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Butte committee briefed on Opportunity Zones application; commissioners seek specifics
Summary
At a July 1 Economic Development Committee meeting, BLDC representative Kelly Sullivan said an application for Butte's two Opportunity Zones is due July 7 and that the governor will select about 25 statewide in September; Commissioner Russell O'Leary sought examples of projects that have come to fruition.
Kelly Sullivan, representing BLDC, told the Economic Development Committee on July 1 that Butte is preparing an application concerning its two Opportunity Zones and that the submission deadline is July 7.
"The application is due on July 7, and then final decisions from the governor will come down in in September," Sullivan said, offering committee members a printed briefing on the program and noting the process is more involved this round than when Opportunity Zones were first designated in 2018.
Sullivan said the city is applying again to have its same two zones considered among roughly 56 statewide nominations, with the governor expected to advance about 25. She declined to list all past projects but cited the Northwestern Energy building and some work at the old Montana Power site as examples of development located within an Opportunity Zone.
Commissioner Russell O'Leary asked whether the intent is to keep the same zone boundaries and pressed for examples of projects that have actually resulted from the designation. Sullivan said she could not name many completed projects from her time in the role but said she believes the local application is strong and that staff will follow up with more detailed mapping.
Commissioner Eric Mankins requested a follow-up from Karen Burns to provide precise zone boundaries and a clearer list of any realized projects so commissioners "are aware" of where zones lie and what benefits or changes might follow.
The discussion was framed as information-gathering rather than a formal decision; Sullivan and committee members agreed to provide additional documentation and a follow-up report for the committee to review before any action is taken.
