The legendary Hotel Baxter building on Main St. in Bozeman. (Shutterstock)

How Montana’s Regional Economies Are Faring

There was no escape from the ravages of the COVID-19 recession, but the severe downturn has been closely followed by a vigorous economic recovery.
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A row of RV's parked along Patrick Street in Bozeman. The tight market has pushed some in the city to reside in RVs, campers or trailers. (AP Photo, Rachel Leathe)

Where Housing Is Headed

After rising faster than incomes for years, home prices took a sudden and surprising jump upward across Montana in the wake of the pandemic outbreak.
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Steve Connole fishes in the Missouri River near Helena. (AP Photo, Matt Volz)

The Financial Value of Montana’s Natural Beauty

Montana's natural abundance upholds a vibrant business economy. But how does one measure our state's natural capital?
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Erin McCleary fishes a small stream near Butte, Montana. (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)

How Land Use Affects Montana’s Economy

Do counties with access to ski resorts, open space or national parks have greater economic growth and prosperity in the long run?
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A now hiring sign advertises job openings outside a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. (Phelan Ebenhack, AP Photo)

Resolving Montana’s Labor Shortage

Demand in the economy has roared back with unexpected speed, but employers are having trouble hiring back laid-off workers.
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Katie Kukowski cares for a patient in the intensive care unit at Billings Clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo, Larry Mayer)

Hospitals Make Sizable Impact on Montana’s Economy

Montana's health centers contribute a sizable, ongoing and permanent impact on the state's economy. Spending, demand and an aging population are spurring growth.
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A crew from Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative work on a power line on Grand Avenue in Billings. (Casey Page, Billings Gazette)

The Economic Contributions of Montana Cooperatives

Cooperatives have been part of the fabric of Montana nearly as long as we have been a state. They employ thousands and make Montana's economy significantly larger.
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U.S. Sen. Steve Daines speaks at a manufacturing facility under construction in Bozeman. (AP Photo, Matthew Brown)

The State of Manufacturing in Montana

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. manufacturing has been considerable having already felt the impacts of an ongoing tariff war.
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Bryan Kirkland takes extra time to clean between clients at The Barbershop and Shaving Parlor in Bozeman. (AP Photo, Ryan Berry)

How COVID-19 Has Reshaped the Economy

The changes in the economy have been profound. With each passing month, the particular character of this recession becomes clearer.
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Bruce Leibold protests Montana’s mask mandate in front of the Mike Mansfield Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Butte. (AP Photo, Meagan Thompson)

Seeing Beyond the Pandemic’s Grip

COVID-19’s icy grip left no corner of the state’s cities and regions untouched and bears little resemblance to previous economic downturns.
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