Technology

Investors Pour $520 Million Into Billings Smart City Infrastructure

Private capital and federal allocations accelerate sensor grids and data systems in the city's main corridors.

By Billings Tech Desk · Published July 24, 2026

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Billings closed $520 million in new commitments for smart city projects during the second quarter, with $340 million coming from three venture funds and the balance from federal infrastructure allocations announced last month.

The money arrives as local utilities face rising demand for real-time traffic and energy data after supply disruptions tied to global shipping strains and recent climate events. City planners say the systems will cut response times for maintenance crews and lower long-term operating costs along high-traffic routes.

Projects anchored in two districts

Work will start first along Montana Avenue between 27th and 32nd Streets, where crews will install 1,200 traffic and air-quality sensors by December. A second phase covers the Heights neighborhood east of the Yellowstone River, adding connected streetlights and water-meter networks managed by the Billings Innovation District and the Rimrock Tech Alliance. Both efforts use existing conduit laid during the 2024 fiber expansion on 4th Avenue North.

A July 10 report from the Billings Economic Development Agency showed the average project cost per mile of equipped roadway at $2.8 million, down from $3.4 million two years earlier because of bulk sensor purchases. The same document listed 47 local firms already contracted for installation or data services.

Next steps for residents and businesses

City staff will open a public dashboard on the existing Billings Connect app by early August so drivers can see live construction zones and adjusted signal timing. Businesses along the two corridors can apply for small grants to connect their own building systems to the new network before the first sensors go live in September.

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