Staff recommends the City Council receive this informational update on the implementation of the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MCA Title 76, Chapter 25) through Billings 2045. No formal action is requested at this time. Staff is seeking general direction and feedback from City Council to ensure alignment between Council and the Interim Planning Commission (IPC) on specific elements as the process moves forward. This afternoon's focus will be on the Encouragement of Development of Housing in MCA 76-25-302.  

This work session provides City Council with an update on the City’s implementation of the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA) and development of the Billings 2045 Land Use Plan. MLUPA requires qualifying municipalities, including Billings, to adopt a Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map to guide long-term growth and development. Staff will provide an overview of the Act, summarize outreach efforts conducted to date, and share key themes emerging from community input. In addition, staff will review the statutory requirement under MCA 76-25-302 to adopt at least five strategies to encourage the development of housing and will seek general direction from Council regarding those strategies.

No formal action is requested at this time. The purpose of this discussion is to ensure communication and alignment between City Council and the Interim Planning Commission as Billings 2045 moves forward.

In 2023, the Montana State Legislature passed Senate Bill 382, the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA), codified in Title 76, Chapter 25 of the Montana Code Annotated. The intent of the Act is to provide a comprehensive land use planning system that promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Montana. The Act outlines that a municipality with a population at or exceeding 5,000 located within a county with a population at or exceeding 70,000 in the most recent decennial census shall comply with the provisions. The Montana Land Use Planning Act mandates that municipalities develop and implement a Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map (Billings 2045) to guide future development. Billings 2045 will serve as a comprehensive plan that addresses land use, economic development, housing, public services, and natural resources. 

Staff will review the following items with City Council:

• An overview of the Montana Land Use Planning Act and its implementation requirements;
• An update on outreach efforts conducted throughout the community to date;
• A summary of key themes and feedback received through those outreach efforts;
• A review of the statutory criteria for encouraging the development of housing pursuant to MCA 76-25-302, which requires the selection of at least five strategies to support housing within the City of Billings; and
• Discussion and general direction from City Council regarding these housing strategies to ensure Billings 2045 aligns with Council expectations as the process moves forward.

There are no fiscal impacts associated with this item at this time. This work session is informational only and does not involve budgetary commitments.

The implementation of the Montana Land Use Planning Act and Billings 2045 affects all residents of the City of Billings.

No formal alternatives are presented, as no action is being requested of the City Council. This item is intended to provide an update and receive general feedback and direction from Council to ensure consistency with the Interim Planning Commission as implementation of the Montana Land Use Planning Act and Billings 2045 continues.