingsImmigrants

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

2 months ago

Council approves Lockwood Water & Sewer amendment to serve proposed truck-wash; requires waiver of protest Billings City Council approved Amendment 2 to expand the Lockwood Water & Sewer District boundary to include an 8.5-acre island parcel for a proposed commercial truck wash and required a waiver of the property's right to protest future annexation; the vote passed with one recorded nay and one recusal.

The Billings City Council just approved a crucial amendment that could pave the way for a multimillion-dollar truck wash, but it comes with a controversial catch for the property owner!

Get the details

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #EconomicDevelopment #EnvironmentalRisks #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Billings staff present Lockwood service‑area amendment; council directs formal application and annexation waiver be returned City staff outlined a proposed amendment to include an 8.5‑acre parcel in the Lockwood Water & Sewer District. Council asked staff to bring a written application and a service agreement including a waiver of the right to protest annexation for formal consideration next week.

Billings council is gearing up to decide on a game-changing amendment that could expand the Lockwood Water & Sewer District by an 8.5-acre commercial parcel!

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #WaterManagement #EconomicDevelopment #AnnexationPolicy #CitizenPortal #BillingsLockwood

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Residents urge Billings council to adopt nondiscrimination ordinance amid recent hate incidents Multiple speakers during public comment urged the Billings City Council to take up a nondiscrimination ordinance (NDO), citing recent hate incidents, local history with the Not In Our Town movement, and gaps in protections for LGBTQ and other groups.

Billings residents are demanding a nondiscrimination ordinance to protect against hate incidents and promote inclusivity in their community.

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #BillingsNondiscrimination #HateCrimePrevention #CommunityInclusivity #CitizenPortal #LGBTQProtections

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Billings leaders condemn hate after swastika vandalism at Mayflower Congregational Church; community groups call for action Mayor William Cole and residents condemned antisemitic vandalism at Mayflower Congregational Church; local groups and residents urged stronger community action, and the Billings Police Department is investigating.

Mayor William Cole and community leaders are standing united against a disturbing wave of hate crimes, urging swift action following the vandalism of Mayflower Congregational Church.

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #PublicSafetyActions #CommunitySolidarity #HateCrimePrevention

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Billings council grills Meadowlark owner over city water without annexation; applicant withdraws request A contentious proposal to connect Meadowlark Mobile Home Park to city water using a $2 million DEQ grant prompted questions about annexation, costs and precedent; after a heated council debate and a motion to deny, the applicant withdrew the request to allow further work with staff.

In a heated council debate, Meadowlark Mobile Home Park's request for city water without annexation was withdrawn after concerns about costs and legal issues were raised.

Read the full story

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CommunityDevelopment #BillingsMobileHomeParks #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Billings reviews speed/noise data and moves to pursue a local noise ordinance and targeted enforcement City staff presented speed and noise monitoring data and a proposed noise ordinance that would give officers discretion to cite excessively loud vehicles; council asked staff to collect more data, provide cost estimates, and return with a redline ordinance and options for enforcement and fines.

Billings is taking bold steps to crack down on extreme speeding and loud vehicles with a new noise ordinance that empowers officers to act decisively.

Read the full story

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #TrafficEnforcement #BillingsNoiseOrdinance #PublicSafety #CommunityNoise #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Billings council adopts $502 million five-year CIP after amendments and debate over rates and trails After hours of debate over projected utility rate-driven projects and trail funding, the Billings City Council approved the FY2027–FY2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) — a five-year plan of 128 projects totaling $502 million — after moving several trail projects into out years and reducing an evidence-lot estimate.

The Billings City Council has just approved a massive $502 million five-year Capital Improvement Plan, but key projects are being pushed into the future amid heated debates over utility rates and funding priorities.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #TrailAccessibility #UtilityRateReform

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Developer withdraws contested Barber Farm annexation and zone-change after large resident turnout After a three-hour hearing with dozens of neighbors expressing concerns about traffic, density, school capacity and aquifer impacts, the developer of Barber Farm (annexation 2506 / zone change 1074) requested to withdraw the applications; the council unanimously accepted the withdrawal so the developer can retool the proposal and meet with neighbors.

The Barber Farm annexation proposal has been withdrawn after a passionate outcry from neighbors, raising serious concerns about traffic, density, and school capacity.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #BillingsNeighbors #CommunityPlanning #TrafficSafety #WaterQuality

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Yellowstone County explores AI policy and expands online services; IT director favors incremental approach County IT Director Larry Zeiler said the county is planning an AI policy after a judge's request, highlighted e-government projects (new website, online permitting) and said public trust limits prospects for online voting.

Yellowstone County is taking bold steps toward a comprehensive AI policy and enhanced online services, but can they gain the public's trust in the digital age?

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicTrust #BillingsCounty #AIPolicy #DigitalGovernment

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Billings officials launch 'Billings 2045' community‑planning week, seek public input on housing and land use City‑County planning staff announced a week of neighborhood workshops for Billings 2045, a 20‑year comprehensive plan required in part by a 2023 state law; officials urged residents to attend sessions (first at Rose Park Elementary on the 17th, 5:30–7 p.m.) and said an interim planning commission will synthesize comments before recommending adoption next spring.

Billings is shaping its future with a series of community workshops aimed at creating a comprehensive 20-year plan for housing, transportation, and economic development—will you join the conversation?

Learn more here!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Yellowstone County IT director warns residents about convincing phishing scams, urges verification County IT director Larry Zeiler recounted a local phone scam impersonating deputies and advised residents not to click links, to verify contacts via official channels, and to report suspicious calls to law enforcement.

Phishing scams are getting alarmingly sophisticated—don't let a convincing call lead you into a trap!

Learn more here

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #CyberSafety #FraudPrevention #BillingsResidents

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Council advances CIP version 2; 4–3 vote moves three projects to future list Council reviewed the FY27–31 Capital Improvement Plan (Version 2, ~$502 million over five years). After public comment and council debate about ward-level project distribution and funding, council voted 4–3 to place three previously removed projects (21st Street Underpass, 5th Avenue Trail Corridor, Cottonwood Park) into the CIP's future-projects list rather than the five-year funded window.

The Billings City Council just approved a $502 million Capital Improvement Plan that brings back key projects for future funding, sparking debate over transparency and geographic equity.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BillingsCIP #CommunityPlanning

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Billings police propose $3M cooperative deal with Axon for cameras, tasers and cloud evidence Billings police presented a proposed five-year cooperative purchasing agreement with Axon Enterprise to replace body-worn and in-car camera systems, TASERs and implement a cloud-based digital evidence platform; staff said the contract would cost roughly $3 million over five years, with ERP funds and a pending Bureau of Justice grant covering early years.

Billings police are pushing for a $3 million upgrade to modernize their body cameras and TASERs, aiming to streamline evidence management and enhance officer efficiency.

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #LawEnforcementTechnology #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DigitalEvidence

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Billings council approves $1.5M airport land purchase to protect Runway 725 The council approved purchase of 123 acres adjacent to the airport for $1,500,000 after debate over paying above appraised value; staff said FAA may reimburse up to 95% of appraised value and airport revenue will fund the acquisition pending FAA discretionary reimbursement.

Billings City Council just approved a $1.5 million purchase of 123 acres to safeguard the future of Runway 725, despite concerns over paying above appraisal value.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #UrbanDevelopment #BillingsAirport

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Billings council approves conditional $745,000 TIF for Old Billings Hardware after imposing construction deadline After extended debate over financing and timetables, the Billings City Council approved up to $745,000 in tax‑increment financing for the Old Billings Hardware redevelopment but added a condition that 80% of the project be complete by March 30, 2027, or risk losing reimbursement eligibility.

After years of delays, the Billings City Council has approved a conditional $745,000 TIF for the Old Billings Hardware redevelopment, setting a critical deadline for completion by March 2027.

Learn more here!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #UrbanRenewal

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Billings council approves $745,000 TIF award for Old Billings Hardware after deadline condition After extended debate over financing and project delays, the Billings City Council approved up to $745,000 in tax-increment financing for the Old Billings Hardware redevelopment, adding a condition that the developer reach 80% completion by March 30, 2027. Council members pressed developers on bank commitments, cash-flow projections and an enforce‑

The Billings City Council has approved a significant $745,000 in tax-increment financing for the Old Billings Hardware redevelopment, but with a crucial deadline for 80% completion by March 30, 2027!

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #UrbanRenewal

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Metropark confirms PBR stop in April 2026, previews Chase Hawks memorial rodeo and Nate Bergazzi show Metropark's general manager said Billings will host a Professional Bull Riders (PBR) stop in April 2026, will stage the Chase Hawks memorial rough-stock rodeo in December, and has presales under way for a January Nate Bergazzi comedy performance configured "in the round."

Billings is gearing up for an exciting lineup with a Professional Bull Riders stop in April 2026, a community-focused rodeo in December, and a highly anticipated comedy show from Nate Bergazzi in January!

Click to read more!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PerformingArts

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Council narrows CIP by removing two large projects, changes funding for evidence‑facility lot Council reviewed the proposed FY2027–FY2031 Capital Improvement Plan (about $525 million over five years), discussed timetable and funding, and took multiple votes: it removed the 20 First Street underpass and the Fifth Avenue Corridor from the five‑year CIP, and voted to change the funding source for an evidence‑facility lot expansion away from a

Billings City Council has made significant cuts to its ambitious $525 million Capital Improvement Plan, removing major projects and reshaping funding strategies.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TransportationInfrastructure #CommunityDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Billings council splits over how to use HB 231mills; ordinance request fails Councilors debated whether the 34.71 additional mills in House Bill 231 should be locked into existing voter‑approved categories by ordinance or left to the annual budget process. A motion to direct staff to draft an ordinance failed on a 4‑to‑(majority) vote after sustained argument that an ordinance could "tie our hands unnecessarily."

The Billings City Council found itself divided over the future of 34.71 mills from House Bill 231, sparking a heated debate on whether to lock allocations into an ordinance or keep it flexible through annual budgeting.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #BillingsPublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Billings council trims near-term CIP: landfill, pool and major projects highlighted; underpass, evidence lot and corridor moves recorded The proposed five-year Capital Improvement Plan (FY27-FY31) totals about $525 million. Council accepted staff's presentation, moved the landfill cell 6 project earlier in planning, removed the 20 First Street underpass from the five-year CIP (6-4), redirected evidence-lot funding away from South TIF (motion passed), and removed the Fifth Avenue/ra1

Billings City Council has made significant adjustments to the $525 million Capital Improvement Plan, including the removal of the controversial 20 First Street underpass and a shift in funding for the police evidence lot.

Get the details!

#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal