BIG SKY, Montana – February 28, 2025 – On February 4, the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) Board unanimously approved a resolution to hold a mail-in election on May 6, giving voters the opportunity to shape the future of our community. Under the Livable Big Sky brand and the tagline “Let’s shape it together,” the ballot will ask voters to decide on three key initiatives: renewing the resort tax, as well as significant investment in two important community projects—the Cold Smoke Housing Bond to expand critically needed affordable housing for the local workforce and the Community Park Bond to transform our open space to better serve our growing community.
Ballot Measure: Resort Tax Renewal — Preserving the Impact of Resort Tax
The Resort Tax Renewal is a vote to extend the existing Resort Tax through 2065, ensuring this vital funding source continues supporting essential services and infrastructure for generations to come. While the 3% Resort Tax has been in place since 1992, the current term is set to expire in seven years. This limits BSRAD’s ability to leverage financial tools, such as bonding. A longer-term commitment provides greater flexibility and stability to support Big Sky for years to come.
A Renewal Unlocks Bonding Potential
A Resort Tax bond allows BSRAD to borrow against future collections, ensuring that essential community projects can move forward today, which would not be possible without a bond. This approach does not raise the tax rate or impose any new taxes on residents or visitors. Instead, it adjusts how future Resort Tax revenues are allocated. Voters will decide on two separate bond ballot measures:
Ballot Measure: Cold Smoke – Building Homes, Strengthening Community
The Cold Smoke Housing Bond supports the creation of a new neighborhood by the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. This initiative is an important step toward addressing local housing needs. Cold Smoke will add 389 deed-restricted homes for rent and purchase, reserved exclusively for Big Sky’s workforce and their families, regardless of their employer.
Ballot Measure: Community Park – Modernizing Your Community Park
The Community Park Bond is an investment in Big Sky’s health, wellness, and future. By upgrading existing facilities and introducing new amenities, this initiative addresses the needs of our growing community while enhancing safety, accessibility, and quality for all users. These improvements aim to create a space that supports a healthy, thriving, and connected community.
Get Informed
Community members are encouraged to get informed — visit the Livable Big Sky website at resorttax.org/livablebigsky, attend a public meeting, engage in discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of how these investments will impact our community. This election is an opportunity for voters to make informed decisions that will shape the community for generations to come. Ultimately, Big Sky’s vote is their voice.
Livable Big Sky: Let’s shape it together.
Contact:
For Resort Tax Renewal or Bonding: Daniel Bierschwale, daniel@resorttax.org
For Cold Smoke Housing Project: David O’Connor, david@bigskyhousingtrust.org
For Community Park Project: Whitney Montgomery, whitney@bscomt.org