Council names Housing Authority of Billings as CRO to secure state reinvestment funds

The Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2024‑60 on Dec. 18, 2024, designating the Housing Authority of Billings as the community’s Community Reinvestment Organization (CRO) under the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan.

Commissioners debated two competing applicants during the final reading. Some members, including Commissioner Morgan, urged caution about legal questions and the certainty of promised matching funds from one applicant, but acknowledged the council must select a CRO by Dec. 31 or risk losing the funding. "If we don't do it by the end of the year, we forfeit the money," Commissioner Shea said during the debate, arguing the award would benefit middle‑income households and help deploy loans and financing.

Commissioner Thatcher and others raised concerns about the appearance of lobbying activity and whether a single organization had been unduly favored, but staff said the procedural and statutory timeline limited options. Several commissioners said one applicant presented evidence of available funding while the other was still resolving legal questions; that tilt contributed to the unanimous decision.

The clerk recorded a unanimous vote, 11‑0, putting the resolution on final reading and passing it that evening. Staff noted the council retains the ability to change a CRO later if circumstances require, and that CROs must demonstrate proof of matching funds by dates specified in state guidance.

The resolution sends the selection to final steps and preserves Butte‑Silver Bow’s eligibility to receive funds under the statewide program.