Big Sky Governance Study
Exploring Big Sky’s Governance Options
In 2024, in response to community interest and ongoing discussions about Big Sky’s future governance, BSRAD commissioned a comprehensive study to explore potential governance options for the Big Sky community.
The goal of the project was not to advocate for a specific outcome, but rather to equip residents, businesses, and stakeholders with clear facts and analysis so the community can make informed decisions about governance in the years ahead.
PROJECT ARCHIVE
The study was conducted by WGM Group, Inc., in partnership with ECOnorthwest and M2O Group, and was designed to provide objective information to help the community better understand how different governance structures, including the possibility of incorporating as a municipal government, could affect Big Sky’s future.
During the study process, the project team maintained a dedicated engagement website where residents could learn about the project, review materials, and participate in community engagement opportunities. That content has now been archived here so the community can continue to access study background information, engagement summaries, presentations, meeting materials, and the final report.
Project Overview
This study aims to provide the community with the facts needed to make informed decisions about their future, whether through incorporation, other governmental changes, or maintaining the status quo. The project includes extensive public and stakeholder engagement and will culminate in a final report outlining findings and next steps.
Study Purpose
Big Sky has experienced significant growth over the past several decades, prompting important discussions about the future of local services, infrastructure, and community governance.
This study was commissioned to evaluate governance options and provide an accessible resource that outlines:
- How Big Sky is currently governed
- Opportunities and challenges associated with different governance structures
- The potential process and implications of municipal incorporation
- Alternative governance models that could address community needs
- Key considerations for the community moving forward
Community Engagement
Public and stakeholder engagement was a central component of the study. Throughout the process, the project team gathered input from:
- Big Sky residents
- Local businesses
- Community organizations
- Public agencies
- Elected officials and regional partners
Engagement activities included public meetings, surveys, stakeholder interviews, and informational sessions designed to ensure the study reflects a broad range of community perspectives.
Final Report and Findings
The project culminated in a final report summarizing research, community input, and analysis of potential governance options for Big Sky.
The report outlines:
- Key findings from the study process
- Considerations related to municipal incorporation
- Alternative governance approaches
- Potential next steps should the community wish to explore governance changes further
Big Sky Governance Study
The Final Report
For more than two decades, questions about whether Big Sky should change its governance have surfaced without definitive answers. This study provides those answers not as advocacy, but as information.
The path forward ultimately belongs to the community, but the findings presented here ensure that if and when the question of governance arises again, Big Sky will be better prepared, better informed, and fully equipped to make that decision for itself.
Supporting Documents Available
Visual Summary of Final Report with Key Findings
The Path to the Future of Big Sky
How did we get here? Engaging in this Governance Study didn’t happen overnight. The milestones below shaped the community as it is today and line us up to be even more proactive, supportive, and engaged for generations to come.
2024-2025: Big Sky Governance Study
The Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) is partnering with WGM, along with ECOnorthwest (ECO) and M2O Group, to help citizens make informed decisions about local governance. WGM, an engineering, planning, and design firm, offers technical expertise and has been building sustainable communities since 1965. ECO specializes in economics, finance, and planning, using data-driven approaches to help clients make informed decisions. M2O brings expertise in public outreach, particularly within the Big Sky community, ensuring effective communication and engagement throughout the process.
2023: Incorporation Exploration
In June and July 2023, 12 leaders from diverse stakeholder groups in Big Sky met for three days to discuss the potential incorporation of the community. Convened by Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) leadership, the group aimed to understand shared issues and explore possible incorporation options. Over 12 hours of discussions, they developed a strategy and timeline for a future community-driven incorporation study. While no decisions were made, the group worked collaboratively and emphasized the importance of community input in determining whether incorporation should move forward.
2022: Formation of Big Sky Governance, LLC
Starting in 2022, the grassroots group, Big Sky Local Governance, LLC, met with the intention of bringing incorporation to a vote in November 2023. This group’s work generated the interest that eventually led to the formation of the exploratory group that created this report.
2018: MSU Extension Exploration of Local Government Option Report
The Big Sky community explored ways to improve coordination among local entities and enhance future planning. After consulting with the Big Sky Chamber, the MSU Extension Local Government Center (LGC) identified six potential options for addressing local governance challenges, including the formation of a community council, the creation of a special district, or modifying the existing Resort Tax district. Each option had benefits and challenges, and the community needed to decide which best suited its needs and resources. Other unincorporated communities in Montana were also interested in Big Sky’s approach.
2004: Strategic Planning Exercise
Following a strategic planning exercise in 2004, the Chamber of Commerce spent several years researching public sentiment and legislative requirements surrounding incorporation, with funding from BSRAD.
1998: Creation of Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD)
In 1998, the electorate voted to establish a District responsible for overseeing the administration of this tax. Local businesses within the District collect and remit the tax. A five-member volunteer Board of Directors, elected by the community, allocates the tax revenue to address key local needs. The District is managed by a small, paid staff hired by the Board.
1992: Big Sky Resort Area Tax Adopted
In 1992, voters in the Big Sky Resort Area approved the implementation of a Resort Tax on “luxury” goods and services, excluding essential items.
Governance Study Resources
Explore documents and other resources to help inform your ideas and vision for the future of the Big Sky community. Keep checking back – we’ll update as we find more information to share!