Commercial Center Urban Renewal District Plan 2017

Introduction and Overview

The City of Belgrade seeks to boost its economic health by redeveloping and revitalizing its commercial center through a new Urban Renewal District (URD) and the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This chapter outlines the legal authority for URDs under Montana law, explains the necessity of a Resolution of Necessity (passed in 2017), and identifies five specific blight conditions found in the district. The purpose of the plan is to eliminate blight, encourage private investment, improve infrastructure, and create a stronger sense of place. TIF is presented as a funding mechanism to reinvest property tax revenue growth into infrastructure and economic development projects within the district.

Description of the Belgrade Commercial Center URD

The chapter provides historical background on Belgrade’s development from its founding in 1883 to its recent population and economic growth. Demographic and economic profiles are included, with retail trade and education/health care as top employers. The URD boundaries are defined in detail, covering about 339.5 acres, and a map of the proposed district is included. The chapter also notes the inventory of parcels, centrally assessed railroad property, and property owner information used for notification and valuation purposes.

Documentation of Blight

Five major blight conditions are documented: dilapidated buildings, inadequate street layout, faulty lot layout, unsafe conditions, and site deterioration. Examples include missing or damaged sidewalks, poor lighting, unsafe intersections, uncontrolled parking lot access, and neglected vacant lots. Photos illustrate the deficiencies. These conditions hinder economic development and public safety, justifying the URD designation.

 Planning Consistency 

The URD Plan is reviewed for conformance with the Belgrade Growth Policy, which supports urban renewal, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. Goals from the Growth Policy align with URD objectives: revitalizing downtown, retaining and attracting businesses, improving public facilities, and enhancing walkability. Future land use and zoning maps indicate the district is appropriately zoned for its intended uses. The chapter concludes the plan is consistent with both land use policy and zoning regulations.

Goals and Strategies 

Four main goals are outlined:

1. Promote redevelopment and revitalization.

2. Improve public infrastructure.

3. Foster economic growth.

4. Encourage visual unifying elements.
   Strategies include planning initiatives (design standards, parking acquisition), program initiatives (loans, incentives, fee mitigation), and capital projects (sidewalks, lighting, tech infrastructure). Partnerships and public-private collaboration are emphasized.

Project Evaluation Criteria

Criteria for selecting projects include public benefit, alignment with URD goals, readiness, funding leverage, addressing blight, and stimulating economic growth. Projects must complement other initiatives, be financially feasible, and demonstrate clear community benefits.

Implementation

Describes administrative structure—Belgrade will exercise URD powers directly without forming a separate agency. Annual work programs, budgets, and reports are required. The plan outlines potential public investments (annual appropriations, TIF bonds, grants), private sector assistance (loans, grants, technical aid), and evaluation metrics (tax base growth, job creation, blight elimination). Flexibility for plan amendments is included.

Financing Resources

Details allowable TIF expenditures under Montana law and explains that TIF can be used for 15 years, extendable if bonds are issued. The chapter lists other funding mechanisms: special improvement districts, business improvement districts, general obligation bonds, municipal revenue bonds, state/federal transportation funds, Treasure State Endowment Program, Intercap loans, Community Development Block Grants, and other public works programs. Coordination with state and federal agencies is encouraged.