Reports
The long-term goals of this strategic plan address the three decades-long weaknesses of the Great Falls regional economy, low wage structure, overdependence on two primary sector industries, and lack of economic growth.
Barber Business Advisors spent time in Great Falls asking resident stakeholders about their thoughts about the city and the surrounding area. These dozens of interviews, conducted virtually and on the ground, represent the Phase 1 Discovery part of an economic development strategic plan.
Through a combination of confidential interviews and focus group meetings, the BBA project team gained a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of GFDA as an organization, and the challenges and opportunities that await it. This document outlines the observations not only of those interviewed but also the findings by principal consultants Dean Barber and Christine Rambo. BBA consultants Tim Feemster and Barry Albrecht, assigned to analyzing specific industry sectors, were largely not involved in the organizational SWOT.
This report by Barber Business Advisors examines the factors related to the Great Falls region’s higher transportation costs.
This report by Barber Business Advisors provides a situational Analysis on Malmstrom AFB and an overview of its programs and operations.
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every community and industry in the United States, including the Great Falls region,1 which includes a diverse mix of home-grown businesses and national brands across food/bio/agricultural processing, steel fabrication, energy, Air Force, logistics, and back office/call center operations. This report examines the impact of COVD-19 on the Great Falls regional economy.
Value-added agriculture entails changing a raw agricultural product into something new through packaging, processing, cooling, drying, extracting or any other type of process that differentiates the product from the original raw commodity. In general, adding value is the process of changing or transforming a product from its original state to a more valuable state. This report identifies the value-added activities that will support the necessary investment in research, processing, and marketing.
The Bioscience Economic Development Strategy for the Great Falls Montana region. The report, prepared by Tripp Umbach with the input and assistance of key local industry partners, details four key findings and four strategic actions to grow and diversify bioscience-related industries in Great Falls.
Prepared by Tripp Umbach
We are pleased to release the Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment that the Great Falls Development Authority commissioned to help childcare operators gauge demand for additional childcare centers.
Prepared by Camion Associates
In 2021 The Great Falls Development Authority, NeighorWorks Great Falls and The Great Falls Association of Realtors partnered with The Concord Group to conduct a housing study on the local market. The Concord Group’s scope of work included an assessment of key housing trends and demand drivers (including employment and demographic trends) for the MSA as well as for the broader 13-County region.
2021 Housing Market Demand Assessment
Prepared by the Concord Group
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Prepared by the Concord Group
The City of Great Falls commissioned a housing study in 2015. Learn more here:
Great Falls Housing Supply Study
Prepared by Johnson Economics, May 2015
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Chmura Economics provided us with an Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Great Falls Montana MSA report. Thank you to the Chmura team for doing this for us pro bono! We are still in the midst of economic impact and there is much uncertainty, however, this early analysis is useful as we continue to help businesses adapt and pursue new opportunities.
Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Great Falls Montana MSA
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Great Falls ISO Fire Protection Rating
Prepared by ISO, April 25, 2016
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We have worked with leading industry consultants to identify unique and profitable business opportunities in Great Falls, Montana. These cases are based on competitive advantages for our region. They include:
Business Case for Barley Ingredient Processing
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Business Case for Wheat Ingredient Processing
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Business Case for Pulse Butters and Spreads Processing
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Business Case for Pulse Fractionation
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Business Case for Pulse Snack Food Processing
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Business Case for Specialty Malting
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Business Case for Specialty Pasta Processing
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Business Case for Sprouted Grains Processing
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Great Falls MT Food Processing Operating Cost Comparative Study
Prepared by The Boyd Company, Inc., 2018
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Population Growth Economic Impact Report
Prepared by Chmura Economics & Analytics, May 15, 2017
What would happen if Great Falls, MT grew by 0.85%? 1.07%?
Great Falls Labor Supply Report
Prepared by Chmura Economics & Analysis, August 3, 2017
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Great Falls Labor Demand Certification
Prepared by June 18, 2015
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