Rural Communities

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We’re No. 3: Montana’s outdoor recreation sector contributed $3.4 billion in 2023

The outdoor industry grew 7.2% in 2023; ranks third in nation for contribution to state GDP, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis

Cities cut red tape to turn unused office buildings into housing

Nearly a fifth of office space across the country sits empty, a record high vacancy rate that’s expected to keep growing.

GFDA Top Ten for 12-1-24

We are especially thankful for our investors and public partners, whose contributions and guidance are essential to our work. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Community Division—Geranios Enterprises, Inc. To learn how you can invest in our work and support our mission, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected].

‘Adjust and adapt’: Montana farmers react to report on impact of climate change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Housing help in Montana is already here

Montana needs more affordable housing units, and the Villagio, pictured here, and Trinity both opened in 2023, together bringing 402 new homes to Missoula.

Gianforte’s income tax cuts: Benefitting the rich or supporting the economy?

The analysis found the wealthiest Montana households earning more than $749,000 would see a tax cut of nearly $10,000.
Families earning $30,000 to $85,000 would see a cut of $40 to $115, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Center.

Montana’s population boom fuels higher home prices and sends young, longtime residents packing

A population boom in Montana is driving up home prices there faster than in any other state in the nation, for good and for ill.

The community-based model of care that doesn’t exist in any Montana community

It’s easy to see how large, out-of-state companies have come to Montana in order to allegedly help run social services. During Gov. Greg Gianforte’s first term, we’ve seen him outsource some services for unemployment and services to support childcare providers, all in the name of private business doing something more efficiently and better than the public sector, even though we haven’t seen definitive proof of either.

The Great Betrayal: America’s Public Lands Legacy is Under Siege

If you live anywhere in the country where public lands exist, be warned: special interests have become more emboldened than ever to privatize and profit from our public lands.

Commerce’s New Revolving Loan Program Allocates $24 Million of Grant Funding to Support Montana’s Tourism Industry

Through this loan program, Commerce will award funding as grants to eligible economic development organizations. The EDOs must use that money to create new revolving loan funds that will retain or expand existing tourism-related businesses, encourage workforce development, create good-paying jobs and promote long-term economic growth in Montana’s tourism economy.

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PFL Tech Inc. is a marketing technology company that provides sales enablement and marketing automation solutions, as well asprinting, mailing, and fulfillment services. They also provide some great Montana Jobs.

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As the hub of learning, creativity and innovation in Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley Community College is expanding

Bozeman is a rapidly growing city with a high quality of life in part due to the easy access to the outdoors, burgeoning tech industry, and cultural experiences it offers.

SBA 504 Loans offered statewide! Real estate and equipment, acquisitions, renovation, and new construction. Low, fixed-rates up to 25 years with as little as 10% down.