Reporting record-high collections, BSRAD says yes to nonprofit projects, welcomes updates from HRDC
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
Correction: This article was corrected on June 18 to reflect the proper entity, SWMMBA, that applied for a microgrant to build a mountain bike trail.
The Big Sky Resort Area District is preparing for a busy summer season. On June 12, the board moved to approve their budget for the upcoming year, affirmed the benefits of two community projects, and discussed updates on the voter-approved park and housing bonds.
Board Secretary and Treasurer Grace Young shared data from spring season resort tax collections. In March 2025, resort tax collections rose 11% over March 2024, and hit $4 million for the first month in BSRAD history. April saw a 14% increase over 2024, but collections did not surpass 2023.
Young also described operation costs going over budget this year as expected, due to legislative efforts, legal costs and voter education events and programming—all a reflection of BSRAD’s involvement in the Montana Legislature, district boundary conversations and education about the May 2025 election.
BSRAD also discussed how to move ahead with voter-approved bond projects for Cold Smoke workforce housing and the Big Sky Community Park renovation.
Daniel Bierschwale, BSRAD executive director, explained why subcommittees are needed to sort through the bonds, which vary widely in their dollar totals.
“Big picture here, the BSCO park renovation bond is likely to be a much shorter process and handled differently than how the Cold Smoke bond would be moving forward,” Bierschwale said.
Board continues investing in ongoing community projects
The board then moved to discuss contract extension with three Big Sky projects: Wellness in Action’s mental health services, the Big Sky Community Library’s operating expenses, the Big Sky Community Housing Trust’s community housing conversion and preservation, and Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends’ (RUFF) animal shelter. The board passed the structure to support the projects through the summer unanimously.
The Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association and the Arts Council of Big Sky also applied for microgrants to support portions of their work. SWMMBA asked $25,000 to assist in completing a 3.5-mile trail called the Mountain to Meadow Green Trail, connecting Big Sky Resort to Big Sky Town Center.
“Running parallel to the existing Mountain to Meadow trail, this new route offers a safer, more inclusive alternative—especially for beginners and families,” the grant proposal by SWMMBA stated. “It will be constructed by TerraFlow Trails over 8 to 10 weeks, with completion targeted for August 2025. The trail improves uphill travel and addresses safety concerns caused by speed differences between riders on current trails.”
BSRAD approved the microgrant request unanimously. Next, the arts council asked for $10,000 for chairs for events and programming in its new space in Big Sky Town Center. Addressing the need for a microgrant, arts council Executive Director Brian Hurlbut described upcoming programming.
“I think this is more of an immediate need … the space is ready for events, it’s cleared out. We’re having the Spanish Peaks singer songwriter event in July … just trying to plan ahead,” Hurlbut said.
Brad Niva, CEO of Big Sky Chamber of Commerce noted that the arts space fills a gap in Big Sky’s options, describing a “huge deficiency” in public meeting spaces.
“This is a huge asset that this community needs,” Niva said. In a final vote on community projects, the board said yes again and moved to fulfill the $10,000 ask from the arts council.
HRDC thanks BSRAD and community for support
Heather Grenier, executive director of the Human Resource Development Council, shared her organization’s gratitude for the support of projects in Big Sky.
“As you all know, Big Sky [Community] Housing Trust MeadowView development and the Big Sky Community Food Bank wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for support from BSRAD and the rest of the community,” Grenier said. She provided updates on resources and changes coming up, including a food and needs assessment to quantify community need in 2025, and changes coming soon to the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District, pointing out that Skyline Bus may benefit from more streamlined funding and options.
Sarah Gaither, Big Sky Community Food Bank operations manager, shared numbers about the food bank and community members in need. She confirmed that customers are largely members of Big Sky’s seasonal workforce, with 25% being permanent residents in Big Sky. Although customers are mostly single, she explained, there is a growing number of seniors and families who use the food bank’s services.
She emphasized a missing middle, where Big Sky residents can’t access programs like SNAP or Medicaid, but are still out of reach of accessible food and medical care. Board Chair Kevin Germain recommended HRDC’s continued involvement in the creation of Big Sky’s wellness district to address not just medical needs, but what Big Sky needs to help community members thrive.
“It’s not just the hospital. It’s the food bank. It’s shelter. It’s mental health,” Germain said.
The next scheduled BSRAD meeting is July 9. A couple weeks later, community members can attend the Big Sky Governance Study’s third public meeting at the Wilson Hotel on July 22 at 5:30 p.m., where the study team will present three scenarios for Big Sky governance and hear further public comment on what possibilities the community might like to see.
