Moving from planning to implementation – actually getting some projects funded by the $500,000 Boulder Development Fund (BDF) off the ground – was the focus of a May 30 meeting between State and local officials in Boulder. The $500,000 was appropriated more than a year ago by the State to assist Boulder in dealing with impacts from the closure of the Montana Developmental Center.
Working through the Boulder Transition Advisory Committee (BTAC), citizens have developed a collective vision of the community’s future.
“We have the opportunity to redesign ourselves, to decide what Boulder will look like when it grows up,” said Tom Harrington of the Jefferson Local Development Corporation, noting that people are now more positive and unified about their vision of the town and its future.
But translating that vision into concrete, tangible projects has been a challenge.
Local elected officials and members of the BDF board met Wednesday with officials from the Montana Department of Commerce to seek guidance on the next steps.
Jennifer Olson, Community Development Director; Tash Wisemiller, Montana Main Street Program; and Gus Byrom, Community Technical Assistance Program, fielded questions about expenditure of the funds.
Projects need to fit into city growth and downtown master plans being developed by Land Solutions, the contractor hired by the city, Olson stressed. The State can help the community translate the planning process into action, she said.
Jessica Holdren from Land Solutions said a draft will be available this summer and the master plan should be complete by August.
Mayor Rusty Giulio pressed for specifics, citing projects under consideration. Commerce officials recommended tying projects into the big picture for attracting tourists and businesses.
For example, the already existing walkability of downtown Boulder could be improved with the development of walking trails and parks, they said. A brewery or cidery, downtown business façade improvements, housing and lodging were all discussed along with city park needs like restrooms and playground equipment. Low interest loans and tax credits for rehabilitation of historic buildings could help businesses remodel or expand, leveraging the $500,000 to make it go further, said the visitors.
Local officials expressed frustration about not being able to get a response from the State about plans for vacant buildings on the north MDC campus. Several potential uses have been identified by the community, but no one knows if the State has plans for the facilities, said attendees. Olson agreed to forward the question to the State director level.
The BDF board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, June 6, at city hall at 6:30 p.m. BTAC will meet on Thursday, June 7, at 8 a.m. at city hall.
