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Montana Rural Impact Forum - 9/9-10 - Great Falls
2026-09-09 - 2026-09-10 | University of Providence, 1301 20th St S, Great Falls, 59405, United States
Save the date and join us for the Montana Rural Impact Forum!
Connect with federal partners and programs to support thriving communities.

When: September 9 and 10, 2026
Where: University of Providence, University Center
1301 20th St South
Great Falls, Montana
Register Now
Contacts:
Tash Wisemiller | tash.wisemiller@usda.gov
Jolene Schalper | jschalper@growgreatfalls.org

2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference August 25-27 Helena, MT
2026-08-25 - 2026-08-27
Save the date for the Greater Northwest Rail Summit, held in conjunction with the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Annual Conference, August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana. This three-day gathering will convene leaders and stakeholders from across the rail industry, government, manufacturing, tourism, and community development sectors for timely discussions on the future of passenger and freight rail in Montana and across the Greater Northwest.
Register Now
Taking place August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana, this three-day event will feature timely discussions on the future of passenger and freight rail throughout Montana and the region. Attendees will explore how strategic rail investments can strengthen commerce, expand mobility, create jobs, support tourism, and better connect communities across the Greater Northwest.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts and decision-makers shaping the future of regional transportation. Agenda and speaker announcements coming soon!

What to Expect:

Industry-leading speakers and panel discussions
Updates on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor
Freight and Passenger Rail development conversations
Rail workforce and economic development conversations
Public-Private Partnership Discussions
Networking Receptions and Banquet Events
BSPRA Annual Conference and Board Meeting

Hotel Room Block Reservation:

Great Northern Best Western
Delta Colonial

Registration & Pricing
Full Event: $275
Half Day: $75
Wednesday Single-Day: $150
Virtual Pass: $50

Our Contact Information
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
100 North 27th St.
Suite 600 D
Billings, MT 59101
(406)-624-5522
https://www.bigskyrailmt.gov

City Club Missoula - The People's Court Qualifications, Justice, and the Race for Justice of the Peace - Department 2 - Monday, August 10th, 2026
2026-08-10 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Missoula Public Library, 301 E Main St, Missoula, MT, United States
The People’s Court
Qualifications, Justice, and the Race for JP Department 2
Monday, August 10th, 2026
Program: 11:30 am – 1:00 PM
Location: Missoula Public Library
455 East Main Street, 4th Floor
Cooper’s Space A & B
**Please note that the deadline to order lunch is August 3rd.

Register Here

What does it take to be a judge? In Montana, the answer might surprise you.
Unlike district court judges, Justices of the Peace are not required to hold a law degree — making these elections a unique opportunity for voters to weigh in on what qualifications truly matter in a courtroom. Justice Courts handle a wide range of cases affecting everyday Missoulians: misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and civil matters up to $15,000. The person sitting on that bench shapes how thousands of our neighbors experience the justice system each year.
This August, City Club Missoula brings together the two candidates vying for Justice of the Peace Department 2 for an open, moderated conversation about their backgrounds, their vision for the court, and what they believe the role demands. Incumbent Justice Landee Holloway brings more than two decades in Montana corrections and probation to the bench.
Challenger Kelli Sather is a licensed attorney and state public defender with deep experience in criminal defense. Two distinct paths. One seat.
Join us for what promises to be a thoughtful and timely discussion about access to justice, judicial qualifications, and the future of one of Missoula County’s most consequential courts.
Featuring:
Candidate: Landee Holloway – Incumbent
Candidate: Kelli Sather – State Public Defender
Moderator: Natalya Taylor – League of Women Voters

EXECUTIVE SPONSORS

AMBASSODOR & SPONSORSHIP HIGHLIGHT

Send to a Colleague

City Club Missoula
ccm@cityclubmissoula.com
http://www.cityclubmissoula.com

See what’s happening on our social sites:

City Club Missoula | P.O. Box 9071 | Missoula, MT 59807 US

Launch Your Career in Biotech Quality Systems - July 27–31, 2026 - University of Montana
2026-07-27 08:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | University of Montana Oval, 32 Campus Dr,, Missoula, MT 59812, MT, United States
Launch Your Career in Biotech Quality Systems
Build the skills employers need. Launch the career you want.
Summer 2026 Cohort
Program Dates: July 27–31, 2026
Registration Deadline: July 10, 2026
This modular Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Graduate Certificate Program—offered through a strategic partnership between the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Extended Studies, the University of Montana (UM), and the Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH)—is designed to provide unmatched flexibility and industry alignment. Unlike traditional programs, it allows learners to customize their pathway by completing the online instructional module, the hands-on laboratory module, or both, depending on their career goals and background. Students may earn a single certificate or two complementary credentials, reflecting the depth and breadth of their training. Built to meet the needs of a rapidly growing biotechnology sector, the program equips graduates with practical, job-ready skills in regulatory compliance, laboratory best practices, and quality systems—preparing them to enter a highly competitive and in-demand workforce with confidence.

Full Opportunity Information

Montana Tech to host free Summer Environmental Engineering Camp for high school students - 7/27-31
2026-07-27 08:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | Montana Tech Butte, 1300 W. Park St., Butte, MT, United States
Montana Technological University’s Environmental Engineering Department will host a weeklong Summer Environmental Engineering Camp from July 27–31, offering high school students an immersive, hands-on introduction to how environmental engineers design solutions to real-world challenges.
Designed for driven students entering their sophomore through senior years, the all-expenses-paid residential camp invites participants to explore environmental engineering through field activities, laboratory work and collaborative design projects led by Montana Tech faculty.
Applications are due April 19. For more information, contact envcamp@mtech.edu. To apply for the camp, click here.

Bonding and C-PACE Financing Training: Billings - 7/22 - Helena
2026-07-22 07:30 - 09:00 | BILLINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY, 510 N Broadway, Billings, MT, United States
Join the Montana Facility Finance Authority for a free, in-person educational session on innovative financing tools shaping Montana’s economic future. This discussion will explore how tax-exempt bonds, taxable bonds and Montana’s C-PACE Program can be leveraged to finance commercial development projects, create opportunities for expansion and support long-term financial goals.
The session will be followed by time for Q & A. Please RSVP by Monday, July 20.
Date: July 22, 2026
Time: 7:30-9 a.m.
Location: Billings Library Community Room, 510 N Broadway
Topics:

Program eligibility
Project size and financing requirements
Key partners involved in the financing process
How the application and process works
The differences and benefits of bond financing and C-PACE

With more than 40 years and $4 billion in development financing in Montana, the MFFA has played a significant role in business growth and community development across the state. The MFFA is administratively attached to the Montana Department of Commerce.

RSVP HERE

Professional Development Opportunity: Community Development Institute West - July 20-24, 2026 - Boise, Idaho
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-24
The Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) is pleased to host the Community Development Institute West (CDI West), a 4.5-day immersive training program taking place July 20-24, 2026 in Boise, Idaho. Endorsed by the Community Development Council and part of the national CDI network, CDI West offers new and experienced community development leaders with actionable skills, proven tools and a strong regional network.
Formerly known as the Northwest Community Development Institute, CDI West reflects a broader regional reach and growing network of partners across the Western United States, while maintaining its long‑standing focus on high‑quality, practitioner‑informed training.
Designed for
CDI West is designed for professionals and community leaders, including:

Land-grant professionals engaged in Extension, outreach, community‑engaged scholarship, and translational research
Elected officials and civic leaders
Nonprofit and community organization leaders
Tribal leaders and community advocates
Business, housing, and community access professionals
Community volunteers and practitioners

Professional Learning Pathway
Participants engage in a three‑year, cohort‑based curriculum, covering:

Foundations of community development
Economic development strategy and implementation
Community leadership and civic capacity building

Participants who complete the three‑year curriculum become eligible for the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification examination.
Register Now
👉 Learn more, view travel details, and register: http://www.cdiwest.org
Registration is now open and will close July 10, 2026. A limited number of scholarships are available, with priority consideration for applicants who register by May 22, 2026.

Learn More & Register

Contact Us

For questions about these events, contact wrdc@uidaho.edu.

Website

Missoula Public Library 5th Birthday Block Party - 7/17 - Main Street
2026-07-17 15:00 - 18:00 | Missoula Public Library, 301 E Main St, Missoula, MT, United States
Help MPL celebrate 5 years at your beautiful, award-winning downtown library with a community block party on Front Street.
Enjoy food trucks, live music, family friendly activities, and great local partners:

Hellgate Venture Network July Meetup with Jennie Yang of NeoSchool - 7/16 - First Interstate Bank - 101 E. Front Street, Missoula, Montana
2026-07-16 17:00 - 18:30 | First Interstate Bank, 101 E. Front Street, MISSOULA, MT, United States
Guest Speaker: Jennie Yang, Founder of NeoSchool
When: July 16, 2026
Time: 5-6:30 PM
Where: First Interstate Bank – 101 E. Front Street
The school built for the post-AI world.
The operating system for microschools — personalized AI curriculum, real-world projects, real growth tracking. Built by the community, for the community.
After considering traditional and alternative Kindergarten options for my son, I realized there was an opportunity to create a microschool where kids learn core academics at their own level and pace, and life skills that build real-world confidence and independence.
So I invited experienced educators (including Esther Wojcicki, educator and author of How to Raise Successful People), a community of families, and seasoned edtech entrepreneurs — the content providers behind AI tutors used by millions of students — to co-build the school we’ve all been dreaming of.
The first one opens in Missoula, where my kids are growing up as second generation Montanans. We’d love for your family to be part of it.
— Jennie Yang

City Club Missoula - Renting in Missoula Challenges, Choices, and Opportunities Monday, July 13th, 2026
2026-07-13 11:30 - 13:00 | Missoula Public Library, 301 E Main St, Missoula, MT, United States
Location: Missoula Public Library
455 East Main Street, 4th Floor
Cooper’s Space A & B
**Please note that the deadline to order lunch is July 6th.

Register Here

Panelists:
Jana Richter, Community Engagement Specialist at Front Step Community Land Trust
Josh Plum, Board President at Missoula Organization of Realtors
Missoula Tenants Union (Invited)

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Monthly Board Meeting
2026-07-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Online, MT, United States
Monthly Board Meetings (and all meetings) are open to the public and we welcome all to attend and participate. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Board of Directors meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11 am – 12:30 pm Mountain Time.

LoLA Presents a Conversation with Rylee Sommers-Flanagan Executive Director of Upper Seven Law - 6/30 - Missoula Food Bank and Community Center
2026-06-30 08:00 - 09:30 | Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, 1720 Wyoming Street, Missoula, MT, 59801, United States
Join us for a conversation with Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, Founder and Executive Director of Upper Seven Law, a Montana-Based nonprofit law firm dedicated to holding the powerful accountable.
When: Tuesday, June 30 at 8:00am
Where: 1720 Wyoming St. Missoula, MT 59801
Upper Seven Law is a 501(c)(3) Montana-based nonprofit law firm dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. Based on the belief that creativity and innovation in law are essential to advancing social justice and public interest objectives, this firm takes smart risks and invests the time necessary to build foundations for long-term accountability work.
Upper Seven brings lawsuits on behalf of Montanans to enforce the Montana Constitution. In addition to our litigation work we lead an educational initiative—the Montana Constitution Roadshow—that involves traveling around Montana to present to audiences of all backgrounds, political affiliations, and interests.

Save Your Free Seat

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) Inaugural Wilderness 101 Family Campout June 26-28
2026-06-26 - 2026-06-28
The educational weekend event is designed to help families build confidence, skills and connection in the great outdoors. Hosted in a comfortable front-country setting, the campout offers an accessible introduction to exploring the iconic Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, affectionately known as “The Bob,” is located in northwest Montana and is the third-largest Wilderness in the lower 48. The Bob Complex comprises more than 1.5 million acres of untrammeled wilderness that stretches from Glacier National Park in the north, to Rogers Pass to the south in the Northern Rockies of Montana.
The family friendly experience invites participants of all backgrounds and experience levels to enjoy hands-on learning and outdoor fun in a welcoming community. Whether you’re brand new to camping or looking to expand your outdoor knowledge, the Wilderness 101 Family Campout provides a supportive environment to learn and explore.
“Montana has such an incredible wealth of wild lands that our kids are lucky to grow up with,” BMWF program director Rebecca Powell said. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for people to get more comfortable and confident enjoying places like the Bob with their kids in tow.”

Organizers said families of all kinds are encouraged to apply — traditional, chosen, multi-generational and everything in between. The event is open to participants age 6 and up. The campout will take place at the Monture Guard Station in the foothills of the Bob near Ovando.
Throughout the weekend, experienced instructors will lead workshops and interactive stations covering essential wilderness skills, including:

Leave No Trace (LNT): Learn the Seven Principles to help protect natural spaces
Planning & Preparation: Gain practical skills for packing, navigation, and safety
Flora and Fauna: Discover the plants and wildlife that call “The Bob” home
Pack Stock 101: Explore the role of horses and mules in wilderness stewardship
History and Values: Understand the heritage and importance of wilderness preservation

BMWF will provide all meals for the weekend, starting with dinner on Friday through lunch on Sunday. Group camping gear, including cooking supplies, water filtration, and safety equipment, is also provided.
Participants are responsible for personal camping gear, with a full packing list provided upon registration. A gear library is available, and camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads) can be provided for participants who need it. Scholarships are also available to ensure access for all families.
The weekend is free for families to attend but requires a $100 refundable deposit per family (up to six people) to secure your spot. Space is limited and families are encouraged to apply early, organizers said.
For more information or to apply, click here or contact BMWF at 406-387-3808 or [email protected].

Quantum Science Camp for middle school and high school STEM educators - 6/22-26 - Montana State University Bozeman
2026-06-22 - 2026-06-26 | Montana State University – Bozeman, Culbertson Hall, 100, Bozeman, MT, United States
Montana State University will host an in-person residential camp on quantum science for Montana middle school and high school educators June 22-26.
QCaMP, which stands for quantum, computing, mathematics and physics, is designed for STEM educators. Participants will discover how the principles of quantum physics are revolutionizing the world of computing. They will also receive a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of computing and engage in hands-on activities that explore the phenomena of quantum physics.
During the camp, educators will have the opportunity to apply these concepts to solve computing, sensing and communication challenges in innovative ways. They will interact with scientists, engineers and industry leaders, gaining insights and experience in this rapidly growing field to inspire kids and communities.

The camp is in-person with both virtual and in-person instruction from Sandia National Laboratories and local educators who are part of MSU’s Science Math Resource Center and QCORE – or Quantum Collaborative Research and Education, a high-tech facility housed in MSU’s College of Letters and Science that positions the university to identify and address grand challenges in quantum systems. MSU is one of 20 partners across the U.S. working with Sandia National Laboratories to offer a camp during the week. This is the second year MSU will offer QCaMP.
The camp will be held at the QCORE facility in the EngineWorks building near the MSU campus. Participants will receive meals and lodging at MSU as well as a stipend and support for travel. They will also receive QCaMP teaching materials to keep and additional classroom resources.
Applications for QCaMP are open and will close on Friday, April 10. Applicants should be educators who work with students in grades 6-12 in Montana. More information and a link to the application is available at http://www.montana.edu/smrc/quantum/QCaMP.html. Questions can be emailed to QuantumEducation@montana.edu.

Contact: Molly Iversen, youth quantum outreach coordinator, MSU Science Math Resource Center, 406-994-7476 or molly.iversen@montana.edu
Related Articles

Montana State opens quantum computing facility Aug 25, 2025
Montana State hosts Quantum Summer Academy for high school students and teachers Jun 30, 2025

The Western Montana Food and Farm Trail connects folks, farms, and flavor - June 1–October 31
2026-06-01 08:00 - 2026-10-31 17:00
The Western Montana Food & Farm Trail is an interactive, self-guided adventure connecting you with the farms, flavors, and folks that shape our region’s vibrant local food community. With more than 100 stops across the Missoula, Bitterroot, and Flathead Valleys, the Trail invites you to meet the growers, taste what’s in season, and experience the culture and care behind the farms, markets, restaurants, and food businesses committed to local food.
The Trail Field Guide is your companion on the journey, with farm and food listings, curated itineraries, illustrated maps, event calendars, and more. Along the way, collect stamps as you explore for prizes or simply for the fun of it.
