A Catalyst for Urban Renewal and Economic Growth
Renewal and Economic Growth; Nestled within the heart of Billings, Montana has been a cornerstone in transforming the city’s historic industrial landscape. Founded by businessmen to breathe new life into one of the oldest parts of Billings, the BIRD has grown into a vibrant hub for economic growth, job creation, and community pride. This blog post delves into the history of BIRD, its mission, and how local businesses and developers can join in this exciting journey of transformation.
The Birth of the BIRD: A New Vision for Billings’ Historic Core; The roots trace back to the early 2000s, when local businessmen began envisioning ways to revitalize this aging area and stop the economic decline of the area. BIRD along with Big Sky Economic Development Authority (BESEDA) worked hard to convince city officials and community leaders to support their plan. This region, known for its legacy in railroad and heavy industry, was once a bustling area of factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. However, as industries changed and modernized, this area fell into blight and disrepair, leaving a gap in the heart of the city’s growth potential and aesthetic appeal.
In 2006, the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD) was officially established as a tax increment financing (TIF) district. The name of the business owner’s organization that drove this transformation is called the BIRD. The BIRD manages the EBURD for the City of Billings and works closely with BESEDA. This district allows the district to direct incremental property tax revenues toward infrastructure and improvement projects within its boundaries. By harnessing this financial mechanism, the BIRD encourages redevelopment financially without placing an undue tax burden on current landowners. The district contains part of the Montana Avenue area which is rich in historical significance that had seen considerable urban decay. From its inception, the BIRD’s goal was to turn this area into a lively, mixed-use zone that combined industrial and commercial spaces, promoting vital work force housing for employees of the businesses, while modernizing its facilities.
BIRD’s Mission: Fostering Growth, Building Community, Workforce Housing and Preserving Heritage; The BIRD mission is to promote economic vitality, support infrastructure upgrades, and foster sustainable development within the industrial district. These goals are guided by a commitment to preserving Billings’ historical identity, creating a sense of community pride, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Central to the BIRD’s mission is the idea of public-private collaboration. The district seeks to unite private developers, local landowners and government agencies in a concerted effort to invest in the area. Over the years, the BIRD has financed streetscape projects, upgraded water and sewer systems and a lighting district all aimed at making the district a more attractive place for businesses and residents alike. By attracting new investment and encouraging landowners with their businesses to locate within the district, the BIRD has become a regional leader in economic growth and sustainability.
How Businesses and Developers Can Get Involved with the BIRD; The BIRD actively encourages new businesses to purchase land and move to the district and developers to invest in the district, offering resources and support to help bring projects to life. Here are a few ways business owners and developers can get involved:
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Benefits: As a designated TIF district, the BIRD can direct increased property tax revenues to fund improvements.
- Developers interested in building or rehabilitating property within the district can leverage TIF funds to help finance infrastructure projects, making it easier to undertake otherwise costly developments.
- Engage with the BIRD Board Leadership: The BIRD is managed by a board of directors of EBURD landowners, which works closely with local business owners, BSEDA and City officials. Businesses and developers can attend BIRD meetings to learn more about the district’s vision and future projects. This involvement allows prospective investors to align their projects with the district’s priorities, gaining potential support and insight from BIRD leadership.
- Access Redevelopment Incentives: The BIRD offers various incentives, such as grants for building improvements, and other enhancements aimed at converting blighted properties in the district to attractive and modernized buildings. These incentives help offset the cost of development, making it more feasible for businesses to establish themselves in the area.
- Participate in Community Events and Projects: Throughout the year, the BIRD hosts events, including community clean-ups, art installations, and open-house tours of the district. By participating in these events, developers and businesses can form connections with the local community and elected officials, enhancing their local reputation and demonstrating their commitment to the district’s revitalization.
The BIRD Today: Looking to the Future; The Billings Industrial Revitalization District (BIRD) stands as a testament to the power of strategic planning and community collaboration. It is an area where Billings’ history meets modern innovation, with historic buildings now housing cutting-edge businesses, local breweries, and Montana’s largest ice manufacturing facility. Each year, new projects take shape, adding more vibrance and economic potential to the district. Through the BIRD, Billings has demonstrated how thoughtful development can honor a city’s past while paving the way for an exciting future.
Kairos Properties, LLC; A landowner for over 25 years, founding member of the EBURD and past board member of the BIRD. Kairos is proud to be part of the EBURD. Kairos has redeveloped 25+ commercial business sites and are in the process of developing 13 Luxury Condos for sale in the Kairos Center. Kairos has employed over 1,000 contractors, sub-contractor and employees over the 25 years to redevelop this blighted and abandoned facility. This development is on 5+/- acres with 241,000 square feet of buildings that have been renovated and restored. Kairos is looking forward to continued growth and success in our special little corner in the heart of Billings, Montana!
To learn more about our involvement in the EBURD or tour our condos, please visit Contact Us
Photo copyright of BIRD, www.billingsbird.com