Butte‑Silver Bow approves Uptown Business Improvement District after heated debate, 9‑2

The Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners voted 9‑2 on Dec. 18 to adopt Resolution 2024‑61, declaring the intent to create Business Improvement District No. 1 for Uptown Butte.

Proponents framed the BID as the practical next step stemming from the Uptown master plan. "Establishing a business improvement district in Butte, Montana is the key to revitalizing Uptown as a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and community," said Cassie Wick, co‑owner of 5518 Designs, during the public comment period. Director Karen Burns told commissioners the district proposal grew out of the May 2022 master plan and said citizens and a steering committee ran a multi‑month petition process to collect signatures and develop assessment options.

Supporters on the council argued the BID provides a governance structure and predictable revenue that local business leaders can use to pursue grants and district services. "This is a citizen‑driven initiative," Commissioner Shea said, adding that the BID gives local business owners a tool to pool money and seek matching grants.

Some commissioners and business owners pushed back. Commissioner Sorich and others said long‑standing Uptown property owners felt "railroaded" and that the final petition and assessment materials arrived late or were confusing to some merchants. Commissioner Reardon said many in the community worry about the cost burden and wanted clearer explanations of how assessments were calculated.

Director Burns and other staff explained the assessment methodology includes a flat fee plus portions of assessed value and square footage, and that commercial condominium units are counted separately because they receive individual tax bills. Burns said the steering committee worked to balance fairness across different property types.

The council debated outreach and whether the BID would automatically deliver all the hoped‑for improvements. "$248,000 a year is not going to save Uptown by itself," Commissioner Sorge said, but added the BID can be used to leverage additional grants and investments.

The resolution passed by recorded vote 9 yeas and 2 nays. The clerk announced the tally; the transcript did not list the specific names recorded as nay at the roll call moment. The BID ordinance will take effect as set out in the resolution and the district's board of directors will be responsible for prioritizing services such as beautification, marketing or snow removal if the board chooses to fund them.

Commissioners and staff said next steps include publication of the resolution and follow‑up as required by state statute. The council adjourned after noting other business.