Big Sky Governance Study
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 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.
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.
The materials and information originally shared through the project’s engagement website are now archived here to provide continued public access
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 grown significantly over the past several decades and continues to face questions about how local services, infrastructure, and community priorities should be managed in the future.
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
The study is intended to serve as a tool for the community as it considers whether to pursue changes to its governance structure or maintain the current system.
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
BSRAD is providing this information as a community resource to support ongoing conversations about Big Sky’s future.
Project Archive
During the study process, the project team maintained a dedicated engagement website where residents could learn about the study, review materials, and participate in engagement opportunities.
The content from that site is now being preserved here on resorttax.org so the community can continue to access project information and materials.
You can explore:
- Study background and project overview
- Community engagement summaries
- Presentations and meeting materials
- The final report and supporting documents
Tuesday Series: Community Conversations – Morning
Tuesday Series: Community Conversations – Mid-day
What is an incorporated municipality?
An incorporated municipality in Montana is a legally established city or town that has gone through the process of incorporation under state law. Incorporation provides the municipality with the authority to govern itself through local ordinances, manage local services, levy taxes, and oversee land use planning within its boundaries.
OK, so, are there other options outside of incorporation? What are they?
Currently, both Madison and Gallatin counties govern the Big Sky area; that can remain status quo. However, there are some changes that could also happen to the county government structure, such as the addition of a community council, districting county commissioners, or the addition of self-governing powers via a charter. These are just a few options, and there are many more.
What about the 10-year government review? How is this study different?
Both Gallatin and Madison counties elected to create a study commission to review the county government structures in June 2024. While this may sound closely related, the study commission will be evaluating and possibly recommending changes to the county’s government structure and not necessarily the creation of an incorporated municipality in Big Sky. However, county governance is very important and we encourage participation in this endeavor as well.
What is the Final Report I keep hearing about?
The final report will be a fact-based document that lists the existing conditions in Big Sky, state forecasted community needs, and will evaluate three scenarios for governance in Big Sky. It will state facts regarding policy, legal constraints, and fiscal analysis to ensure that the Big Sky community can make informed decisions on ballot initiatives such as incorporation or any other governance changes.
Key Findings & Scenarios
Purpose
A neutral, data-driven analysis of potential local governance structures for the Big Sky community.
Assumptions
2,357
Estimated resident population withn Incorporation boundary
$1.6M
Average owner-occupied home within Incorporation boundary
$2.7M
Average owner-occupied home within County boundary
Community-Defined Priorities
Community Representation
A direct, local voice in decision-making and accountability.
Coordination of Service Gaps
Addressing fragmented service delivery
Implementation Barriers
Legal, administrative, and political feasibility of a new structure
Impacts to Resort Tax
Effect on collection, allocation, and stability of the resort tax
Fiscal Responsibility
Balancing new revenues against the cost of services
Analyzed Governance
Current Services | Basic Incorporation | Expanded Incorporation | New County | |
Key Services | 
Patchwork of providers | 
Adds planning, zoning, roads | 
Adds law enforcement, parks, charter | 
Add courts, elections, tax collection |
Market Value of Taxable Property | $36B | $5.7B | $36B | |
Taxable Value of Property | $704M | $81.6M | $704M | |
Property Tax Impact* | None | $958 | $1,948 | $1,513 |
Key Hurdle | N/A | Administrative Comlexity | Higher Startup Costs | Legislative Action, Requires Vote in Both Counties |
In the News
Fourth, final governance study meeting set for Nov. 17
Local governance study engages public: ‘We’re here to listen’
Will there be a new form of government in Big Sky?
Big Sky Governance Study to hold public meeting July 22
Big Sky Governance Study team looks ahead to present findings after legislation and election results
Local gov. study begs question: ‘What is the problem we’re trying to solve?’
Big Sky Governance Study invites public to second large meeting Jan. 28
Local gov. study releases educational tool: ‘Just play with it’
Local governance study announces January meetings
‘It’s gonna be up to you’: Local governance study wraps up Tuesday Series
Local governance survey underway in Big Sky
Public meeting to discuss progress on local governance study
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!