Unhealthy Air Hits Montana: Thousands Advised to Stay Inside Because of Rising PM2.5 Levels

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• The BBER 2026 Economic Outlook for Montana Seminar – Sales Tax Debate Returns to Center Stage as Montana Weighs Its Fiscal Future

  The discussion also raises concerns about equity and competitiveness that could ripple through Montana’s economy and workforce. Analysts warned that a broad sales tax would be regressive, placing a heavier burden on lower income households that spend a greater share of their income on taxable goods.

• Unhealthy Air Hits Montana: Thousands Advised to Stay Inside Because of Rising PM2.5 Levels

  Unhealthy levels of fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, have prompted air quality alerts across parts of Montana, including the Seeley Lake region, with thousands of residents advised to stay indoors.

• Fewer Tourists, Bigger Wallets: Montana’s New Visitors Bring Gray Hair and Greenbacks

  Sometimes the best economic development plan comes with a senior discount and a very nice credit limit.

• Why Montana’s Small Towns Matter More Than Ever in a Changing Economy and are Great to Visit

  These towns are increasingly impacted by shifts in tourism, remote work, education, and technology, as professionals and families look beyond crowded metros for livable, affordable communities with strong identities.

Northwestern Energy

• Northwestern Energy – Data Centers, Power, and Trust: Why Montana’s Energy Rules Matter Now

  Montana doesn’t have to choose between protecting ratepayers and pursuing new economic opportunities, but the decisions made now will shape who benefits from the state’s evolving energy and technology landscape for decades to come.

Big Sky Economic Development Montana

• Quantica Infrastructure’s Proposed Broadview Data Center Highlights Montana’s Potential For Growth, Technology, and Economic Development – Northwestern Energy Answers Questions

  If built, the facility could expand Montana’s footprint in the national tech economy, creating construction jobs, long-term technical positions, and a new property tax base for local governments. Project leaders—most of them Montanans—argue the site’s infrastructure and renewable energy potential make it a rare opportunity to bring high-value digital infrastructure to a small community that has historically seen limited investment.

City of Bozeman Economic Development

• Lattice Materials Expansion and Defense Dept. Funding Strengthens Bozeman, Montana’s Role in National Defense Manufacturing

  Backed in part by an $18.5 million dollar federal defense grant, the expansion allows the company to significantly increase production of infrared optics used in major United States defense systems. For Montana residents, the project matters because it anchors high value manufacturing in the Gallatin Valley, expands the local tax base, and diversifies an economy that has recently seen most job growth concentrated in lower paying service and retail sectors.

Great Falls Montana Development Alliance

• Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Expansion Signals Growth for the Great Falls Economy

  The brewery now sells in six states, partners with a national restaurant chain, and plans a separate small batch facility focused on experimental beers.  The project signals confidence in Great Falls, continued momentum in Montana’s small business sector, and the importance of investing in modern production capabilities to sustain long term growth.

Prospera Business Network

• Prospera Navigator 2026 Events and Trainings

  Register Now for Prospera’s Newest Networking Series: Industry Roundtables! February 26 at 9am – Franchises —
  April 22 at 3pm – Exporting

Montana Business

• Svalinn Elite Protection Dogs ($175,000 Each) Finds Room to Grow and Create Jobs in Livingston, Montana

  While not a traditional tech firm, Svalinn relies on advanced training methods, breeding science, and highly skilled labor, aligning with Montana’s growing reputation for unconventional but high value industries. The success of the business underscores how Montana can compete globally by offering room to grow, a strong workforce, and an environment that supports both innovation and family life.

• Missoula, Montana’s Pangea Restaurant – Celebrating A James Beard Honor & Upcoming Events

  We’re proud to announce that Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham of Pangea has been named a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Mountain Region. We’re deeply grateful to be honored alongside Chef Cunningham and our incredible team. A huge thanks to everyone on staff, and our supportive community. Without you this wouldn’t be possible – so thank YOU!

Regional Business News

• Remote Career Opportunities – mpathic

  At mpathic, we believe in expanding human understanding with AI. As an industry leader, we are at the forefront of enhancing clinical accuracy and quality in healthcare and life sciences through AI-enhanced oversight. Our all-encompassing platform serves as the key ingestion point for analyzing conversational data, enabling detailed decision-making for enhancing organizational efficiency and patient safety. Career Opportunities Open Positions Engineering IT, Security & Compliance Lead Remote Experts Mental Health Writers or Actors, Part-Time Remote Part-Time Mental Health Expert Remote Red Team Manager (Training, Quality & Roleplay Excellence) Remote Red Teaming Expert (AI Safety) — Execution + QA Tooling Support…

Montana Energy and Transportation

• Federal Court Restores EV Charger Funding With Direct Implications for Montana Infrastructure

  While national debate continues over the pace and cost of the transition to electric vehicles, the court’s decision provides certainty that approved funds will move forward, giving Montana communities the ability to decide how and where EV infrastructure fits into their economic future rather than losing those choices to shifting federal politics.

• Survey Finds Americans Would Happily Ghost Their Cars—If the Roads (and Culture) Let Them

  If policymakers give people a taste of life beyond the windshield, the study suggests they may discover something shocking: freedom can exist without a car payment, and it doesn’t even require premium fuel.

Montana’s 21st Century Education Initiative – “You Should Care…”

• Early Test Scores Raise Questions as Montana’s New Charter Schools Take Shape

  For parents weighing school options and communities investing public dollars, the early results highlight both the challenges of launching new schools and the need for more complete measures of student progress.

• Proposed Master’s Program Cuts at UM Spotlight Tensions Between Workforce Demand and Liberal Arts Education in Montana

  The University of Montana’s proposal to eliminate master’s programs in literature and economics—and place minors in Chinese and Irish studies into moratorium—signals a broader shift underway in Montana’s higher education system as institutions grapple with enrollment declines, budget pressures, and changing workforce demands.

• Montana State University’s Quantum Collaborative Research and Education – Learn about quantum on Feb. 17; congrats to our intern and more!

  Montana State University’s QCORE receives $31.5M for expanded research, testbed expansion

University of Montana & Montana State University Tech Transfer

• From Motion Sickness to Climate Resilience: Why UM’s Record Research Year (Another Research Record at $149.9M) Matters for Montana

  As federal funding priorities shift toward security, climate adaptation, and systems resilience, UM’s R1 status and collaborative research model help ensure Montana remains competitive for long-term investment. The result is a feedback loop: research dollars fuel workforce development, technology transfer, and regional problem-solving—strengthening Montana’s economy while preparing students and communities for a future defined by data, innovation, and environmental change.

2025 Montana Legislature and Politics

• This Drone Can Stand The Heat To Help Put Out Fires. Will They Be Used In Montana?

  A new generation of extreme-heat-resistant firefighting drones could have major implications for Montana, where wildfires, industrial sites, and aging infrastructure increasingly put first responders at risk.

MATR Newsletter Supporters: