High Plains Financial

Annual Montana workforce report reveals job growth but highlights skilled labor shortages

According to the DLI, Montana is now ranked eighth for the fastest employment growth nationwide since 2020, with the labor force setting a new record.

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.

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.

GFDA Top Ten for 9-2-24

21) We Are Growing Our Awesome Staff Team and have excellent career opportunities. Download a description of openings for Loan Officer, Lending Solutions Specialist, and Government Contracting Advisor — APEX Accelerator. Contact Tracy for more info at [email protected].

Montana sees fifth-highest job growth in the country since the onset of the pandemic

The bulk of those jobs are in the health care, education, and tourism fields. Those industries experienced big losses during COVID, but now employ more people than before the pandemic.

2024 MEDA Fall Conference – 9/24-26 – Havre, Montana

Exciting agenda to inform, engage and ignite your creative ideas to improve your community and state.

GFDA Top Ten for 8-25-24

Congratulations to the artists, property owners, and sponsors of another amazing ArtsFest Montana Great Walls week in Downtown Great Falls! We’ll start sharing photos of the murals next week. Thank you to the City of Great Falls for supporting this annual downtown improvement and to the Business Improvement District for organizing it.

Housing initiatives target Great Falls developers, homebuyers

A housing study commissioned by the Great Falls Development Authority estimates a demand for 630 new houses, apartments or other housing units in the city each year over the next decade. And while building projects are underway, the study predicts they won’t be enough to meet that demand.