We’re eager to charge into the new year to help make it the strongest possible economic growth year for the Great Falls trade area. Here are ten new things we have in the works for 2026.
1) Housing Loan Capital. We are going to seek $3-4 million in additional loan capital that we can use to support housing development.
2) Great Falls AgriTech Park. We plan to construct the road, water and sewer improvements serving four more lots in the Park and already have two companies interested in buying lots and building new facilities.
3) Urban River Activation. We are going to create a task force to explore ways to stimulate more activity on the Great Falls urban river corridor and along the riverfront.
4) Catalyst Redevelopment Plans. We are going to develop redevelopment plans for at least five sites in Cascade County, sites that if redeveloped could be a catalyst for further investment on nearby properties. We have already selected the first two sites and scheduled public meetings to get community ideas.
5) Opportunity Zones. We are going to create a task force to explore how we can make use of the new Opportunity Zones that the Governor will designate in 2026 to attract impactful investment.
6) Defense Industry Market Assessment. We are going to commission a defense industry consultant to conduct a market assessment for attracting defense industry to the Great falls trade area to complement our powerful military missions, build tax base, and create higher wage career opportunities.
7) Data Centers Task Force. We are going to create a task force to develop criteria and strategies to attract investment in data centers that will create new economic opportunity while protecting our region.
8) Central Montana Defense Coalition. We are going to launch the new regional defense mission advocacy and support effort.
9) Downtown Great Falls Lighting Plan. We think a public/private plan to enhance lighting downtown will boost businesses, improve safety, attract more high quality investment in developing properties, and increase the enjoyment of residents.
10) Target Industry Sector Cohorts. We are going to expand our business cohort program to launch cohorts of businesses in target industry sectors to support business retention and expansion.
And we will continue to do what we have been doing in business development, business advising, marketing, and gap and bridge financing.
Ignite 2026 is shaping up to be our best yet! Hope you can join us as we kick off the new year.
