The Downtown Billings Partnership (DBP) is requesting that the City Council approve up to $50,000 for the "Battle of the Plans  2017-2018."  The City Council amended the Expanded N. 27th Street Urban Renewal Plan in 2012 to designate retail recruitment and retention as a project under the Plan.  The DBP conducted its first business plan competition in 2016 and would like to repeat it in FY 2018. New or expanding businesses submit their business plans and the award winners are selected by a committee.  Those businesses may receive assistance with rent, signs, tenant improvements and marketing.  From the first competition, four new businesses located downtown and another one expanded. 

City Council may approve or disapprove the request.  If the Council does not approve the request, the DBP will have to find alternative funding or eliminate the program from the FY18 budget and activities. 

The Expanded N. 27th Street Urban Renewal District, Fund 203, has an estimated $2.7 million ending fund balance in FY17, so there are sufficient funds for this project. 

The Downtown Billings Partnership Board of Directors recommends that the City Council approve downtown tax increment funding up to $50,000 for the "Battle of the Plans 2017-2018.