Land Board approves donation of Helena residence to state as governor’s executive residence, with reversion conditions

At its June 15, 2026 meeting in Helena, the Board of Land Commissioners approved agenda item 0626-2, accepting a proposed charitable gift agreement for a Helena residence from Greg R. Gianforte and Susan K. Gianforte to the State of Montana.

Amanda Kaster, director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, introduced the item. The Department of Administration presented details through Director Misty Ann Giles and counsel Don Harris. Christi Jacobsen, Montana Secretary of State, moved to approve the item; Austin Knudsen, Montana Attorney General, seconded. The board approved the measure 4-0 with one abstention.

The written agreement attached to the board materials identifies the property as the residence at 720 Madison Avenue in Helena and sets out several required steps and conditions. Key terms recorded in the agreement and discussed by staff and board members include an appraisal to be completed (the document references an appraisal step to be finished before closing), a closing process in which a grant deed with conditions subsequent will be recorded, and a Termination Date of December 31, 2056. Under the Conditions Subsequent the State must use the property as the executive residence of the governor (with limited temporary exceptions up to 24 months), pay taxes and assessments, avoid adding permanent easements or transferring ownership, and refrain from designating another property as the executive residence. If the State fails to meet those conditions prior to the Termination Date, the agreement provides for the residence to pass to a contingent donee: Carroll College (with substitution by the Montana Family Institute if Carroll is not a qualifying tax-exempt organization at that time).

The agreement also specifies ancillary items: the donors may pay for and obtain the required qualified appraisal; the donors retain the right to remove personal property through January 2, 2029; the donors have the option to place donor plaques consistent with state brand standards; and the recipient (the State) would pay closing costs and title insurance. The document describes the transfer as a charitable gift under federal tax law and includes standard title and closing mechanics.

Board discussion recorded in the minutes shows sustained questioning of Department of Administration staff and legal counsel about the terms and administration of the gift; James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, asked repeated clarifying questions and Department staff responded. State Senator Mary Ann Dunwell provided public comment on the agenda item (comments are listed in the meeting record). The minutes do not show any formal legal challenge or an alternate proposal; the board took the approval vote at the meeting.

Next steps in the written process include completing the appraisal and closing actions described in the agreement and delivering recorded deeds or subsequent quitclaim documents depending on whether the Conditions Subsequent are satisfied by the Termination Date. The board minutes note the approval; the agreement and exhibits in the meeting packet provide the detailed mechanics and timelines that will govern the transaction.