2024 Montana Legislature and Politics

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Lawmakers considering short-term help for school districts, funding formula fix unlikely during 2025 session

A Free Press Fest panel explored what funding changes are needed to address challenges facing Montana school districts.

Dustup brewing over a roundabout in Ravalli County – “Lions and Tigers and Bears… Oh MY!”

Opponents say the proposal for Highway 93 an example of ‘woke’ ideology; traffic officials maintain the change is needed for the dangerous intersection.

Montana Senator Tester Secures $7 Million for Missoula to Hire More Firefighters

“When disaster strikes, Montana’s local fire departments are there to answer the call, but in order to do that, they’ve got to have enough folks on staff,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured this funding for the City of Missoula to hire and train more firefighters and ensure that the Missoula Fire Department is staffed up—because when our firefighters are supported, our communities are safer.”

In 2024, Montana ranks among the least “sticky” states, with only 13% of relocating residents staying in-state — far below the national average of 26%.

Montana’s real estate market booms have outpaced local incomes. Since 2020, home values have surged 60%, pricing out many long-time residents. Despite attracting newcomers, high housing costs and a rural economy have forced 87% of Montana’s movers to seek more affordable living options out of state.

Missoula County Commissioners Seek Applicants for Elections Advisory Committee

The EAC consists of up to nine members who study the efficiency of the elections process, advocating for fair, robust and trustworthy elections. The EAC’s objectives include listening to stakeholders, conducting sound research and learning best practices, and offering thoughtful advice and recommendations to the commissioners, with the goal of increasing public participation in the electoral process.

What Do Cities Need? MetroLab Program Intends to Find Out

Its newly launched Local Government Research and Development Agenda, a nationwide undertaking, looks to provide research and science to cities. Interviews and workshops with 20 munis are underway.

Montana’s Legislative Transportation Interim Committee Considering Autonomous Vehicle Legislation

PD 68 (formerly PD 65): An act providing for the use of autonomous vehicles on state public highways
PD 66: An act allowing the platooning of vehicles

Montana housing task force suggests limiting urban parking requirements

A recommendation in new report would prevent Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman and Helena from enforcing parking requirements for new development in an effort to spur home construction.

Transforming Kalispell’s Transportation

As the city’s population grows and major developments within the municipality come to fruition, officials are working to upgrade Kalispell’s road infrastructure to bring connectivity and safety to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists

Tester Secures $2 Million to Boost Manufacturing, Create Jobs in Montana

Funding for Montana’s Smart Manufacturing Technologies Outreach Initiative will come from the Senator’s bipartisan infrastructure law

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For over 25 years, Montana World Trade Center® has served Montana as a trusted business adviser.

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the longest-standing and leading advocate for the Flathead Valley community and business climate.

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