The Billings Livability Partnership (BLP) is a public-private partnership whose purpose is to support community projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in Billings.  The Partners work together to attract public and private investments for projects that provide more transportation choices, promote equitable, affordable housing opportunities, enhance economic competitiveness, support the existing community, align federal, state, regional and local policies and investment, and value our diverse community and its vibrant neighborhoods.  The BLP modeled itself after the federal interagency collaboration between U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The federal partnership adopted six livability principals.  The federal agencies incorporate the six livability principles into federal funding programs and policies.

In order to successfully compete for state and federal grant funds, applicants are required to address the livability principles in program proposals for the following grant programs: Montana Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant, HUD planning grants and DOT TIGER grants, and EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants, among others. Most recently, these principles were addressed in the County's CDBG Planning grant application to conduct a needs assessment, market study and income survey in the unincorporated areas of Huntley, Worden, Ballantine, Pompey's Pillar, Waco and Shepherd.  Big Sky Economic Development’s (BSED) successful application for $400,000 in EPA Brownfields Assessment grant funds, which will be used to assess properties in the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD), also required the grantee to specifically address the livability principles. More and more federal grants are incorporating these principles. 
The MOU is especially important at this time because of the intent of the Policy Coordinating Committee to apply for a federal TIGER grant next year.  The TIGER grant application references the Principles of Livability and requests a description as to how the proposed project addresses them.  The proposed TIGER grant would request funding for upgrading the two downtown railroad underpasses and constructing two bicycle/pedestrian bridges across the railroad tracks to facilitate both motorized and non-motorized traffic movement across the tracks.  Having this MOU in place, along with additional MOUs from other partners, would help demonstrate the City of Billings’ understanding and acceptance of the livability principles.

The City Council may vote to approve the Mayor signing the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the City Council or choose to deny this action.

Other than some minor staff time dedicated to attending bi-monthly 1.5 hour meetings, there is no fiscal impact to the City.

Staff recommends the City Council approve the Billings Livability Partnership Memorandum of Understanding and direct the Mayor to sign it on its behalf.