AGP Executive Report

Montana Politics: Gov. Greg Gianforte launched the “Flat. Fair. Montana” push, backing a 4.7% flat income tax rate and urging the Legislature to act, arguing it boosts certainty for families and business while Democrats immediately criticized the plan. Water & Environment: A Montana federal judge temporarily blocked Interior Department and West Side Ditch Co. from diverting Upper Clark Fork River water when flows drop, citing likely harm to endangered bull trout. Health Access: Planned Parenthood of Montana says it will open a Bozeman clinic in summer 2027, adding procedural abortion services and pointing to patient travel from the Bozeman area. Housing Costs: New county-by-county public housing rent numbers show Lewis and Clark County averaging $506/month in 2025, with other counties also reporting rent and occupancy details. Labor & Economy: A strike is underway at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Montana operations, with picket lines steady as negotiations continue. Local Business: Missoula’s Famous Dave’s abruptly closed, leaving long-time employees scrambling for work.

Montana Energy & Federal Policy: The U.S. Forest Service says it will close 23 minimally used research and development facilities nationwide, but keep three in Montana—Missoula, Hungry Horse and Bozeman—shifting staff to other nearby sites. Public Safety & Justice: A Montana DUI Reform Summit in Kalispell brought families, law enforcement and lawmakers together after intoxicated driving deaths, including a case tied to a driver with a BAC near three times the legal limit. Telecom & Business: Visionary Broadband and Clearwave Fiber have agreed to combine, building an independent fiber platform across 17 states, including Montana, aiming at about 700,000 homes and businesses. Housing Costs: Dawson County public housing averaged $287 a month in 2025, while Yellowstone County averaged $491—both tied to HUD-assisted rent rules and occupancy levels. Wildlife & Staffing: A new report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply, including a 40% drop in Montana since 2024. Legal Watch: States including Montana urged the U.S. Supreme Court not to rush a major Paramount merger case. Trade Pressure: NPR reports Trump’s escalating Canada trade fight is raising anxiety in rural border states like Montana, where Canada is a top export market.

Montana Health Costs: Montana state employees and retirees face a major jump in out-of-pocket costs starting Jan. 1, 2027, with medical deductibles tripling from $1,000 to $3,000 and out-of-pocket maximums rising sharply. Local Governance/Data Centers: Yellowstone County opponents of a Broadview-area data center are pushing for interim zoning to pause the project, but county officials say a new state law may block that move. Storm Damage: A massive Labor Day hailstorm hit Shepherd and Huntley with reports of 2–3 inch hail, strong winds, broken windows, and damaged vehicles and outbuildings. Public Safety/Weather: The Bitterroot National Forest warned of heavy precipitation risks, including flash flooding and debris flows, especially near recently burned areas. Wildlife Policy: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ended the annual federal rulemaking for migratory bird hunting seasons, shifting the season framework into a memorandum cycle. Housing Numbers: New figures show public housing household incomes in Montana counties, including Deer Lodge ($19,282), Yellowstone ($21,183), and Lewis and Clark ($21,660) in 2025. Fentanyl Sentencing: A Federal Way man was sentenced to nine years for a fentanyl trafficking operation tied to fatal overdoses on the Lummi Nation reservation.

Butte Lawsuit: A boy’s mother is suing the ride owner, inspector and Butte-Silver Bow over a Yo-Yo carnival ride death, alleging missing restraint parts and questions about the inspector’s certification. Montana Housing Numbers: New federal data show Yellowstone County public housing households averaged $21,183 income in 2025 (216 units, 91% occupied), while Lewis and Clark County averaged $21,660 (366 units, 98% occupied) and Cascade County averaged $19,915 (489 units, 91% occupied). Climate Impacts in Big Sky: A new study warns Yellowstone geysers could become less active as warming reduces snowpack. Workforce & Politics: Montana’s workforce push highlights Gov. Gianforte’s 406 JOBS plan and union endorsements in federal races, as candidates court working-class voters. Energy Costs: Labor Day gas prices hit record highs nationwide, with Montana averaging about $4.38 a gallon. Local Wildlife Planning: Bozeman is working to prevent human-wildlife conflicts before they start, using FWP staff as first responders. Regional Economy: Montana Renewables says it’s revising its biorefinery expansion scope and spending.

Human-Wildlife Management in Bozeman: Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff are acting as “first responders” to rising deer, bear, and mountain-lion conflicts as neighborhoods expand into habitat, with a push toward tools that help cities anticipate problems before they flare. Labor & Industry in Montana: Sibanye-Stillwater faces a strike at its Montana palladium-group operations after contract talks broke down, with the union alleging unfair labor practices over health benefits and incentives. Housing Numbers Across Montana: Lewis and Clark County public housing hit 98% occupancy in 2025, while Yellowstone County sat at 91% and Dawson County at 95%, alongside separate counts of voucher and project-based assistance. Public Safety & Courts: Two Bozeman men were sentenced to federal prison for meth trafficking from Las Vegas into Montana. State Policy Watch: Gov. Greg Gianforte met with students and families in Billings to discuss stronger protections for Montana children from harmful social media effects. National Park Fees: A new look at NPS fee changes for foreign visitors raises concerns about a fast-growing $90 million problem.

Energy Costs: Americans are bracing for record Labor Day gas prices, with the national average projected to hit about $4.03 a gallon—up sharply from last year—while the Middle East conflict keeps pressure on fuel supplies. Retirement Rules: A Montana-focused explainer highlights how federal wildland firefighters can see overtime boost Social Security credits without necessarily raising their FERS “high-three” pension pay. Local Governance: A study commission is weighing changes that could shrink Butte-Silver Bow’s council size and shift leadership toward a city-county manager model. Youth & Safety: Gov. Greg Gianforte is pushing stronger protections for Montana children from harmful effects of social media after a Billings roundtable with students and parents. Missing Kids: A commentary argues Montana needs a clearer, consistent public notification standard for missing children, since relying on a database or social media screenshots leaves families in the dark. Tech & Water: Protesters from Texas to New Mexico are targeting data center expansion over water use and pollution concerns, as Montana candidates debate whether AI infrastructure should face moratoriums or tighter guardrails.

Energy Costs & Politics: Americans head into Labor Day with record-high gas prices, with GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan forecasting the national average could hit about $4.03 a gallon—well above the 2012 record—while the Middle East war keeps pressure on fuel supplies and midterm campaigns turn pump prices into a political issue. Montana Public Lands & Access: A Montana op-ed argues repealing the Roadless Rule would be a bad deal for Montanans, warning it could mean more costly roads and harm to streams that feed major trout fisheries. Wildlife Staffing Cuts: A new report says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed 3,600 jobs in Trump’s second term, including a 40% drop in Montana staff, raising concerns for enforcement and conservation capacity. Housing Numbers Hold Steady: HUD data shows several Montana counties with unchanged public housing inventories in 2025, including Lewis and Clark (366 units), Yellowstone (216), and Cascade (489). Local Development: Belgrade’s “Big Red” grain elevator could get a new life after an EPA brownfields grant proposal, aiming to repurpose the long-abandoned structure. Community & Culture: Montana Treehouse Retreat in the Flathead Valley is launching an outdoor concert series, with Laura Gibson slated for Sept. 19.

Housing Watch (Montana counties): HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households shows several Montana counties holding steady in 2025 public housing totals: Lewis and Clark County (366 units), Yellowstone County (216), Cascade County (489), and Dawson County (20) all unchanged from 2024, with occupancy rates ranging from 91% to 98% and typical rents generally around a quarter to a third of household income. Local Politics & Housing: Fergus County Commissioner races spotlight housing pressures, with candidates pointing to rising costs and fewer available rentals. Wildlife Policy: A Trump order launches a federal review of gray wolf and Mexican wolf protections, setting up possible changes to Endangered Species Act status. Energy Costs: With Labor Day approaching, gas prices are expected to hit record levels nationally, driven by war-related supply pressures. Data Centers: Custer County residents packed a zoning hearing over proposed hyperscale data center rules, pushing for stronger limits or a moratorium. Workforce & Training: Miles Community College highlights growth in its CDL program as Montana employers face ongoing driver shortages. Community Spotlight: Belgrade’s historic “Big Red” grain elevator could get new life through an EPA brownfields grant. Sports: The Pioneer League’s Missoula-area Mobiles set a record with a 39th straight loss.

Montana Budget Watch: Montana spent $9.8 billion in FY26, with 43% coming from federal sources, 29.6% from the state general fund, and 24.7% from state special revenue funds, according to the Legislative Fiscal Division. Missoula Housing & Data Centers: Missoula is tweaking its Complete Streets policy with housing now a top priority, while city and county leaders keep wrestling with data center rules and moratoriums as local companies seek approvals. Affordable Housing Preservation: Missoula officials are trying to preserve a rent-restricted affordable housing complex, with the Montana Board of Housing set to make a final call soon. Food Safety Alert: Washington and Montana health officials are investigating Salmonella linked to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts; no recall has been issued, but shoppers are told to throw the product out. Voting Rights Fight: A federal judge blocked key Trump mail-ballot restrictions for the 2026 midterms, warning disenfranchisement could be “practically inevitable.” Wildlife Policy: Trump’s order directs Interior to consider delisting gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, a move Montana’s wolf-management landscape will feel. Community Spotlight: A new nonprofit, Helping Us Build, plans to grow out of the restored Mountain Telephone Building in Miles City.

Montana Wildlife & Courts: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Bureau of Land Management from enforcing an order to remove American Prairie’s bison from three northeastern Montana grazing allotments, saying the group is likely to succeed in its legal challenge over how bison fit under the Taylor Grazing Act. Public Safety: Bozeman police and FWP say bear calls are up, with 27 reports since late August, and they’re urging residents to keep distance and avoid conflicts. Housing Numbers: HUD data shows Helena’s public housing unit total stayed at 366 in 2025, with similar stability reported across other Montana cities. Local Governance & Data Centers: Butte-Silver Bow council is weighing a data center moratorium after Missoula’s moratorium approach, as residents and officials debate regulation versus a pause. State Politics & Elections: A former RNC chair, Marc Racicot, endorsed Democrat Sam Forstag in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, a notable crossover boost ahead of midterms. Mental Health: A new study finds states are regulating youth social media at record pace, but the research backing for many rules is mixed.

River Restoration & Access: Missoula celebrated new Clark Fork River access points, linking downtown trails to the river and improving habitat by restoring eroding banks and adding riparian fencing. Fire Safety: A Sunday shooting response highlighted the value of Yellowstone County’s dry hydrants—large underground tanks firefighters must pressurize themselves. Wildlife Outreach: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is marking Bear Aware Month with events aimed at reducing grizzly conflicts. Local Governance & Courts: Missoula moved to dismiss a Midtown Commons lawsuit, while the county adopted a plan to manage Miller Creek feral horses. Data Centers & Politics: Butte-Silver Bow’s data center ballot fight heads to the Montana Supreme Court after a judge ruled deadlines were missed; candidates in eastern Montana keep data centers and water transparency front and center. Public Health: Montana schools are still battling youth vaping, with leaders warning nicotine exposure is starting earlier. State Education: Helena-area school boards welcomed new student reps as the school year begins. Energy Costs: Gas prices are surging ahead of Labor Day, with AAA warning of another record at the pump.

Montana Elections: A legislative committee voted 10-1 to subpoena Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen over what voter data her office handed to the U.S. Department of Justice, as lawmakers press for details after months of non-responsiveness. Public Safety & Local Government: Terry Town Council discussed pool security after after-hours trespassing, including plans to expand surveillance video storage and adjust camera coverage. Environment & Water Rights: Three groups asked a court to force Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to explain why it isn’t using instream water rights to keep more water in the upper Beaverhead River during drought conditions tied to Clark Canyon Dam releases. Kids Online: Gov. Greg Gianforte met with Billings students and families on social media’s impact, pushing for stronger protections for minors as schools return. Business & Tech: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March breach of its C-Track court system that may have exposed sensitive records in Montana and 10 other U.S. states, plus Ontario. Wildlife: Billings saw an uptick in bear reports near the Yellowstone River, with FWP citing limited natural food after an open winter.

Voter-data subpoena: Montana lawmakers voted 10-1 to subpoena Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen over questions about private voter information shared with the federal government, escalating a transparency fight tied to 2025 DOJ requests. Courts & rights: The Montana Supreme Court upheld suppression of blood evidence in the Delaney Doherty vehicular homicide case, leaving a key DUI-related fight to play out without that toxicology material. Beef prices & imports: The Trump administration rolled out “Ranchers First” efforts aimed at easing high beef prices, but Montana ranch groups warn the moves could benefit big processors and disrupt the cattle market. Native workforce push: Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry launched Workforce Warriors, spotlighting Native career paths to help young people see options beyond high school. Local business & community: Anaconda is getting a new nonprofit community newspaper, the Anaconda Weekly Review, returning locally focused coverage in print and online. Public safety & services: Archery season is set to kick off Sept. 5, bringing a busy run for Montana hunting shops, while a Humane Society of Western Montana free vaccine clinic offers low-cost protection for pets in Missoula.

Tribal Energy: The Trump administration approved a Navajo Nation coal permit that could keep mining going until 2136, arguing it supports the “Unleashing American Energy” agenda. Public Safety & Courts: Bozeman swore in four new police officers, while in Butte-Silver Bow, a data center ballot push by 406 People First was rejected and organizers are appealing. Education Policy: Bozeman schools now require a phone-limiting app for students, and UM received nearly $5M for low-income STEM graduate scholarships. Mental Health & Youth Online: Montana’s share of the Meta settlement is projected at $89M to $127M, with at least half earmarked for youth crisis support, after-school programs, and digital wellness. State Politics: Gov. Gianforte is taking applications for a Flathead County judgeship as Supreme Court candidates run. Health & Regulation: Lawmakers are weighing whether to restrict or ban kratom, with public concern growing as more products show up. Wildlife Outreach: Bear Aware Month returns, with FWP events and safety guidance across Montana.

Beef Prices, Antitrust: The DOJ is widening its beef affordability probe beyond the “Big Four” packers to major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Kroger, and others, after letters tied to rising retail beef prices. Montana Courts: The Montana Supreme Court upheld suppression of a toxicology report in a fatal DUI crash case, saying a trooper didn’t follow the law when ordering a warrantless blood draw. Meta Settlement for Kids: Montana is set to receive part of Meta’s $17.1B settlement, with potential funding up to about $127M, aimed at youth mental health and crisis services across the state’s 56 counties. AI & Data Centers: Montana’s U.S. Senate candidates are trading plans on AI and data centers, with independent Seth Bodnar calling for transparency, safeguards for children, and community control over projects. Public Lands: Hunters and conservationists packed a MeatEater event to push back on a proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with comments due Sept. 21. State Government: A licensing reform task force delivered 37 recommendations to streamline Montana’s professional licensing system, and MDT director Chris Dorrington is set to step down in October.

Hay Delivery Relief: Gov. Greg Gianforte issued an executive order easing hours-of-service rules and certain weight limits to speed hay transport to Montana ranches and farms amid drought, with the order set to run through Sept. 13. Local Courts: Montana’s governor is accepting applications to fill a Flathead County District Court vacancy if two judges’ Supreme Court bids succeed, with public comment letters due by Oct. 30. Ranch Conservation: The Nickelson family permanently protected 437 acres of working ranchland in Paradise Valley via a conservation easement, giving up $2.9 million in development value to keep the property in agriculture. Business & Agriculture: Constellation Brands, via the U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council, visited Montana barley growers and toured farms and a malting facility as it plans $100 million in purchases and initiatives over five years. Public Safety Leadership: Livingston fired its fire chief, citing issues raised during an internal review, while interim leadership remains in place. Aviation Community: Women aviators gathered in Teton Valley for the Ninety-Nines Fall meeting, bringing pilots and scholarship recipients from across the region.