Billings City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026

The Billings City Council held a regular meeting on May 11, 2026, focusing extensively on urban planning, housing development, and related procurement matters. Key procurement discussions included approval of a $750,000 community development block grant to Homeward for the rehabilitation of Sage Tower, a low-income senior housing complex with prior pest infestation issues. The council also considered tax increment financing assistance up to $1.3 million for HAB Development's South Hills Commons project, aimed at creating workforce housing with deed-restricted homeownership units. Additionally, the council reviewed annexation and zoning changes for Long Subdivision, including a phased annexation and zone change to corridor mixed-use zoning, with some concerns raised about unresolved settlement disputes related to fill material. The meeting included detailed presentations on the Billings 2045 land use plan and future land use map, which addresses housing shortages and zoning amendments to accommodate duplexes and accessory dwelling units. Motions were passed to approve the land use plan, zoning and subdivision regulation amendments, and various budget and procurement items, with some votes reflecting concerns about state mandates reducing local control. The council also approved an interim city administrator contract. Public engagement and communication strategies were discussed, including the statutory requirement for legal advertising in newspapers and suggestions for modernizing outreach methods.