Montana Department of Commerce

This document provides a summary of changes for the Draft FY 2027 Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan and Administrative Plan. It outlines revisions, additions, and updates, particularly concerning the implementation of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) policies across various chapters. Key areas of change include updates to income and asset definitions, waiting list preferences, inspection protocols (NSPIRE), and modifications to programs such as the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The plan also highlights accomplishments from the previous year, such as the awarding of PBV contracts and increased housing assistance funding.

The Commission conducted a round-robin discussion covering economic development initiatives, housing projects, broadband funding updates, and infrastructure developments across various tribal nations. Planning for the 2026 meeting schedule and metrics for monitoring program effectiveness, such as the Indian Equity Fund, were established. The meeting included presentations on the Montana Indigenous Tourism Trail Project and findings from research on small business access to capital and financing. Program updates were provided regarding the Indian Equity Fund, Native American Business Advisor programs, and upcoming grant application windows for tribal business development.

The agenda includes an update on the Fort Belknap Event Center and Hotel Expansion Project, discussions regarding MCA 90-1-105, and reports on the OICED, IEF, and NABA programs. Additionally, the meeting will feature a marketing and communications presentation, commissioner training, a review of an FY 2022 Indian Equity Fund recipient, and a tour of the Montana Heritage Center.

This Brand Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for the Montana Department of Commerce, aiming to unify its messaging and visual identity. It articulates the organization's mission to enhance the quality of life for Montanans by fostering sustainable economic growth and vibrant communities. Key elements include defining the brand's mission, vision, values (Innovation, Engagement, Integrity, Excellence, Love for Montana), and personality (Optimistic, Confident, Reliable, Industrious). The guide establishes a consistent voice and tone, messaging principles, and detailed brand identity guidelines covering logo usage, color palette, typography, and imagery. The overall purpose is to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful communication across all channels to drive a unified 'One Commerce' presence and support Montana's economy.

This public meeting discusses the Montana Board of Housing's initiative to procure a statewide housing needs assessment. This assessment aims to identify geographical and regional affordable housing needs within Montana by analyzing housing production, population growth, and resident incomes, with a draft anticipated by December 2026 and finalization by early 2027. Complementary discussions include MSU Extension's community coaching program, designed to assist rural communities with housing needs assessments by addressing capacity challenges, and the Commerce's Community Technical Assistance Program, which, supported by a PRO housing grant, focuses on land use planning, zoning reform, and resource development to enhance overall housing affordability and availability across the state, including for missing middle housing and mobile home parks.