Publications

This study examines how housing conditions are affecting workforce stability and business operations in West Yellowstone, with a focus on whether housing is not just present, but actually available and affordable for year-round workers. Drawing on local employee and employer surveys, housing market data, and prior community planning work, the report finds that West Yellowstone’s housing challenges are driven by a structural mismatch between local wages, available housing types, and current market prices. It highlights how seasonal use, short-term rentals, and employer-provided housing reduce the supply of stable year-round options, creating barriers for workers, employers, and the broader community. Overall, the study is intended to help guide practical housing and economic development strategies that better support a resilient year-round workforce in West Yellowstone.

In July 2025, Yellowstone Fiber and the City of Bozeman partnered with the Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District to assess the organization’s financial footprint and its role as critical public infrastructure. The analysis evaluated the network’s development across three benchmark periods: 2015, 2022-2024, and 2025-2027.

The 2025 Madison County Housing Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to address the critical shortage of affordable workforce housing through regional coordination and public-private partnerships. It provides a detailed analysis of local housing constraints and identifies specific implementation goals, such as land banking and community-based pilot projects, to support low- to moderate-income residents.

This study focuses on assessing the childcare industry in Big Sky by addressing the challenges
of affordability and accessibility surrounding childcare in Big Sky and neighboring communities.

The central objective of this analysis is to comprehensivley assess the extent of Big Sky’s
economic contributions to the region. This encompasses a range of vital factors, such as
population dynamics, employment statistics, taxes, and economic activity generated by
businesses and tourism activity in Big Sky.

The vision of the CEDS for the Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District (NRMEDD) is to help the communities of Park and Gallatin Counties achieve continued economic vitality through thoughtful growth and increased regional collaboration.

The central objective of this analysis is to comprehensivley assess the extent of Big Sky’s
economic contributions to the region. This encompasses a range of vital factors, such as
population dynamics, employment statistics, taxes, and economic activity generated by
businesses and tourism activity in Big Sky.