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Billings City Council Updates Shape Housing Options and Governance for Residents
Recent council actions on land use, zoning and a governance review will influence development patterns and public access to decision-making in Billings.
How we reported this
The Billings City Council is finalizing financing for a 2023 LRT amendment to update the MO boundary, with construction set to begin in August 2026 and the financial package scheduled to close in September 2026.
Land Use Plan Adoption and Community Input
The council adopted the Billings 2045 land use plan and future land use map in May 2026. This followed seven meetings plus community planning weeks and surveys that gathered resident feedback. The plan sets the framework for how land is designated across the city, directly affecting where new development can occur and how neighborhoods may evolve over the coming decades.
Zoning Amendments and Housing Choices
Proposed zoning code amendments discussed in March 2026 include eliminating minimum lot sizes, explicitly allowing tiny homes in residential districts, and reducing setback requirements by at least 25 percent. These changes would open pathways for smaller-scale housing that could lower barriers for some property owners and expand options within existing neighborhoods.
Governance Model Review Timeline
A governance model review remains underway, with recommendations expected by the end of May 2026 and a potential transition to a new model targeted for July 2027. Residents will see the effects through any shifts in how council decisions are structured and how public priorities are addressed in future budgets and policies.
Meeting Access and Participation
City Council meetings continue in a hybrid format that allows both in-person attendance and virtual participation via Zoom. Sessions are broadcast on Community Seven TV on Channel 7/507 and TDS Fiber on Channel 978, giving residents multiple ways to follow proceedings without needing to travel to the meeting location.
These council actions connect directly to everyday community concerns such as housing availability, long-term neighborhood planning, and transparency in local government. Residents can monitor progress on the LRT financing, the 2045 plan implementation, and the governance review by following the scheduled council meetings through the listed broadcast channels or the city website.