Billings 2024: A Year of Thriving Business Growth, Cultural Investment, and Strategic Development

As 2024 unfolds, Billings continues to solidify its reputation as a dynamic hub for commerce, community life, and workforce resilience. The city’s ongoing expansion is driven by a surge of new businesses, innovative recreational projects, and thoughtful infrastructure investments—all working in tandem to promote sustainable growth and enhance quality of life.

New and Expanding Businesses Drive Job Creation and Economic Momentum

Billings is experiencing a vibrant influx of new businesses that are energizing the local economy and creating numerous employment opportunities. Among the notable openings:

• Cheba Hut, a popular “smokin’ subs” chain, recently opened a new location, generating dozens of jobs. Employee Ashley Shickle expressed her enthusiasm: "When Cheba Hut came to Billings, I knew it was the place I wanted to work." This development not only diversifies dining options but also underscores the city’s appeal to emerging retail and hospitality ventures.

• A new bike shop is opening this weekend, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and promoting active lifestyles, further diversifying the local retail landscape.

• The city is also welcoming a new bookstore, aimed at supporting local literacy efforts and community engagement, which complements Billings’ growing cultural scene.

Cultural and Recreational Investments Supporting Community Vitality

Billings continues to enhance its community offerings through strategic investments in recreational and cultural projects:

• The Montana’s Biggest Taxidermy Competition is set to attract visitors from across the state, bolstering small businesses and artisans.

• The pickleball complex in the West End neighborhood reflects the sport’s rising popularity and aims to foster community engagement and healthy activity.

• Amend Park is evolving with plans for an indoor tennis facility and an ice arena, providing year-round recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Notably, the ice arena project is funded in part through tax increment financing (TIF), a mechanism that supports infrastructure development by reinvesting future property tax gains into current projects.

Workforce and Labor Developments Bolster Economic Resilience

A key factor behind Billings’ robust growth is its focus on workforce development:

• The city has become an unexpected hotspot for skilled trades, with apprenticeship programs and workforce training initiatives attracting new talent and supporting local industries.

• Recent labor agreements, such as the five-year contract ratified by over 500 drivers and warehouse workers at Sysco, have secured higher wages and improved working conditions. These negotiations enhance labor stability and ensure reliable supply chains, which are vital for sustaining economic momentum.

• Local leaders and community organizations are emphasizing training and education initiatives to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers, ensuring that growth remains sustainable and inclusive.

Ongoing Commercial Development and Infrastructure Enhancements

Beyond individual business ventures, Billings is investing heavily in infrastructure and strategic development projects:

• The West End development continues to attract investment, with projects aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and encouraging mixed-use growth.

• The Colonial Apartments are undergoing renovations, contributing to neighborhood stability and attracting new residents.

• The Montana Department of Transportation is conducting safety studies on Highway 3 to improve traffic flow and safety amid rising commercial activity, reflecting proactive planning.

• Closer management of TIF districts is underway, with City Council discussions focusing on the oversight of projects like the Amen Park ice arena. Billings city councilman has called for more detailed management of TIF districts to ensure transparency and accountability, emphasizing the importance of aligning public funds with community priorities.

Community Leaders and Local Projects Fusing Growth with Neighborhood Revitalization

Prominent community figures, such as Grant and Jessie Scelzi, are championing initiatives that blend economic development with neighborhood revitalization. Their "Community first, pickleball second" project exemplifies efforts to foster economic growth while enhancing community spaces and recreational amenities.

Current Status and Future Outlook

Billings’ 2024 landscape reflects a community that is embracing growth with strategic planning and community-centric initiatives. The combination of new businesses, cultural and recreational investments, and infrastructure development positions the city as a resilient, expanding hub of commerce and livability.

As projects like the Amen Park ice arena and the TIF district management become more refined, Billings is poised to sustain its economic vitality while ensuring that growth benefits all residents. The city’s ongoing efforts demonstrate a commitment to balancing development with quality of life, setting the stage for continued success in the coming years.