Billings City Council Special Work Session - May 19, 2026

The Billings City Council Special Work Session held on May 19, 2026, focused extensively on budget presentations and discussions related to the Planning and Community Services Department, airport operations, Met Transit, and urban renewal funds. Key procurement-related topics included the proposed addition of a second commercial code enforcement officer position contingent on future tax revenues, the launch of a tax increment finance (TIF) coordinator position to manage urban renewal districts, and capital improvement projects such as the South Park Pool design and construction, stormwater pond improvements funded by $1.5 million in federal earmarks, and various airport infrastructure projects. The council discussed challenges with federal HUD grant funding, including unspent Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated to HomeFront projects, with a September 2027 deadline to secure commitments or reallocate funds. Transit budget concerns highlighted operating shortfalls driven by rising fuel and maintenance costs, with plans to explore revenue solutions like fare increases and parking districts. Urban renewal districts reported ongoing development incentives and loan programs, with a focus on downtown economic growth and property disposition. Several motions and budget amendments were anticipated, particularly regarding staffing and capital projects, with final budget decisions pending updated revenue projections expected in late summer 2026.