AGP Executive Report

Local Food Economy: Montana grows far more food than residents eat: just 3% of Montana-grown food stays in-state. A new initiative aims to lift that share to 33% by 2033, creating a push for stronger local markets and supply chains. Farm Technology: Software developed at Idaho National Laboratory is being tested on Montana farms to chart more efficient tractor routes, potentially cutting fuel, fertilizer and other costs as entrepreneurs work to bring it to market. Energy & Utilities: Montana’s Public Service Commission is set to consider NorthWestern Energy’s proposed merger with Black Hills Corp., while a separate proposal for a large nuclear campus adds to debate over the state’s future power needs. Jobs: Montana’s jobless rate rose to 2.8%, a two-year high, though it remains low by national standards. Business & Industry: Montana Forest Products Week spotlights the timber sector, as a Flathead Valley tour showcases technology in the industry.

Tax Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte is again pushing a flat income-tax rate, saying credits would ease the burden on lower earners. Timber & Business: A Flathead timber tour spotlighted new technology and workplace changes across the industry, while boatmaker StanCraft is back in the Flathead Valley with construction, marine and aviation services. Energy Investment: Montana’s Public Service Commission is set to consider NorthWestern Energy’s proposed merger with Black Hills, as a separate startup pitches a massive nuclear-power campus in the state. Travel & Growth: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has topped 3 million passengers as its expansion moves ahead.

Campaign Finance: A ballot initiative proponents call the Montana Plan would bar corporations, unions and nonprofits from spending in Montana elections; voters will decide this fall. Yellowstone Investment: The park received a record $105 million private donation from energy infrastructure company Tallgrass, including $35 million for a Norris Geyser Basin visitor center and funding for student education programs. Energy & Utilities: The Public Service Commission is set to consider NorthWestern Energy’s $15.4 billion merger with Black Hills. Staff recommends approval, while opponents warn data-center costs could fall on customers. Agriculture: Montana and USDA awarded $2.9 million to 13 specialty-crop projects to support research, processing and new markets. Tourism & Infrastructure: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport surpassed 3 million passengers as expansion moves ahead.

Utility Merger: Montana’s Public Service Commission is set to consider NorthWestern Energy’s proposed $15.4 billion merger with Black Hills Corp. PSC staff recommend approval, but Montana Farmers Union and 350 Montana warn the deal could expose customers to costs tied to data centers. Agriculture: The state awarded $2.9 million in grants to 13 specialty-crop projects aimed at strengthening producers and opening markets. At a Helena summit, food and agriculture leaders also focused on getting more Montana-grown food onto local plates, citing gaps in processing and distribution. Jobs and Industry: Montana’s jobless rate reached 2.8%, a two-year high, while PacificSource plans to lay off 134 more workers by year’s end. Forest products remain a major economic force, supporting more than 10,000 jobs and $600 million in annual wages, according to the governor’s office.

Utility Merger: Montana regulators will take up NorthWestern Energy’s proposed $15.4 billion merger with Black Hills on Tuesday. PSC staff recommend approval, while Montana Farmers Union and 350 Montana warn the deal could shift financial risks to customers, including costs tied to data centers. Agriculture: The state awarded $2.9 million in specialty-crop grants for 13 projects aimed at strengthening producers and opening new markets. At a Helena summit, food and agriculture leaders also focused on getting more Montana-grown food to local plates, citing gaps in processing, distribution and supply chains. Forest Products: Montana’s industry supports more than 10,000 jobs and $600 million in annual wages, according to the governor’s proclamation. State timber sales generated about $8 million for schools and other trust beneficiaries in fiscal 2026. Big Sky Investment: The resort district finalized $6.5 million in fiscal 2027 allocations and unanimously backed a $30 million wastewater project, which could go to voters by 2028.

Jobs and Skills: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1%, while a $4.8 million state grant will expand employer-led workforce training. Dawson County’s rate remains low at 2.3%. Technology: Montana’s high-tech industry contributes $4.4 billion to the state economy, and Missoula’s new cybersecurity center could strengthen the sector. Energy and Infrastructure: The proposed Bridger Pipeline promises economic activity but raises concerns about local impacts; meanwhile, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has topped 3 million passengers as expansion moves ahead. Agriculture: Ranchers face high diesel costs and tight margins, even as cattle remain in high demand and short supply. The Montana Stockgrowers Association will bring producers and industry leaders to Billings for its annual convention in December.

Banking: Kalispell-based Glacier Bancorp reported third-quarter net income of $104.6 million, or 80 cents per share, beating analyst forecasts; revenue also topped expectations. Energy: NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills outlined a new name, Bright Horizon Energy, for their proposed merged company. The deal still needs Montana Public Service Commission approval. Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1% in September, below the national rate of 4.2%. The state also received $4.8 million to expand employer-led workforce training. Small Business: Bitterroot Valley’s chamber and economic development authority are restarting in-person classes for business owners, covering topics such as marketing, finances and planning. Regional Growth: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport surpassed 3 million passengers as expansion moves ahead. Campaign Economy: Montana’s 1st Congressional District race has tightened, with affordability among the issues drawing voters’ attention.

Energy & Agriculture: A proposed 650-mile Bridger tar-sands pipeline could bring payments to nearly 300 Montana landowners and new tax revenue to eastern counties, but its route near rivers and water systems raises spill concerns. The company’s pipelines have recorded 12 spills since 2012. Workforce: Montana secured $4.8 million in federal funding for employer-led job training, with reimbursements tied partly to workers staying on the job for six months. The state’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1%. Household Finances: Montana ranked third among states for falling credit limits: new accounts opened in the second quarter saw average limits drop 7.79% year over year, to $4,946. In Billings, mobile-home residents say rising lot rents are threatening their ability to stay. Housing: A planned 24-unit affordable complex in Billings, with preference for veterans, won state tax credits. Business Climate: Montana businesses reported a flat summer tourism season amid inflation, smoke and an airport runway closure, even as Bozeman airport passenger numbers topped 3 million.

Data Center Rules: Missoula County’s draft study warns that data centers could pose health, safety and environmental risks. It recommends extending the permit moratorium for a year while the county develops tailored zoning rules. Travel Growth: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport surpassed 3 million passengers over 12 months, ahead of forecast, as its expansion continues; higher fuel costs are clouding growth projections. Jobs & Investment: Montana’s September unemployment rate was 2.5%, and the state’s labor department received $4.8 million to expand employer-led workforce training. Commerce is also accepting applications for rural economic development grants. Agriculture: A Montana Angus bull sold for $900,000 at auction, while ranchers report cattle remain in high demand and short supply. Separately, President Trump approved $8 billion in harvest relief for Montana farmers.

School Revenue: Montana’s Land Board approved about $927,000 in new trust-land revenue for schools, including proceeds from timber sales and easements. Small-Business Support: Montana businesses and nonprofits affected by last June’s hail, wind and heavy rain have until Nov. 23 to apply for SBA disaster loans. Tourism and Air Travel: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has topped 3 million passengers, while businesses report a flat summer tourism season amid inflation, smoke and a runway closure. Tech and Workforce: Montana’s high-tech industry contributes $4.4 billion to the state economy; separately, the state Labor Department received $4.8 million to expand employer-led job training as businesses seek skilled workers. Energy Investment: Puget Sound Energy has begun building a 130-megawatt solar farm in Stillwater County, a project expected to employ about 250 workers during construction and generate roughly $4.8 million in county impact fees over three years.

Farm Relief: The Trump administration announced an $8 billion Harvest Fuel program for farmers facing higher costs and market disruptions; payment rates are due in November. Air Travel: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport topped 3 million passengers over 12 months for the first time, but high fuel prices could slow growth. Tourism: Montana operators reported flat summer revenue as inflation, wildfire smoke and an airport runway closure curbed spending and bookings. Workforce: Montana’s labor department received $4.8 million to expand employer-led training, while the state’s high-tech industry contributes $4.4 billion to the economy. Investor Refunds: Montana’s auditor joined a multistate agreement requiring Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch to refund customers overcharged on stock trades. Construction: Billings construction starts are forecast to rise 24% this year, after jumping 49% last year.

Mining and Permitting: Montana DEQ has opened public scoping for US Critical Materials’ proposed Sheep Creek exploration near the Bitterroot River. The yearlong plan includes drilling and underground sampling; it is not a mine approval. Yellowstone Investment: Energy infrastructure firm Tallgrass is giving the park a record $105 million for conservation, visitor facilities and expanded public access, including a new Norris Geyser Basin visitor center. Tech Economy: Montana’s high-tech industry generated $7.9 billion in revenue in 2024 and contributed $4.4 billion to the state economy, according to a new report; average sector wages reached $146,000 in 2025. Manufacturing: ADF Group’s C$82 million contract package includes hydropower work for its Great Falls fabrication plant, with the largest project set to begin in 2027. Workforce: Montana DLI received $4.8 million to expand employer-led training programs, while Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport topped 3 million passengers.

Workforce Investment: Montana received $4.8 million in federal funding to launch the Montana Skills Fund, which will reimburse employers for training new hires in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, computing and construction. Business Travel: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport handled more than 3 million passengers in the year through September, topping projections as residents, tourists and business travelers sustained demand. Campaign Finance: New filings show Sam Forstag raised $2.3 million for Montana’s Western House race, ahead of Republican Aaron Flint’s $1.3 million; the Senate race’s leading fundraisers were Republican Kurt Alme and independent Seth Bodnar. Utilities and Energy: Montana’s Public Service Commission races put utility costs, data centers and regulatory oversight in focus, with the commission responsible for regulating monopoly providers such as NorthWestern Energy. Yellowstone Investment: A new $105 million fund will support conservation research, park infrastructure and education, backed by Yellowstone Forever and energy company Tallgrass.

Fuel Costs: Montana gas prices fell for a fourth straight week, averaging $4.40 a gallon, down 8.8 cents from last week but still $1.34 above a year ago. Economic Development: Yellowstone County is advancing a road-use agreement for a data center developer, a step toward a project that could bring investment while raising infrastructure demands. Workforce: Montana established a Skills Fund for job training, while MSU-Northern received a $2.5 million federal grant to expand student support. Banking: Stockman Bank opened a Columbia Falls branch, adding a local financial services location. Higher Education: The University of Montana’s College of Business ranked among the top 15% of public undergraduate programs nationally.

Banking: Stockman Bank has opened a Columbia Falls branch, adding a local banking option in a growing Flathead community. Workforce: Montana received $4.8 million to expand employer-led training, while a new Montana Skills Fund aims to help workers build job-ready skills. Business Education: The University of Montana’s College of Business ranks among the top 15% of public undergraduate programs nationally. Development: Kalispell’s Urban Renewal Agency advanced a tax-increment financing request for the Kalispell Center Mall to City Council. Industry: Butte’s highway and rail links are helping make it a key hub for Empire Building Materials. Mining: Blue Copper plans to increase its exploration activity by one-third. Technology: Montana industry leaders discussed how automation, including AI and robotics, could reshape local businesses.

Banking: Stockman Bank has opened a full-service Columbia Falls branch, a major local investment by the Montana-based bank. Business Education: The University of Montana’s business college ranked among the nation’s top 15% of public undergraduate programs, with 94% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months. Taxes: Three Montana lawmakers filed a second lawsuit challenging the state’s 2025 property-tax law, which set tiered rates for homes, small businesses, farms and ranches. Workforce: Montana received $4.8 million to expand employer-led training programs, while a new Montana Skills Fund aims to support workforce development. Technology: Montana’s tech sector took center stage at a Bozeman economic summit, as local industry leaders discussed automation and AI. Trade: Gov. Greg Gianforte promoted agricultural partnerships and Montana goods during a trip to India.