News

Did you know there were 3 Headwaters organizations focusing on economic development in Montana?

September 14, 2026/

Headwaters RC&D

Headwaters Foundation

Headwaters Tech Hub

Headwaters Economics
Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group based in Bozeman, Montana. They provide data, socioeconomic analysis, and policy tools to help communities navigate economic transitions. [1, 2, 3]
  • Community Resilience: Helps towns manage growth, wildfire, and flood risks while lowering long-term maintenance and energy costs. [1]
  • Public Lands & Economy: Researches how public lands, outdoor recreation, and national monuments boost local jobs and per capita income without harming traditional resource sectors. [1, 2, 3]
  • Data Tools: Builds free, accessible socioeconomic tracking tools for local leaders nationwide. [1]
    Headwaters RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development)
    Headwaters RC&D is a regional 501(c)(3) nonprofit and designated Economic Development District (EDD) serving Southwest Montana. They focus on local implementation, business support, and resource management. [1, 2]
    • Business & Agricultural Support: Acts as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and a Food & Agricultural Development Center (FADC) to foster value-added agriculture and local food processing. [1, 2]
    • Financing & Grants: Operates revolving loan funds, microloans, and brownfields redevelopment programs. [1, 2]
    • Comprehensive Strategy: Maintains a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) coordinating public works, tourism, and infrastructure investments across multiple counties and conservation districts. [1]
      Headwaters Tech Hub
      Separate from the research and regional groups above, the Headwaters Hub is a state-wide technology initiative led by Accelerate Montana. It focuses on smart optical and photonic sensing systems, aiming to scale tech entrepreneurship and high-wage jobs across Montana innovation centers like Missoula and Bozeman. [1, 2]

      Headwaters Tech Hub envisions a vibrant, tech-ready Montana where innovation drives a thriving and resilient tech economy, expanding access to good-paying jobs and improving quality of life across the state.

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      3. Whitefish Revises Growth Policy Amid Legal Height Limit Concerns
      4. The folks over at Land ID came out with a list of called “America’s Next Mountain Boom Towns” this Montana town not only made the list, but it ranked first.

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