AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Jobs: Montana welcomed 13.2 million visitors in 2025 (down 4% from 2024), but spending rose to $5.6B, supporting 52,610 jobs and generating $360M in state and local taxes, with “Glacier Country” leading at $1.79B. Agriculture Policy: The FTC secured a settlement with John Deere that establishes a farmer right to repair, requiring access to diagnostic and repair tools at a reasonable cost—an issue Montana Farmers Union has pushed for years. Workforce & Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in June, while labor leaders warn major gaps remain in health care, construction, advanced manufacturing, computing, education/childcare, financial/professional services, and energy. Rural Health & Public Safety: DPHHS announced $4M in first-year EMS grants for rural Montana to upgrade ambulances and equipment. Local Housing Development: Great Falls approved the Little Shell Tribe’s Good Medicine Community, clearing key steps for a planned housing project on tribal land. Energy & Infrastructure: A new “ratepayer protection” pledge now covers about 80% of U.S. power, but the underlying grid-cost rules still leave bills exposed—an issue Montana utilities and customers will feel. Community & Business Support: Bear Paw Development Corporation reported leveraging $94.21 from outside sources for every $1 invested locally, helping create/retain 50 jobs through lending and advising.

Courtroom Fallout: A Helena judge tossed a guilty verdict against former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth and ordered a new trial after jurors received improper exhibits; prosecutors say they’ll retry the official misconduct case tied to no-bid state contracts. Wildlife & Land Management: USFWS proposed grizzly management rule changes that would give Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks more flexibility in areas meeting federal recovery benchmarks, reigniting ESA debate. Child Care & Workforce: Zero to Five Montana wrapped up a statewide policy roadshow in Hamilton, gathering input from providers, business leaders, lawmakers, and parents to shape next-step child care recommendations. AI & Elections: A public interest law firm joined a First Amendment lawsuit challenging a 2025 Montana law limiting generative AI in campaign materials, arguing it restricts speech. Local Economy & Housing: Great Falls approved the Little Shell Tribe’s “Good Medicine” affordable housing plan—115 units funded through a federal Indian housing program—after months of neighborhood pushback. Jobs Snapshot: Montana’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.3% in June, with Missoula at 2.9%. Business & Community: Whitefish Credit Union highlighted how choosing the right local builder matters for custom home financing and permitting in Montana.

Public Corruption Trial: A Helena jury found former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth guilty of misdemeanor official misconduct tied to $170,000 in no-bid contracts, with sentencing set for Sept. 10. Water & Growth: Bozeman is reminding residents about permanent water restrictions as drought lingers, while a separate report highlights how “exempt well” development is intensifying water conflicts in fast-growing valleys. Housing Funding Push: Gallatin County’s Regional Housing Coalition released “Bridging the Gap,” outlining tools lawmakers could use to close a major affordability gap, including potential tax and fee revenue options. Local Infrastructure: Bozeman plans sewer work on West Kagy Boulevard starting the week of July 27, replacing aging pipe and shifting lanes. Economy & Travel: A University of Montana study says short-term rentals generated more than $755 million in visitor spending in 2025, with most activity centered around Bozeman and Kalispell. Community Outdoors: FWP’s “Kids to Fish” program is back with free loaner rods and tackle across northeast Montana.

Migration & Housing Policy: A new Mercatus Center report says Americans are increasingly moving to states with lower tax burdens, more economic freedom, and better housing supply—highlighting Idaho and Montana as standout destinations. Antitrust & Drug Prices: Nevada AG Jeff Jackson announced a $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with potential payouts for affected patients. Local Infrastructure & Traffic: Bozeman is preparing major sewer work on West Kagy Boulevard starting late July, with lane shifts and temporary closures but two-way traffic maintained. Road Safety & Public Input: MDT is seeking feedback on a Highway 191 reconstruction south of Four Corners, including culvert replacement and a two-way left turn lane. Energy Reliability: As grid warnings spread and demand rises, Montana is included in a multi-state heat-driven alert about possible rolling blackouts. Healthcare Realignment: Avamere’s nursing home exit is moving forward as landlord Sabra plans to transition 22 Montana-area properties to Cascadia Healthcare. Statewide Insurance Fraud: Montana Auditor James Brown says his office helped stop more than $5 million in alleged Obamacare-related insurance fraud targeting Native communities. Fisheries Watch: FWP is ramping up monitoring for brown trout in Flathead waters after new reports in Church Slough and Ashley Lake. Community & Governance: Missoula and Bozeman are nearing votes on a Green Power Program milestone that would let customers opt into new renewable supply.

Energy & Grid Planning: Midwest utilities are asking federal regulators to let them build major multi-state transmission lines faster by limiting competition—an approach they say is needed to serve surging AI and other large power loads. Montana Grazing Policy: The Montana Land Board delayed proposed grazing-lease changes after tribal opposition, with critics arguing the plan would shift trust-land access toward production livestock. Agriculture & Livestock Health: Montana livestock and wildlife officials urged vigilance after New World screwworm detections returned in Texas and New Mexico, warning the fly can devastate animals and trigger new entry requirements. Workforce Development: Montana Labor & Industry won an $800,000-plus federal grant to expand registered apprenticeships, targeting AI infrastructure and related industries. Right-to-Repair: A new FTC settlement could expand Montana farmers’ access to the software and tools needed to repair modern John Deere equipment, reducing costly downtime. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Helena residents raised concerns as fiber installation continues, citing cut lines and property damage; officials say the project has invested about $150 million statewide. Energy Markets & Costs: Gas prices in Montana stayed volatile but averaged about $3.90 for regular in the week ending July 11, with some counties reporting lower single-station deals.

Montana Business & Economy: State Land Revenue for Schools: Montana State Auditor James Brown and Land Board colleagues approved $229,130 in new trust-land revenue for schools, including $210,225 from timber sales and $18,905 from easements. Local Infrastructure & Costs: Broadband Buildout: Fiber installation in the Helena area is expanding high-speed access, but some residents report cut utility lines, damaged property, and months-long service disruptions. Transportation & Growth: Great Falls Interchange Overhaul: MDT plans major changes to the I-15 Gore Hill Interchange (overpass replacement, added lane, and roundabouts), with construction targeted for 2027. Real Estate & Repurposing: Old Laurel High School Sold: The former Laurel Public Schools administration building and original high school were sold to a Butte developer for $150,300, with district leaders citing maintenance savings. Community & Consumer Pressure: Gas Prices Squeeze: A report says Montana has seen the biggest gas-price increase in the U.S. since the Iran conflict began, adding to summer travel strain. Business Climate & Policy: Campaign Finance Push: Montana and Hawaii are advancing laws aimed at limiting corporate influence in elections and ballot measures.

Montana Relocation Boom: A new moveBuddha study puts Montana at No. 7 for inbound relocation searches, with a 15% year-over-year jump in people looking to move in—fueling demand for housing and services. Local Infrastructure: Montana is moving ahead with a $4.7M replacement of Libby’s Farm to Market Bridge after December flooding, with construction slated to start in July. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy price checks show Montana premium and diesel prices easing in the week ending July 11, with Lewis and Clark County premium at $4.29 and diesel at $4.21. Politics & Power: Montana and Hawaii are pushing measures to curb corporate influence in elections and ballot issues, aiming to keep “money in politics” from shaping outcomes. Business & Growth Narrative: A pro-growth op-ed cites Montana tax cuts as a driver of higher income tax revenue and job growth, arguing lower rates can pay for themselves. Ag Markets: Puris is supplying field peas—grown across the Dakotas and beyond—into a broader protein and food-ingredient market.

Local Business Boost: Lincoln’s annual wood carving competition is drawing visitors and filling hotels and restaurants while raising money for Sam’s Hope Foundation. Infrastructure Update: Montana is moving ahead with a $4.7M replacement of Libby’s Farm to Market Bridge after December flooding, with construction slated to begin in July. Energy & Permitting: Western governors, including Montana, are pushing a new effort to streamline permitting for transmission lines to ease power congestion. Elections & Money: Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar is outraising Montana’s federal field in the latest fundraising reports, underscoring a competitive race for attention and cash. Agriculture Under Pressure: Montana ranchers are closely monitoring cattle heat stress risk, focusing on water, shade, and timing to protect herd health and future production. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Reports and lawsuits tied to Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss allege abuse and neglect, renewing calls for oversight and change. Community & Growth: Billings’ Signal Peak Energy Arena is drawing thousands since opening weekend, supported by private donors and aimed at expanding youth ice sports. Local Food Entrepreneurship: A Helena Valley couple is expanding from a home garden into a community farmstand business opening in early August.

Endangered Species Act Rollback: The U.S. Interior Department canceled a rule that gave threatened species automatic protections, shifting to individualized plans that critics say could slow or weaken wildlife safeguards and open more room for oil, gas, and mining exemptions. Energy & Local Economy: Billings’ new Signal Peak Energy Arena drew thousands during its opening weekend, with private donors raising $16 million toward a $17.5 million project and more amenities planned as construction continues. Campaign Finance: Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar reported $1.12 million in contributions in the latest FEC period, outpacing other Montana federal candidates and widening his fundraising lead. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Montana ranchers are closely monitoring cattle for heat stress, focusing on water, shade, and timing to protect herd health and avoid longer-term production impacts. Recycling Fight: The polystyrene (styrofoam) industry is pushing back against bans as new state packaging rules tighten, arguing the material is recyclable and misunderstood. Local Business Spotlight: Missoula’s Runner’s Edge marked 25 years with a grand reopening and expanded space for fittings and community events.

Small Business Spotlight: Runner’s Edge marked 25 years in Missoula with a grand reopening of its expanded downtown shop, adding more room for shoe fittings, a bigger footwear selection, and space for community events. Local Events & Economy: The Central Montana Fair in Lewistown kicks off Wednesday, July 22, with PRCA rodeos, a kid zone, strolling acts, and a carnival midway running daily through midnight. Energy & Regulation: NorthWestern Energy filed with the Montana Public Service Commission to recover about $16.96 million tied to wildfire mitigation and insurance, seeking an estimated 1.31% monthly increase for a typical residential customer. Education Funding Debate: A fresh argument in Idaho’s school funding fight challenges the “just add more money” approach, asking what level of spending would actually be enough. Politics & Transparency: A letter pushes for ending dark money in Montana elections, backing the Transparent Election Initiative and a “Montana Plan” aimed at limiting corporate political spending. Environment & Federal Policy: The U.S. Interior Department canceled automatic threatened-species protections under the Endangered Species Act, shifting to individualized plans that critics say could slow wildlife safeguards.

Endangered Species Act Rollback: The Trump administration canceled a rule that gave threatened species automatic protections, replacing it with slower, species-by-species protection plans that critics say could open the door to exemptions for oil and gas, mining and construction. Montana Politics & Contracts: In Helena, the first week of Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s criminal trial focused on how state procurement rules were allegedly bypassed in a no-bid contract tied to a close associate. Jobs & Taxes: Gov. Gianforte highlighted a new ranking putting Montana in the top 10 for year-over-year job growth, while Senate leadership signals momentum for a flat income tax push for 2027. Local Business Climate: Great Falls residents are weighing data center development, with a task force citing potential property-tax gains against concerns about energy and infrastructure costs. Agriculture & Health Costs: Montana ACA enrollees could face another steep premium hike in 2027, and a new report points to low cattle inventory dynamics reshaping beef and dairy markets. Montana Agriculture Research: MSU opened a new $58M combined state laboratories building to strengthen disease testing and diagnostics for Montana agriculture.

Ag Lab Boost: Montana State University opened a new $58M Combined State Laboratories building to consolidate the state’s veterinary diagnostic, agriculture analytical, and MSU wool labs—replacing aging facilities and aiming to strengthen disease testing and support for Montana agriculture. Tax Policy Watch: Senate Republicans lined up behind Gov. Greg Gianforte’s flat income tax push for 2027, with Senate leadership backing a bill draft to lower income tax rates. Data Center Debate: Great Falls residents and the Great Falls Development Alliance are weighing data center impacts through a new task force, balancing potential property-tax and construction benefits against ratepayer and infrastructure-cost concerns. Public Safety: U.S. Marshals and tribal and local partners arrested five people during a sex-offender compliance operation on the Blackfeet Reservation, targeting failures to register and probation absconders. Energy & Mobility: A new study says speeding wastes fuel and money while saving little time, adding pressure on drivers already facing high gas prices. Local Real Estate: Old Laurel High School and the district administration building sold at auction to a Butte developer for $150,300, with the district aiming to stop ongoing maintenance costs.

Methane cleanup at Glacier: Glacier National Park is preparing to plug an abandoned 1901-era oil well at Kintla Lake after methane leaks were detected in 2023, with work expected to run later this month and finish this fall. Energy & aviation efficiency: Boeing, Lufthansa and Rolls-Royce will test a shorter, quieter engine inlet and new flight procedures at Boeing’s Glasgow, Montana site using a 787-9 ecoDemonstrator Explorer, aiming to cut fuel burn and airport noise. Road costs study: New University of Minnesota research finds speeding wastes fuel and money and barely saves time—drivers spent nearly 12% of trip time above posted limits. Water quality watch: Montana DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River tied to nutrient-driven algae growth that can reduce oxygen and harm aquatic life. Ag competition & repair: A right-to-repair settlement is spotlighting broader competition concerns in Montana agriculture as farmers face fewer choices for equipment and repairs. Local business support: The Brookings Area Chamber highlighted summer business resources, events and a Business Pulse Survey that includes Montana. Child advocacy funding: Montana’s attorney general announced nearly $150,000 in grants to four Children’s Advocacy Centers from a Johnson & Johnson asbestos-related settlement. Campaign finance gap: Reports show Montana Democrats are far underfunded in most 2026 federal races, with one Senate candidate the clearest outlier.

Workforce & Power Reliability: The 33rd Montana Lineman’s Rodeo is underway in Townsend, putting journeymen and apprentices through timed pole climbs and partner rescue drills that mirror real outages—often in brutal heat, wind, snow, and subzero conditions. Public Finance & Fraud Prevention: Montana State Auditor James Brown says his Securities Division helped prevent more than $1 million in fraud-related losses in Q2, with year-to-date losses prevented topping $2 million, and most complaints involving older Montanans. Energy & Consumer Costs: A new study finds speeding barely cuts commute time but drives up fuel use and emissions—researchers analyzed 120 million trips and say sticking to posted limits could save drivers millions. Tourism & Local Development: A $1.35 million state grant moves Mission Valley closer to its first ice arena in Polson, with groundbreaking planned for early August. Health & Community Services: Hope Hospice Center in Missoula marks its one-year anniversary, reporting 130+ patients served and 2,500+ days of care. Retail & Tech: Jacksons Food Stores is upgrading its Let’s Go Rewards loyalty program with Par Retail to deliver more personalized offers across its multi-state footprint, including Montana. Legal & Consumer Protection: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced grants totaling nearly $150,000 for Children’s Advocacy Centers, funded through a Johnson & Johnson settlement tied to asbestos-tainted baby powder. Business Growth & Deals: Curated Events is acquiring Montana Party Rentals, expanding the Bozeman-based specialty event company’s reach while aiming to preserve its local leadership. Sports & Culture: Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company are teaming up for a major 2026-2027 season collaboration, with tickets on sale July 20.

Utility & Courts: A Missoula group, 350 Montana, is suing over Gov. Greg Gianforte’s one-year suspension of Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar, arguing his absence could make a NorthWestern Energy–Black Hills merger decision legally invalid. Energy Reliability: NorthWestern says a Billings outage during a dangerous heat wave was caused by a fuse failure during peak demand, leaving about 500 customers without power for roughly six hours. Data Centers & Power Planning: New PSC filings show NorthWestern is considering a gas transmission and storage site near the Broadview substation, tied to plans that opponents say are aimed at supporting data centers. Water & Climate Tech: A Shepherd company says its floating “islands” made from recycled plastic can clean nutrient-rich lakes and cut methane emissions. State Policy Watch: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, sending it to the Senate. Public Safety: A federal trial is underway for former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth on official-misconduct charges tied to a no-bid contract. Health & Consumer Protection: Maryland announced a $29.6 million multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Local Business & Growth: Great Falls adopted a new 20-year Growth Policy to guide housing, infrastructure and development.

Drug Prices/Antitrust: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined a multistate push that announced a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing and market-rigging, with Montana among the states pursuing compensation for affected buyers. Public Health/Healthcare Access: Montana nurses plan to bike about 610 miles starting Sept. 5 to boost colorectal cancer screening and reduce stigma around colonoscopies. State Policy/Outdoor Recreation: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing updates to land and water fees for FWP-managed sites, aiming to simplify rules and better match inflation and rising maintenance costs. Child Advocacy Funding: Knudsen also presented $37,000 to Emma’s House in the Bitterroot Valley, directing settlement money to children’s advocacy centers that support young abuse victims. Energy/Regulation: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar filed suit to block Gov. Gianforte’s planned replacement during his one-year suspension, as commissioners weigh the NorthWestern Energy–Black Hills merger. Local Business/Community: A new Fairfield lunch delivery startup, Harvest Eats, is serving cold, convenient meals to help busy ag producers get food without leaving job sites. Politics/Campaign Trail: Independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar kicked off a “Showing Up” tour with public meet-and-greets across Montana, including a stop in Choteau July 16. Business & Economy/Travel: A Missoula tourism explainer highlights how visitors drive local spending, with local business owners saying summer demand can double sales. Human Rights: A report alleges detainees at a Texas ICE facility faced excessive force and inadequate medical care, renewing scrutiny of immigration detention practices.