Welcome to the Business Improvement District (BID)
318 Central Ave
Great Falls MT, 59401
tel:406-727-5430
kellie@downtowngreatfalls.net
The Business Improvement District (BID) is the focal point of regional commerce for social, cultural, governmental, business and residential activity in downtown Great Falls. The goal of the BID is to maintain, beautify, and stimulate development in Great Falls’ historic downtown district. Some of the benefits we offer to our property owners include garbage maintenance, snow removal (over 2″, clearing a 2 foot path), boulevard tree maintenance, flower baskets, banners, holiday decor, our annual mural festival “Great Walls, Great Falls”, and more.
How we work
In 1989, organizational leaders in Great Falls introduced the idea of creating a BID to the property owners of Downtown Great Falls.
The BID is operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who are property owners or their designated representatives from within the district; with additional administrative support within their office setting. All board members are appointed by the City Commission. The BID has proven itself to be a vital part of the downtown area providing improvement and beautification.
The BID offers many grant programs to new and existing businesses within the tax assessment district. Interior Grants are available for the permanent renovations done to the interior of business space and are available to both businesses and property owners. Business Incentive grants are available for new businesses locating downtown that have not previously occupied a space in the district, and will pay one month’s rent within 60 days of a signed year’s lease. All grant dollars are first come first serve based on the annual budget. These grants are designated for partial cost reimbursement and funded upon completion of the project. Please contact our office for more information and applications.
Keep up to date with all of the BID’s efforts to continually improve downtown Great Falls and cultivate the businesses that make this their home!
What areas does the BID cover? View an online map here.
The Great Falls BID was established according to Montana Code, specifically MCA Title 7 Chapter 12
Board of Directors of the Business Improvement District
President – Jason Kunz
VP – Neal Dubois
Treasurer – Sherrie Arey
Alison Fried
Caralina Carlson
Keith Cron
Erica Ferrin
2024-2025 Fiscal Year
The BID’s work plan for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was approved by the City Commission at their meeting on 07/16/2024. The BID continues to work on the goals and looks for new opportunities as funding allows.
Work Plan 2024-2025
The BID was renewed for another 10-year period by the City Commission on February 19, 2019. In preparation of our renewal campaign we created a 10-year report to provide our property owners. View that report HERE
Great Falls Wayfinding Plan
We are excited to announce that the Great Falls Wayfinding is complete!
Click the link below
Great Falls Wayfinding Plan 2020
Please share this freely with others.
Coins for a Cause
The Downtown Safety Alliance, including the Business Improvement District, the Great Falls Police Department, NeighborWorks Great Falls, Downtown Great Falls Association, Speaking Socially and others, are sponsoring the program, Coins for a Cause, as an alternative to panhandling. Giving your spare change to panhandlers is only a short-term remedy that can propagate the poverty cycle and does not create a long-term solution. We encourage everyone to donate to Coins for a Cause or to your preferred direct service provider, like those listed below. Your donations will go directly toward providing panhandlers with the services they need, including food, shelter and more.
All donations collected from containers set up in various downtown businesses as well as along Central Avenue will be given to local organizations that provide direct services and resources to people in need. Since 2013, Coins for a Cause has donated over $5,000 to local non-profit service organizations to help provide resources for folks in need.
Donating your spare change to Coins for a Cause will help curb panhandling, support local organizations, and provide assistance to those in need. These changes will help make our downtown safer and more vibrant for everyone who lives, works, plays or visits here.
The Great Falls Business Improvement District (BID) is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 and therefore your donation may be tax deductible. Your donation will help make a real change in someone’s life. Donation containers can be found at the following downtown businesses, as well as several outdoor boxes located in the 400 & 500 blocks of Central Ave:
Dragonfly Dry Goods | 504 Central Ave
BID/DGFA | 318 Central Ave
NeighborWorks Great Falls | 509 1st Ave S
Inge’s | 600 Central Ave
Kaufman’s | 411 Central Ave
Celtic Cowboy | 116 1st Ave S
GF Lumber | 310 6th St S
Cassiopeia Books | 606 Central Ave
Erwin Insurance | 117 1st Ave N
