AGP Executive Report

Water & Drought: Months of drought are drying Montana wells and forcing costly, uncertain drilling steps, leaving small towns like Fairfield scrambling for reliable groundwater. Telecom & Infrastructure: Billings residents report damage tied to fiber optic installations, including cut sprinkler lines and a struck gas line, as companies say crews follow standards while property owners must mark underground utilities. Land & Conservation: The Fish and Game Commission approved the first phase of the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement, protecting 34,600+ acres for working forest, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Public Lands & Recreation: A bid to secure state land for a Lincoln-area public shooting range failed on procedural grounds, pushing the sportsmen’s groups back to a more rigorous process. State Government & Economy: The Montana Land Board advanced a plan to make Helena’s Hauser Mansion the official governor’s residence after approving the Gianfortes’ donation offer. Business & Finance: Montana collected $177.6 million in insurance premiums sales taxes in 2024, a small slice of total state tax revenue. Health Policy: Final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update systems and avoid coverage losses. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall sold in 41 states to its highest risk level over potential Salmonella contamination.

Bison Grazing Fight: American Prairie and other conservation groups have appealed the federal decision to terminate bison grazing leases on Bureau of Land Management parcels in Montana, a move that halted the group’s harvest program and could affect tribal food sovereignty efforts. Energy & Wildlife Court Ruling: A federal judge tossed Interior’s oil and gas lease sales in sage grouse country, saying the agency failed to protect habitat by not prioritizing development outside key breeding areas. Medicaid Pressure on Care Providers: Montana long-term care operators say Medicaid reimbursement rate increases are stalled, warning that Medicaid patients are rising while rates remain flat—raising the risk of service cuts. Agribusiness Update: BASF is bringing a new canola hybrid, InVigor Gold L322, with availability planned for Montana in 2027, aiming to expand canola acreage into hotter, drier conditions. Food Safety Recall: An Alfredo sauce recall has been upgraded to the highest-risk level and spans 41 states, including Montana, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumer/Business Pulse: A new national survey finds Americans snack daily in summer at high rates, with potato chips topping the list.

Rural Cost Squeeze: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds President Trump’s approval among rural Americans fell to 50% in June, down from 60% in February 2025, as voters cite higher gas and grocery prices and frustration with the economy. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Missoula residents packed a public meeting to oppose a proposed Bonner data center, arguing it threatens clean water and air and could disrupt community life. Public Health: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to a Class I, highest-risk category after potential salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; the recall covers 913 cases distributed across 41 states, including Montana. State Government: Montana corrections named Natalia Bowser as deputy director, moving her from innovation chief to a top leadership role. Business & Energy Policy: A viewpoint piece argues Congress should strike a deal on permitting reform, warning slow, unpredictable approvals are blocking needed energy infrastructure. Entrepreneur Spotlight: A Montana entrepreneur is turning bison shearing into a business, selling bison fiber and products and pitching it as an untapped natural material.

Rural Politics & Cost Pressure: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Trump’s approval among rural Americans fell to 50% in June, down from 60% in February, with rising fuel and food prices and the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran driving discontent. Corrections Leadership: Montana’s Department of Corrections named Natalia Bowser, formerly executive director of the Montana Board of Crime Control, as its new deputy director. Health Policy: CMS issued final Medicaid work-requirement rules, pushing states to verify enrollees’ work, training, volunteering, or education activities. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a voluntary recall of Alfredo sauce to a Class I, highest-risk category after a dry milk powder ingredient raised salmonella concerns; the product reached food service in 41 states. Montana Business Spotlight: A Great Falls-area bison shearer turned a niche natural fiber into a growing business, including a company selling bison-based products. Training & Readiness: Great Falls hosted aircraft rescue firefighting training bringing Army and Air National Guard crews together. Chamber & Planning: The Montana Chamber boards met in Meagher County to finalize strategy for Envision 2026.

Montana Economic Outlook: WalletHub’s 2026 competitiveness ranking puts Montana at No. 19 (score 48.9), underscoring that big-state size doesn’t automatically translate into long-term growth. Local Business Leadership: The Montana Chamber of Commerce and Foundation held a spring retreat in Meagher County, touring the Black Butte Copper Mine and finalizing its next strategic plan as Envision 2026 wraps up. Job Creation Watch: Janicki Industries plans an $800 million advanced manufacturing expansion in Great Falls, targeting 1,000 jobs over five years starting production by late 2027. Healthcare Policy: Final Medicaid work-requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Food & Consumer Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states tied to potential salmonella contamination from a dry milk powder ingredient. Community & Housing: New reporting highlights how homelessness counts in Montana can swing, with a 2025 single-night increase reported while other data suggests declines. Agriculture & Trade: Analysts say Canada’s durum crop may be smaller than forecast as farmers shift acreage toward other wheat types.

Advanced Manufacturing Jobs: Janicki Industries plans an $800 million manufacturing expansion in Great Falls, Montana, creating about 1,000 jobs over five years, with production targeted for late 2027. Healthcare & Food Access: Northern Montana Health Care and the Community Food Bank are joining the state’s Food Farmacy program, equipping eligible clients with cooking supplies and nutrition support to help manage conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Local Business & Community: The Montana Chamber boards held a spring retreat in Meagher County, touring the Black Butte Copper Mine and finalizing planning for the next strategic push as Envision 2026 winds down. Public Lands Funding: U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke and others introduced GAOA 250 to reauthorize and expand the Great American Outdoors Act, proposing $1.9 billion over five years for maintenance and conservation projects. Sports Sponsorship: Montana Knife Company became an on-field sponsor at Washington-Grizzly Stadium after universities were allowed on-field deals, signaling continued growth for Montana-made brands. Homelessness Watch: New federal reporting shows Montana’s homelessness count rose on a single-night snapshot from 2024 to 2025, while other data suggests the overall trend may be easing. Agriculture: Analysts say Canada’s durum crop may be smaller than forecast as farmers shifted acreage toward red spring wheat. River Access Update: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will close a stretch of the Blackfoot River for bridge repairs starting mid-July through late October, with limited impacts downstream.

Public Lands & Jobs: Rep. Ryan Zinke and Montana lawmakers back GAOA 250, a bid to reauthorize and modernize the Great American Outdoors Act with $1.9B over five years for parks, forests, and recreation—aimed at maintenance backlogs and local economic boosts. Healthcare Oversight: Congressman Troy Downing and State Auditor James Brown urge stronger state authority over Medicare Advantage, pushing federal changes so Montana officials can better protect seniors when coverage or provider networks go wrong. Local Business & Community: The Anaconda Leader abruptly shut down after 55 years, citing inflation and rising operating costs—another hit to local news and advertising ecosystems. Sports & Economic Spillover: Montana Knife Company joins the University of Montana’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium turf sponsorship, signaling how Montana brands are landing higher-visibility partnerships. Regulation & Accountability: A judge cleared the way for former Senate President Jason Ellsworth’s official misconduct case to proceed to trial, while lifting his suspension. State Economy Signals: A new hiring map shows big regional divergence since 2020, with Montana’s job openings change lagging in the latest snapshot. Outdoor Recreation & Water: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will close part of the Blackfoot River for bridge repairs starting mid-July through fall, affecting anglers and the Gateway Trail.

Montana Politics & Business Climate: The Montana Supreme Court approved updated ballot language for I-194, “The Montana Plan,” which would restrict political spending by “artificial persons” (including many nonprofits and corporations) and impose business-privilege forfeiture for violations. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Bozeman is spotlighting Bozeman Creek’s downtown tunnel-and-culvert system, a long-hidden piece of city infrastructure that residents say has been “channelized” and neglected. Courts & Public Services: Federal courthouses in Montana will close June 19 for Juneteenth, pushing hearings and services to later dates. Economic Development & Community Business: Big Sky Chamber of Commerce honored local leaders and businesses at its 29th annual Black Diamond Awards, including an Emerging Entrepreneur award for Blue Moon Bakery’s Patrick Griffith. Energy & Regulation: Black Hills Corp. filed a Colorado rate review seeking $26.7 million in new annual revenue to recover costs for grid and reliability investments. Agriculture & Animal Health: New World screwworm has spread into the U.S., with Texas quarantines and new movement rules for warm-blooded animals. Workforce & Public Sentiment: A Washington Post report finds many union voters are sour on both Trump and Democrats, citing costs and economic concerns. Food & Jobs: Chick-fil-A opened in Butte, adding 110 jobs and pledging $25,000 to the Montana Food Bank. Civic Opposition to Tech Growth: Missoula-area groups are organizing against a proposed data center near Bonner, arguing it would strain water and benefit from tax incentives.

Medicaid Overhaul: CMS has issued final rules requiring many Medicaid enrollees to prove they’re working or doing approved activities, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Education Funding: Montana hit a major milestone, topping $1 billion in permanent K-12 investment from trust land revenues managed through the Trust Fund Investment Pool. Opioid Response: Missoula Public Health is expanding overdose prevention and harm-reduction programs with $333,300 from Montana’s Opioid Abatement Trust for 2026-27. Local Economy & Community: The Upper Thompson Conservation Easement proposal would protect more than 34,600 acres in northwest Montana, aiming to preserve working forestland, recreation, and wildlife access. Business & Growth: A new data center proposal near Sidney would use “unwanted” Bakken gas to power crypto mining operations, with DEQ weighing air and water impacts. Politics & Transparency: Montana’s anti–dark money ballot initiative faces scrutiny over how its own backers are funded, raising questions about disclosure.

Housing & Development: Kalispell’s planning commission reviewed a proposed Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley project, Birchwood PUD, aiming for 95 homes just off the U.S. 93 bypass, with about 30 units reserved for Habitat and affordability tools like mortgage rate buy-downs. State Politics & Courts: The Montana Supreme Court certified a ballot measure that would restrict corporate election spending, continuing a legal fight over how far states can go beyond Citizens United. Public Lands & Wildfire Policy: A Senate committee advanced a short-notice push to repeal the Roadless Rule, with critics calling it a wildfire bill used to reshape federal land management. Business & Economy: Lemonade expanded renters insurance to Montana, offering app-based quotes and claims with policies starting at $5 a month. Local Business: Missoula’s Heelside Boards is preparing to open, focusing on kiteboarding and wake gear plus other water and winter sports equipment. Ag & Food Manufacturing: In Conrad, a rancher is building a small facility to turn Montana-raised beef and lamb into shelf-stable meals. Healthcare & Privacy: A growing lawsuit wave targets “AI scribes” that record doctor visits, raising consent and data-retention concerns. Energy & Infrastructure: A planned power interruption was announced for parts of Tshwane, South Africa, tied to a major substation refurbishment.

SNAP & Disaster Relief: North Dakota HHS says SNAP replacement benefits are available for households that lost food in June storm power outages lasting more than four hours, including some Montana-Dakota Utilities and other utility service areas. Business Climate: WalletHub ranks Montana 12th for starting a business, praising affordability and cheap office space while flagging weaker access to resources. Energy & Environment: A Billings-area data center plan near Broadview is drawing scrutiny after records show proposed gas-fired generation far larger than the state’s typical residential use, raising questions about “renewable” messaging. Immigration Enforcement Funding: Montana AG Austin Knudsen leads a 22-state coalition urging Congress to pass long-term funding for CBP and ICE. Courts & Elections: The Montana Supreme Court approved rewritten ballot language for the Transparent Election Initiative limiting corporate political contributions. Mining Jobs: Stillwater Mine plans to hire 150 workers after 2024 layoffs, citing palladium recovery but noting parts of the operation remain in maintenance mode. Public Health Costs: A federal audit describes waste and safety risks at Camp East Montana, including missing or destroyed materials in a detainee death case. Rural Care Planning: Montana coverage explains Medicaid liens and estate recovery rules that can affect families seeking long-term care. Local Economy: Montana’s gas prices show week-to-week volatility, with Golden Valley County reporting a low of $4.95 for regular.

Immigration Oversight: A new GAO watchdog report says ICE’s Camp East Montana in Texas wasted millions, endangered detainees’ health, and even lost or destroyed evidence tied to a detainee death—adding pressure for shutdowns and contractor changes. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy price checks show Montana fuel staying volatile, with some counties seeing premium around the low-$5 range and midgrade/regular often tracking statewide averages for the week ending May 30. Wildfire Policy & Conflict of Interest: ProPublica reports Sen. Tim Sheehy pushed to cut Forest Service firefighting aircraft inspections while his former company, Bridger Aerospace, had an inspector-flagged crack in a scooper wing—raising questions about safety and oversight. Mining & Water: DEQ approved Sentinel Metals’ amended gold exploration in the Blackfoot River headwaters, allowing core drilling with water trucked from a nearby well and required concurrent reclamation. Local Economy & Community: Missoula’s Indigenous Made Summer Market returns to Caras Park this weekend, spotlighting Native-owned makers and businesses. Public Health: FDA expanded a pet food recall tied to possible thiamine deficiency, warning of neurologic risks for cats and dogs.

Telehealth & Mental Health Access: A new look at America’s “psychiatric desert” highlights how provider shortages leave jails, rural clinics, and schools without timely psychiatric care—and why telepsychiatry is becoming a practical bridge. AI Compliance for RIAs: Regulators and courts are zeroing in on the risks of AI tools that auto-transcribe and summarize client calls, raising concerns tied to privacy and state wiretapping rules. Housing & Planning: Kalispell City Council moved forward on a potential temporary affordable housing advisory board and asked planners to consider design standards for future development along the Parkline Trail. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show Montana’s regular gas averaging about $4.56 for the week ending May 30, with the lowest local prices ranging from the mid-$4s to about $5. Critical Minerals (Montana link): IRIS Metals is expanding a U.S.-focused critical minerals portfolio, adding tungsten exposure via its Montana project. Immigration Detention Oversight: A federal watchdog report says Camp East Montana wasted up to $11.5 million early on and flagged serious safety and medical failures. Local Business & Community: Rocky Mountain College announced President Robert Wilmouth will retire in June 2027, capping 15 years of leadership.

Detention Oversight: A new GAO report says the Trump administration cut corners at Camp East Montana, contributing to substandard conditions and preventable deaths, while also wasting tens of millions in taxpayer dollars. Health & Consumer Protection: New York AG Letitia James helped secure a $36.5 million CVS settlement over Medicaid insulin overbilling, and the FDA expanded a pet food recall tied to dangerously low thiamine levels in certain GO Raw products. Montana Agriculture & Workforce: UW Extension hired veteran and pilot Erik Bailly as an agriculture and natural resources educator in Sublette County, and the Montana Agribusiness Foundation named its 2026 scholarship recipients. Local Business & Housing: Missoula officials are pushing an affordable housing project in Midtown forward for low-income housing tax credits, and Community Medical Center in Missoula launched a hospital-based detox program for alcohol and opioid withdrawal. Construction & Infrastructure: Missoula announced major road work, including a chip-seal project and a 10-week water main replacement on South 14th Street. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest midgrade and diesel prices in multiple Montana counties for the week ending May 30, underscoring continued fuel-price volatility.

Big Jobs Push for Great Falls: Janicki Industries is moving forward on an $800M manufacturing campus in Great Falls, targeting 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000+ after buildout, with average pay projected at $65,000-$120,000—sparking both excitement and housing affordability questions. Business Climate Watch: Montana labor data shows openings still outpacing closures, with the state ranking 16th for five-year business survival, even as owners report cost and staffing pressure. Energy Prices, Up Close: GasBuddy price reports show weekly fuel volatility across Montana counties, including diesel at $5.75 in Golden Valley County and regular as low as $4.57 in Silver Bow County. Agriculture & Food Security: Livingston’s “21 Cows” initiative is stepping in as federal food support cuts reduce pantry protein supplies, aiming to keep families fed in Park County. Livestock Biosecurity: Montana issued an emergency order halting imports of certain animals from New World Screwworm-affected areas after a Texas confirmation. Mining Update: Red Mountain Mining says it has identified outcropping garnet skarn at its Pioneer tungsten project and submitted rock chips for tungsten assays, with results expected by end of June. Policy & Oversight: Senators asked the DOT inspector general to review Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s corporate-donor-funded road trip video series.

Rural Health & Drug Supply: A $3.2 million grant will let rural hospitals pool buying power to access cheaper generics and reduce the risk of drug shortages. State Politics: Montana’s U.S. Senate race is taking shape after a Democratic primary upset, setting up a general election matchup against Republican Kurt Alme and independent Seth Bodnar. Workforce & Federal Operations: Forest Service employees are challenging a USDA reorganization, warning Montana could see more than 500 staff affected and relocation numbers may be far higher than officials predicted. Public Safety & Land Management: Missoula County is updating its wildfire protection plan, shifting messaging toward living with fire risk and boosting individual responsibility alongside mitigation. Tribal Business & Travel IDs: The Blackfeet Nation is rolling out Enhanced Tribal Identification cards approved for Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliance. Montana Economy & Growth: Mobix Labs signed a letter of intent to acquire Montana drone maker Vision Aerial, aiming to expand into defense, public safety, and aerial intelligence markets. Local Business Closures: After 55-plus years, the Anaconda Leader newspaper and print shop has closed, citing inflation and rising operating costs. Education & Skills Pipeline: Montana is named a semifinalist for the U.S. Department of Education’s Connecting Talent to Opportunity Challenge. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Montana fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting week-ending May 30 lows for diesel and premium.