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 continued discussion on the Encouragement of Development of Housing in MCA 76-25-302, a brief overview of the economic analysis, and an introduction to the future land use categories.   

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:

• Continued discussion to achieve direction associated with the Encouragement of Development of Housing in MCA 76-25-302
• Overview of the Economic Analysis Report for Billings 2045
• Overview of the Future Land Use Designations for the Future Land Use Map

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.

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