Beginning in July 2012, Big Sky Economic Development Authority (BSEDA) collaborated with property owners and civic leaders in Billings to develop a concept plan for the Exposition Gateway. The Exposition Gateway planning process addresses properties east of the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD).  This plan was approved by the Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners on May 28th, 2013.  The Big Sky Economic Development Board of Directors adopted it on June 13th. The City Council will consider adopting the plan at its June 24th, 2013 meeting.

The Exposition Gateway Master Plan presents a number of recommendations and implementation actions that can be used to guide future development within the Exposition Gateway.  As part of the implementation of the Exposition Gateway Master Plan, an engineering study is needed to determine quantities and costs of public infrastructure improvements.  The City of Billings Public Works Department has solicited a fee proposal in the amount not to exceed $10,000 to perform this study.  Results of the study may be used to help create an SID/RSID that will construct the improvements. 

The Billings Industrial Revitalization District, Inc. (BIRD) Board of Directors voted to recommend the use of EBURD Tax Increment Finance (TIF) to fund the study.  Work is to begin as soon as possible.
 

• Agree to utilize EBURD TIF funds for this project; or
• Do not agree to utilize the EBURD TIF funds for this contract and the project will not be able to proceed.