Beginning December 1, the U.S. Census Bureau will increase Census field workers’ pay rates across the country. In Montana, the wages will increase to a starting rate of $17 per hour for enumerators and $19.50 for those working in Cascade, Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, Missoula and Yellowstone Counties.

As the folks responsible for promoting the vibrant, charming towns and stunning landscapes across our state, we know that Montana’s strong economy is driven in part by a thriving tourism and outdoor recreation economy.

The Department of Commerce today announced investments in eight tribal economic and business development organizations – one for each tribal government in Montana. The investments, totaling $160,000, will support business services for tribal entrepreneurs through the Native American Business Advisors program at the Department of Commerce.

The Montana Historic Preservation Grant Program, created by the 2019 Legislature and signed by the governor, is designed to support public or private entities with the preservation of historic sites, historical societies, or history museums through grant funding.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced that six Montana businesses will share more than $600,000 in economic development grant awards. These grants will support the creation of up to 114 jobs at growing businesses across Montana.

Governor Steve Bullock today awarded $500,000 in Big Sky Film Grants to feature film, television and documentary productions that will be filmed in Montana

Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and Commerce Director Tara Rice joined community leaders, business owners and local policymakers in Billings today to discuss innovative ways to enhance tourism and strengthen local economies across eastern Montana, as part of the Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney and Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice will meet with tourism partners next week as part of a community-led initiative to encourage long-term tourism growth and economic development in eastern Montana communities.

Montanans and residents of neighboring states and Canadian provinces had the chance to see the rugged landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities of eastern Montana featured over the past several months in a uniquely targeted regional marketing campaign to bring more visitors to the region.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney, chairman of the Montana Census Complete Count Committee, today announced that the U.S. Census Bureau aims to hire thousands of Montanans by early next year to ensure every person in the state is counted during the 2020 Census.