AGP Executive Report

Credit Union Merger: Sky Federal Credit Union and On Tap Credit Union announced plans to merge, creating a combined Montana-and-Colorado credit union with about $671 million in assets and no planned branch closures. Housing & Policy Debate: New research is raising questions about whether inclusionary zoning—policies that require or incentivize developers to build affordable units—may be worsening the national home shortage. Election Transparency Push: Montana groups are urging voters to back I-194, arguing it would curb dark money by limiting corporate spending on ballot issues and candidates. Glacier Tourism Proposal: A hospitality company is seeking approval for a year-round aerial tram near Glacier National Park, with the Forest Service reviewing public need and the proposal’s ability to operate. Local Culture in Eastern Montana: Glendive is building what’s billed as Montana’s largest mural on a historic grain elevator, funded through a state tourism grant. Housing Costs Watch: Mortgage rates jumped to their highest level in nearly three years, pushing the typical 30-year fixed rate to 7.28%. Broadband Expansion: Vero Fiber completed its merger with MontanaSky, aiming to accelerate fiber growth across Northwest Montana. Fuel Pressure: Montana’s high gas and diesel prices are being linked to higher costs for farmers and ranchers, with ripple effects on grocery prices. Livestock Research: University of Wyoming researchers say more work is needed on how soil carbon sequestration could offset cattle methane emissions. Montana Ballots: Prairie County voters will weigh a Terry public schools improvement bond and a county road levy increase.

Dark Money Fight: A new Montana Plan push targets “dark money” in elections, arguing 501(c)(4) groups can spend heavily without naming donors, while opponents warn it could silence small Montana businesses. Local Arts & Culture: Livingston’s ArtWeek and the Big Bend Fine Art Auction wrapped up, with auctions featuring dozens of Montana artists and most proceeds going to creators. Wildlife & Federal Policy: Montana wildlife officials say proposed federal grizzly-bear management changes likely won’t change day-to-day work on the ground. Tech & Privacy: AI-powered license-plate cameras are expanding across Montana, raising accuracy and privacy questions as universities add more systems. Health & Community: Bozeman kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a downtown “pink” campaign supporting Cancer Support Community Montana. Business & Development: Missoula confirmed a Whole Foods location for the Midtown Market project, expected to open in April 2028. Energy Oversight: MEIC says NorthWestern Energy’s IRP revisions should address specific PSC-flagged gaps in resource adequacy, risk, modeling, and load forecasting.

Energy & Environment: Montana officials praised the Trump administration’s repeal of federal power-plant emission rules, while watchdog groups criticized the move as a step backward for air quality. Politics & Elections: A new Montana ballot measure, I-194, is drawing sharp backlash for being “dangerously overbroad,” with critics warning it could chill ordinary speech by Montana nonprofits and businesses. State Government: The state says accessibility upgrades for the new executive residence at the Samuel T. Hauser Mansion are in the concept/design phase, after questions about ADA compliance. Agriculture & Water: The Montana Stockgrowers Association announced a four-part fall webinar series on Montana water law and water-right administration ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Public Safety: Rangers say October is peak bear-activity season in national parks, with rules aimed at preventing avoidable encounters. Business & Jobs: A Senate-passed bill would expand access to capital for rural small businesses, with Montana’s Rep. Troy Downing leading the House companion. Local Notes: Cascade students attended a career and college fair in Great Falls, exploring universities, trade schools, and military options.

Montana Agriculture: A Sunburst family shared what’s worked on their farm after years of soil testing, stopping fallowing, expanding rotations, and using composting and biological products to cut fertilizer risk. State Politics: Montanans are set to vote on three statewide ballot measures—CI-132, CI-133 and I-194—with I-194 aimed at curbing “dark money” and corporate spending in elections. Tribal Affairs: President Trump plans a Choctaw Nation rally in Oklahoma, a rare move since most presidents seldom visit Indian Country while in office. Local Business & Community: First Interstate Bank employees completed nearly 400 volunteer projects during its ninth annual Volunteer Day across 10 states, including Montana. Public Safety: Billings plans to tackle graffiti on the Rims with firefighters rappelling down to paint over affected areas. Cost Pressures for Farmers: Diesel prices in Montana are near record highs, squeezing farm budgets as equipment runs can’t easily pause. Weed Control Funding: Montana’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant cycle for FY2027 is open, with applications due Jan. 6, 2027. Sports: Freshman Zoe Bar-Or earned Big Sky co-Golfer of the Week honors after a strong showing at the Sun Mountain Intercollegiate.

Montana State University Research: MSU says annual research spending is up 7% and has topped $300 million for the first time, underscoring the university’s growing role in Montana science and jobs. Agriculture & Water Policy: Montana Stockgrowers will host a four-part fall webinar series on water law and water-right administration ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Outdoor Access & Public Lands: Missoula-area protesters gathered to oppose rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, arguing roadless areas protect wildlife, wildfire risk, and clean water. Conservation Easement: FWP is seeking public comment on a proposed 99-year conservation easement for 3,652 acres on Hannah Ranch near Moore, aimed at protecting wildlife habitat while keeping ranching in place. Energy & Local Data Centers: Fergus County residents are asking for a data-center working group to set guidelines on size, water use, noise, and roads. Workforce & Industry: Sibanye ratified a new wage agreement for East Boulder workers, while strikes continue at Stillwater East. Health & Food Safety: FDA assigned the highest risk level to a Salata salad dressing recall over possible Salmonella contamination.

Montana Sports: The Grizzlies’ offensive line looks steadier after major offseason turnover, helping power a 40-point road win over UC Davis and giving Eli Gillman room for a record-setting day. Montana Education & Culture: The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia shut down after nearly 200 years, while in Bozeman the Museum of the Rockies opens “Popnology,” linking sci-fi to real tech with hands-on activities. Conservation & Land: Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch—113,000 acres south of Bozeman—remains a major wildlife haven for wolves, bears, bison and more. Local News & Community: Lee Enterprises is acquiring the Great Falls Tribune, expanding its Montana footprint. Public Safety: Town Pump Charitable Foundation awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants to volunteer fire departments statewide, including $20,000 for Cut Bank’s training facility. Health & Policy: Montana state employee healthcare costs rise in January, with negotiated changes easing some of the earlier increases.

Trade & Industry: A new analysis says the U.S.-Canada trade war is hitting some states harder than others, with Illinois, Texas, Michigan, New York and Ohio accounting for the biggest slices of Canada-linked goods trade as fresh import restrictions take effect. Montana Agriculture: The USDA has issued a federal drought disaster designation for much of Montana, unlocking emergency credit and low-interest loans for eligible counties as extreme dryness stretches through the growing season. Tribal Water: President Trump signed a law extending funding authority for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028, keeping key northeastern Montana water projects moving. Local Environment: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed 99-year conservation easement for 3,652 acres at Hannah Ranch, plus additional environmental assessments tied to prescribed fire and state park improvements. Energy & Grid Policy: A new policy paper lays out how states can measure grid utilization over time, as Montana and other states move toward similar regulatory frameworks. Business & Community: Lee Enterprises’ acquisition moves continue, with the Great Falls Tribune set to be acquired as local media portfolios realign. Sports & Politics: The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, a major step in the ongoing fight over college athlete rules and compensation.

Food & Community: The Big Sky Food and Wine Festival donated hundreds of pounds of leftover food to local food banks, turning a weekend of cooking into real help for neighbors. Cancer Advocacy: Volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network brought Montana’s cancer fight to the Capitol, stressing disparities for rural communities and American Indian patients. Water & Ranching: The Montana Stockgrowers Association roadshow in Glendive highlighted producer concerns over taxes, water rights, and a court fight over well-permit rules. Public Lands & Access: A proposed repeal of the 2001 roadless rule could reshape wildfire, water, and wildlife protections around Big Sky, with comments due Oct. 6. Local Economy & Industry: Gov. Gianforte toured the Graymont limestone operation near Townsend, underscoring its jobs and role in construction and water treatment. Media Business: Lee Enterprises agreed to acquire the Great Falls Tribune, expanding its Montana newspaper portfolio. Infrastructure: Crews began major replacement work on the 110-year-old St. Mary Diversion Dam near Babb, including fish-protection upgrades. Jobs Watch: Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in August, with Dawson County at 2.7%.

Media & Business: Lee Enterprises is buying key South Dakota and Montana papers, including the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and the Great Falls Tribune, while ending its TNI Partners venture with USA TODAY Co. Water Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte joined a multi-state letter opposing a House move that would curb states’ ability to use Missouri River water without unanimous governor approval. Montana Agriculture & Tech: A Montana Mesonet education open house is set for Oct. 3 in Ekalaka, teaching farmers how to use new monitoring data. Local Government: Carter County officials reviewed legal options in the ongoing Durm Road dispute after a court ruling declared it a county road. Business Growth: Missoula’s Montana Knife Co. made the Inc. 5000 list for the first time, posting 680% growth. Community & Culture: The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants will tour Montana with free shows in October, but tickets are required. Energy & Industry: A new push to repower aging solar farms could help meet rising electricity demand tied to data centers. Civic Rights: A First Amendment Day op-ed warns about efforts to restrict people’s ability to speak and organize together.

Montana Spotlight: SmartAsset ranked Montana America’s friendliest state, citing residents’ daily time spent socializing, volunteering, and helping others. Rescue & Safety: Montana National Guard DUSTOFF crews rescued two hikers near Mount Borah after a nighttime hoist operation in remote terrain. Agriculture Costs: Rising diesel prices are squeezing Montana farmers as fuel powers harvest equipment, generators, and transport. Energy Policy: The U.S. Department of Energy renewed an emergency order keeping a Colorado coal plant running longer, citing regional reliability concerns that also affect Montana’s power grid. Local Education Data: Silver Bow County colleges conferred 550 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with lineworker the top field by awards. Food Safety: A CDC update tracks multiple active foodborne outbreaks, including a salmonella surge tied to sprouts and jalapeños.

Endangered Species Act fight: A leaked U.S. Fish and Wildlife memo says accidental killings may no longer be treated as ESA violations, a move critics warn could gut protections for Montana’s grizzlies and bull trout by weakening the incidental-take permit system. Montana politics: Voters are set to weigh Initiative 194 (“The Montana Plan”), which would bar corporations, unions and other “artificial legal entities” from spending in state elections—an effort aimed at cutting dark money. Local development: Flathead County commissioners tabled a luxury Lakeside subdivision’s final plat after water-connection questions and public pushback tied to pending water-rights litigation. Healthcare labor: Logan Health nurses in Kalispell ratified a new union contract with major pay increases, including an 18% raise at ratification and larger across-the-board gains over the contract. Outdoor access debate: The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to presume most national-forest trails open to ATVs, dirt bikes and 4x4s unless marked closed, drawing conservation and sportsmen backlash. Beef prices politics: Polling shows President Trump’s net approval slipping in key beef states, including Montana, since the beef import quota announcement.

Montana Schools Settlement: A class-action lawsuit over how Montana teaches Native American history is nearing the finish line, with a judge granting preliminary approval of a settlement that would require clearer oversight, curriculum integration, and tribal involvement; a public comment period runs now, with a final approval hearing set for December. Big Sky Data Center Debate: A new report looks at the push-pull over data centers in Montana, highlighting how eastern Montana is still waiting on a large-scale project while developers show interest, and pointing to the Big Sky Campus near Broadview as a key example of what could come next. Exxon vs. MDT: ExxonMobil’s fight with the Montana Department of Transportation over cleanup costs tied to the Yale Oil property continues, with the company alleging violations tied to the state agency’s role in the long-running cleanup. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts has expanded to 32 cases, adding Minnesota and Oregon to the list that already includes Montana. Local Agriculture Event: Central Montana’s Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first “Harvest Train” farm-to-table dining event Oct. 2 on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, spotlighting ranchers and farmers along the route.

Beef Prices, Politics in Montana: Polling shows President Donald Trump’s net approval slid in 10 major beef states over the past month, including Montana, as the White House weighs lower grocery costs against ranchers’ fears about more imported beef. Native History Settlement: A Montana schools lawsuit over Native American history teaching is nearing an end, with a judge preliminarily approving a settlement that would require clearer oversight and more tribal input, followed by a public comment period. Exxon vs. Montana Roads: ExxonMobil’s fight with the Montana Department of Transportation over cleanup costs continues, with the company arguing the state agency violated rights tied to a clean and healthful environment. Data Centers Debate: Eastern Montana officials say developers are eyeing the region, but residents and opponents worry about electricity, water, and disruption—especially as projects advance elsewhere in the state. Public Health Alert: A salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts has expanded to 32 cases, now including Minnesota and Oregon, with Montana among affected states. Local Justice: A Billings man already in prison for assaulting a baby is now accused of insurance fraud tied to allegedly overstated stolen lawnmowers.

Capitol Restoration: Montana’s iconic “Montana” statue on the Capitol dome is being replaced after 125 years, with rust and corrosion found once it came down; the new statue is expected to cost about $790,000. Billings Justice: A Billings man already serving time for assaulting an infant is now accused of criminal insurance fraud, allegedly overstating the value of stolen lawnmowers that State Farm paid out on. Homelessness & Housing: Great Falls reports 231 people experiencing homelessness, up more than 10% from last year, as organizers point to high housing costs, low vacancy, and limited vouchers. Education Staffing: Rural Montana districts say they’re struggling to hire, including Malta starting the year without a band teacher and using after-school programs to keep music going. Courts on the Ballot: The Kalispell Chamber backs CI-132, a measure to keep Montana judicial elections nonpartisan. Public Safety/Environment: Montana’s predator policy is in focus as the FWP commission backs changes and drops trap checks. Local Culture: The Billings Symphony kicks off its Classic Series season with auditions for new music director candidates.

Montana Politics & Policy: A Helena town hall put flat-tax advocates on the education trail, arguing Montana should drop its two-bracket income tax and tax all income at 4.7%. Local Governance: Yellowstone County approved a second attempt at a ballot initiative that would regulate data centers and require interim zoning, with drought cited as the “emergency” backdrop. Consumer & Health: Montana’s Office of Public Instruction won federal grants to strengthen the MAST assessment system and expand student nutrition supports. Courts & Work: Three former Hi-Country Snack Foods employees won judgments for unpaid wages, while the bank is suing owners over millions in unpaid loans. Public Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled broccoli sprouts has grown to 32 confirmed cases across six states, including Montana. Montana Justice: Yellowstone County investigators say a 1978 Billings-area homicide—Corina Contreraz—has been solved using forensic genealogy, identifying Angelo James Stallsmith Sr. as responsible. Business & Agriculture: BASF and Bunge announced Bunge will process BASF’s InVigor Gold canola seed, with commercialization planned for Montana growers starting in 2027.

Flat Tax Push: Flat. Fair. Montana. Initiative advocates held a Helena town hall to argue for a single 4.7% income tax rate, replacing Montana’s two-bracket system. Data Center Fight: Yellowstone County’s revised ballot initiative would require interim zoning rules and a two-thirds vote for data center expansions, after drought and water concerns fueled opposition. Education Funding Gap: A new state study says Montana’s K-12 funding is $213 million short of what’s needed for a “quality education,” with lawmakers facing a budget decision. Utility Oversight: The Montana Public Service Commission sent NorthWestern Energy’s long-term plan back over deficiencies in modeling, forecasting and assumptions. Workplace Pay Dispute: Three former Hi-Country Snack Foods workers won judgments for unpaid wages totaling more than $20,000 as the bank sues owners for about $5.8 million. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled broccoli sprouts has grown to 32 confirmed cases across six states, including Montana. Capitol Statue Update: The state Capitol’s “Lady Montana” statue will be replaced after structural damage made repairs infeasible, with a replica estimated around $790,000. Native Colleges Under Strain: A report says tribal colleges face chronic federal funding cuts and inconsistent support, threatening programs and services. Food Recall Alert: Walmart shoppers in Montana were warned about a frozen pasta recall due to possible listeria contamination.