Mired by stagnant growth while Montana’s other cities have prospered, Great Falls has often been seen as an underdog. Since 2010, the city lagged behind Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman, Billings, and Helena in population growth. From 2023 to 2024, Great Falls was an outlier, losing residents while others grew. The city’s growth policy highlights its population remaining between 57,000 and 61,000 since 2000.
However, this narrative is changing with new developments suggesting positive momentum for Great Falls. “For a long time, I think it seemed like we were swimming uphill,” said Joe Briggs, a Cascade County commissioner. “But everything is coming together for Cascade County.”
Current projects include significant residential initiatives, a major commercial center, a developing higher education sector, and upgrades to Malmstrom’s missile field. Perhaps the most notable development is Janicki Industries, an aerospace manufacturer, which plans to break ground on a new $800 million facility in Great Falls, creating over 1,000 jobs.
Briggs and other officials acknowledge these developments stem from groundwork laid over decades. “Janicki is the culmination of a lot of effort,” Briggs stated, emphasizing the simultaneous progress of the Sentinel missile project.
In the 1990s, Great Falls was rebounding from the closure of the ACM smelter and the deactivation of Malmstrom’s runway. Efforts to diversify the local economy were essential. By the early 2000s, the city prioritized its industrial sector, leading to the establishment of the AgriTech Park. Montana Specialty Mills, the first to build there, has expanded twice, signaling growth in Great Falls.
Downtown revitalization efforts began with a 2012 renewal plan, paving the way for businesses like Enbar, Inc., which opened an upscale cocktail bar in 2017, later expanding with new venues. Enbar President Scott Reasoner noted the unique local passion in Great Falls, driven by internal investment rather than external.
Policies lowering entry barriers for businesses have been crucial. Former mayor Bob Kelly emphasized creating a “business-friendly” environment. Current Commissioner Joe McKenney champions “get to yes,” easing bureaucratic challenges. The city’s development fund aims to build utility capacity, crucial for accommodating growth.
With Great Falls poised for significant development, projects like the Sentinel missile upgrade and National Guard upgrades promise long-term economic vitality.
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