Dozens of residents told the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on June 4 that a proposed state women's prison would harm Butte's ongoing economic revitalization and community identity, and the council voted 11-0 to authorize a letter to the Montana Department of Corrections requesting clarification of the DOC's plans and assurance of public involvement.

Why it matters: Public commenters and multiple commissioners said the proposal could redirect local development, stigmatize neighborhoods and offer only a limited number of jobs for local residents. The council's request asks the DOC to be explicit about preferred locations, timing and public comment opportunities so local leaders and residents can respond.

The meeting's public-comment period featured more than a half-dozen speakers opposed to siting a women's prison in Butte. Britney Ferris said Butte is “beginning to grow and change in several positive aspects” and that a prison would undercut efforts to attract arts, performance and other investment. Mark Garf cited national peer-reviewed studies he said show prisons rarely bring lasting economic growth and said a $220,000,000 construction figure and promises of about 100 jobs were not sufficient to overcome long-term harms. Several other residents — including Chris Pantano, Shanna Adams and Dan Genasco — said the prison would strain local courts, public defenders and infrastructure and could deter private investment near industrial development zones such as the Ted District.

Commissioners debated the timing and tone of local action. Commissioner O'Leary said the segregated letter was intended to ensure the public had adequate time to comment before any state decisions were finalized. Commissioner Fisher urged caution about being premature and noted that site and funding decisions remain largely in state hands. Other commissioners, including Shea, Mankins, Anderson and Morgan, said they supported asking the DOC for clarity and for opportunities for fuller community input. Chief Executive Gallagher said she had heard “big concerns” and that the state may still be evaluating alternative sites, including Anaconda and Deer Lodge.

Formal action: Commissioner O'Leary moved to concur and place communication 2025-5309 on file, authorizing the council chairman to send a letter requesting clarification from the Montana DOC; the motion passed 11-0. The council recorded the item as “concur and place on file” with the chairman authorized to forward the letter on behalf of the council.

What the council asked for: Commissioners requested that the DOC clarify intended locations, project timing, and what formal opportunities for local public comment and review the state will provide before site selection or contract commitments are finalized. Several commissioners also said they will forward constituent emails to the state and urged residents to send comments to state contacts.

Context and next steps: Director Gookin of the Montana DOC previously presented to the council in March and stated that the facility would move forward only with local support; residents and commissioners at the June 4 meeting said they wanted the state to document how it will seek and weigh that local input. The council did not vote on any zoning, land-sale or contract matters related to the prison; the action authorized only the chairman to transmit the council's request for clarification to the DOC. If the state proceeds with a preferred site, additional local processes (public hearings, land-use reviews) would be required before local approvals or municipal actions, the council said.

Ending: Residents who spoke at the meeting were urged to continue submitting comments to both the council and to state officials; Council leaders said they will report back to the public if and when the DOC provides a formal response.