Park County Redevelopment Symposium in Montana

The event was held at a redeveloped site in Livingston

Panel of local, state and federal officials

To bring key individuals together that might be able to assist with community revitalization, Park County hosted a redevelopment symposium on March 2-3, 2016. The purpose of the event was to give an overview of how other communities had redeveloped properties and infrastructure, as well as to offer insight into all phases of the redevelopment process.

The event, hosted in collaboration by the Montana State University Extension Office, the Montana Department of Environmental Equality, Park County, and the City of Livingston, drew over 100 attendees from across the state.

In many parts of rural Montana, communities and neighborhoods are being revitalized through the redevelopment of vacant and abandoned buildings, or underutilized properties. These revitalization projects have positive impacts for the community, including economic growth, increased availability of residential and commercial space, city beautification, and higher property values. Still, there is a growing need to educate local officials and organizations on the tools and programs available which can reduce the barriers to property redevelopment.

Representatives from local, state, and federal agencies discussed available funding and offered technical expertise on how their programs can support the transformation of vacant or underutilized properties. The symposium also featured success stories from rural communities across Montana, with a special emphasis on resources that could benefit potential projects in Livingston and Park County.

The wide range of participants at the event included: local business owners, lenders, real estalte professionals, private developers, contractors, engineers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and elected officials.

Contact your local HUD Field Office.

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