BID Funding model

UPTOWN BUTTE BID ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

One unique aspect to Uptown Butte’s BID is that it is supported by municipal properties as well as private sector properties. All city, county and parking properties invest in the BID and its initiatives. BID assessments are added to the Butte Silver Bow tax bills mailed each October, and payments are due in November and May of each year. The assessment method is shown below.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Uptown ButteBusiness Improvement District (BID) will address the challenges of economic development, access, and economic prosperity within the district. 

The BID serves as an advocate and service provider for property owners in the district and works to improve Uptown safety, cleanliness, marketing, business retention and recruitment, and both public and private investment in buildings and infrastructure. The Uptown Butte BID’s obligation is to BID ratepayers, but the board members recognize the importance of working with business owners, employees, and potential investors in Uptown Butte.

BID OF UPTOWN BUTTE

The Uptown Butte BID proposal in 2024 will take effect for fall 2024-2025, to address specific needs identified in the Uptown Butte Master Plan. The Uptown Butte BID includes 249 parcels assessed annually for common-area maintenance, safety, security, and business development. The Uptown Butte BID will provide services beyond general municipal services.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS IN MONTANA

There are seven Montana communities that have a Downtown BID including Missoula (created in 2005), Billings (2005), Bozeman (2000), Great Falls (1989), Hamilton (1998), Helena (1986), and Kalispell (2002). Business Improvement Districts all around the world help promote and preserve downtowns and attract investment into their districts. They provide a higher level of services needed to help increase walkability, improve the customer experience, attract new businesses and employers, and improve property values in the district.

MONTANA CODE

In the State of Montana, Business Improvement Districts are one of the economic development tools available to help improve commercial districts. BIDs promote the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the district; are of special benefit to the properties within the boundaries; and assist with tourism, promotion, and marketing of the district.

Policies regarding BIDs are defined in the Montana Code Annotated 2017, Title 7. Chapter 12. Part. 11, found online here: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0070/chapter_0120/part_0110/sections_index.html