The Billings City Council on Dec. 8 approved conditional tax‑increment financing (TIF) assistance of up to $14,194.64 for facade improvements at 2923 Montana Avenue, a project proposed by Frontier Law Firm and recommended by the Downtown Billings Partnership (DBP) board.

Mamet Casey, development director for the Downtown Billings Partnership, told council the façade program is designed to attract customers into downtown, stimulate new business and revitalize commercial space. The proposed work for 2923 Montana Avenue includes replacement of two large garage‑style doors with energy‑efficient, lockable doors that maintain historic appearance, sidewalk and curb repair to improve accessibility, and some lighting improvements.

Casey said the facade program is a pre‑approved DBP initiative that does not carry a fixed annual budget; funding depends on the Downtown TIF forecast and available capacity. She told council the grant would be a one‑time disbursement in fiscal year 2027 if work is completed in the current fiscal year and a development agreement is signed.

Council discussed whether small façade awards should be routed through consent in future years and the staff indicated that staff will explore aligning these similar projects for future consent agenda handling and budget planning. Following brief public and council discussion, a councilmember moved to conditionally approve the assistance as recommended by the DBP board; the motion passed unanimously.

Quote

“One is obviously to attract new customers into the downtown area... Two is to stimulate new business and economic development,” Mamet Casey said while outlining the program’s objectives.

What happens next

If the city signs a development agreement and the work is completed in the current fiscal year, the DBP‑recommended disbursement will be made in fiscal year 2027. Council directed staff to consider program administration and budgeting approach ahead of next year’s work on similar small grants.

Vote

Motion to conditionally approve TIF assistance for Frontier Law Firm up to $14,194.64: passed unanimously.