City Commission Approves Three TIF Projects

Published on March 20, 2023

HELENA, Mont. – The City of Helena Commission has approved three new projects to be funded using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) available through the City’s Urban Renewal Districts. The projects were approved for funding at meetings on Feb. 27 and March 27, all by unanimous votes.

TIF funds are designed to support redevelopment, revitalization and public improvement projects. The City currently has three urban renewal districts: the Railroad Urban Renewal District, Downtown Urban Renewal District, and the Capital Hill Urban Renewal District, each with TIF funding opportunities. Projects are approved through an application process, which includes approval from city appointed TIF Advisory Boards prior to final approval by the City Commission.

More information on TIF funding, including a map of approved projects, can be found at www.helenamt.gov/tif/.

Recently Approved TIF Projects

Centennial Trail Tunnel Mural

The City Parks, Recreation, and Open Lands Department applied for $7,750 to fund half the cost of commissioning a mural in the tunnel that connects Memorial Park to Centennial Park. The mural project is being led by the Helena Public Art Committee.

Livery Square Façade Improvements

Livery Square, LLC received $136,608 to help fund façade improvements to the Livery Square building that fronts Last Chance Gulch and Neill Avenue. The total project is estimated to cost $4,319,200.

Fire Tower Rehabilitation Project

The City Parks, Recreation, and Open Lands Department received $74,789.14 to complete its rehabilitation of the Fire Tower that overlooks Downtown Helena. The total project is estimated to cost $278,789.14. The TIF funding covered the remaining amount needed to start the restoration this summer.