Great Falls BID approves FY2027 budget, two grants for new downtown business

Great Falls — The Great Falls Business Improvement District board voted May 14 to approve its FY2027 budget and to authorize two grants to support a new downtown photography business, board documents show.

Vice Chair Neal DuBois called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. and confirmed a quorum. BID staff member Kellie Pierce briefed the board on budget presentation dates provided by the City and described updates to the proposed FY2027 budget and the remainder of the current fiscal year. Board member Leo Imperi moved to approve the FY2027 budget as presented; Keith Cron seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board then approved the April 30, 2026 financial statements, including the balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement, after a motion by Leo Imperi and a second from Sherrie Arey. Both the budget and financial approvals were recorded as unanimous votes by the six members present.

Kellie Pierce also presented a series of operational updates. She said Central Avenue construction (Central, 2nd–4th streets) will begin after the Fourth of July, with 5th Street work scheduled next spring; CapCon was awarded the construction contract and planned a contractor meeting the afternoon of May 14. Pierce reported that Tilleraas will install red, white and blue flowers near the end of the month for the America250 theme, and staff continue to troubleshoot kinks in the downtown sound system. Board member Leo Imperi said he has identified several options for alley lighting and plans to bring samples to a future meeting. The BID had been considering a truck acquisition but the specific Subaru vehicle discussed was sold; board members noted a preference to support Subaru vendors if possible.

Under partnership and events: Pierce said the BID will bring a revised professional services agreement with the Downtown Great Falls Association (DGFA) to the board next month for review and approval. Anna, speaking in the DGFA update, reported the Proxi mapping tool is in heavy use; she said the Mimosa Showdown voting has been set up through that system, DGFA has added 13 new members this year, and events planned include Craft Beer Week (June 8–13) and a Golf Scramble at Hickory Swings on June 12.

Pierce reported progress on downtown planning and parking initiatives: a Super TIF Committee is reviewing applications and City staff are working on updates to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan and Downtown Master Plan. The parking task force received nine responses to its RFI for parking technology and plans to issue an RFP; the Parking Commission has filled its vacancies and added members from the task force. On safety, Pierce said a police officer will be dedicated to downtown this summer and school resource officers will have a summer presence focused on parking garages.

On grants, Kellie Pierce said 410 Central Ave LLC applied for business incentive and interior improvement grants for a new tenant, S Marquette Photography. The board approved a Business Incentive Grant of $845 (motion by Leo Imperi; second by Keith Cron) and approved an Interior Grant with a maximum payout of $2,595 (motion by Cara Carlson; second by Leo Imperi). The interior project estimate provided was $8,650; the board approved the maximum interior grant allowed under its guidelines. Both grant approvals passed unanimously.

Jake Clark of the Great Falls Development Alliance told the board GFDA will hold second interviews for the Downtown Business Development Officer position; Pierce and Brock Cherry of the City will serve on the selection committee. Clark said GFDA is advocating for two Opportunity Zones downtown and updated members on a downtown catalyst project on the city-owned block between 6th and 7th streets.

On personnel, Pierce said staff member Dylan is meeting expectations. During new business, board member Cara Carlson asked about sidewalk power washing; the board directed Pierce to have the work done before June 30.

The meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m. The next BID board meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026.