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Billings council prioritizes downtown, E‑Bird and south‑side tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0 applications
Summary
Councilmembers directed staff to prepare Opportunity Zone re‑designation applications prioritizing Census Tract 4.02 (downtown hospital corridor), Census Tract 2 (E‑Bird/industrial parcels) and Census Tract 3 (South 27th corridor) for state nomination, citing development readiness, TIF alignment and available parcels.
The Billings City Council on June 15 reviewed the state’s Opportunity Zones 2.0 process and directed staff to prepare applications that prioritize three census tracts for Governor nominations.
Staff explained the timeline: applications are due July 7 to the Montana Department of Commerce, which will rank submissions and recommend up to 25 tracts for Governor Gianforte’s selection; selected tracts will then be certified by the U.S. Treasury. The state will consider partnership strength, near‑term development readiness and whether projects are likely to attract capital during the 10‑year designation window.
Council discussion focused on which tracts offered the best chance for near‑term investment and the greatest community benefit. Several councilmembers endorsed keeping the current downtown tract (4.02) in the running because of existing TIF activity and proximate development sites near the hospital corridor. Other members argued for prioritizing Census Tract 2 (an area with more vacant industrial parcels sometimes referenced as the E‑Bird area) because it likely has buildable parcels and TIF support. Councilmembers also discussed Census Tract 3, the South 27th corridor, noting the risk of displacement in mostly residential areas and that Opportunity Zone incentives typically target for‑profit investments (rentals and commercial projects, not single‑family owner‑occupied sales).
Developer Bill Honaker, who has used the current Opportunity Zone in a downtown hotel project, said the program can attract long‑term capital that makes marginal projects viable. After discussion Councilmember Mike Boyett moved — and a colleague seconded — to direct staff to pursue applications in priority order: 4.02, 2, then 3. Staff said they will coordinate partner letters and supporting documentation with TIF districts and economic development organizations for the July 7 submission.
