Goal 4 Strengthen and diversify our economy to provide job opportunities.

For many years, Great Falls' economy was based primarily on agriculture, military, and manufacturing (smelting). In 1980, the smelter closed and that part of the economic triad disappeared forever. In addition, agriculture has had its ups and downs, although it is still a mainstay of the economy. The economy was stagnant from 1980 into the early '90s. The City's task has been to diversify its economy not only to replace what has been lost but also to avoid over-dependence on one economic sector.

Great Falls is well on its way to becoming a diversified, regional service center with slow, but sustainable, economic growth. The City, in partnership with High Plains Development and Port Authority and others, has been instrumental in locating some 700 new telecommunications jobs downtown, fulfilling the dual purposes of creating new jobs and filling and remodeling empty buildings. Pasta Montana and Source Giant Springs are start-up businesses that add value to local agricultural and natural resource products before they are sold locally and nationally.

The City, High Plains and other agencies have worked to provide part of the financing for these new businesses. Several hundred thousand square feet of new retail space has been added in recent years, enhancing Great Falls' draw as a regional retail center. Great Falls' status as a regional center has also been enhanced by the addition of the Federal Express hub facility at the Airport. The City participated in the development of this facility with the leadership of the High Plains Development and Port Authority and the Airport Authority. All of these things have contributed to economic diversification and modest growth.

Many cities in the West are facing the consequences of the decline of economies based on mining, railroads, timber and agriculture. Many believe that extractive and natural resource based industries will never return to their former economic importance. The best hope for replacement is seen as cultural or heritage types of tourism. Great Falls is well positioned to capitalize on this trend.

The City has participated with many other community organizations, individuals, and government agencies in creating the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the Ulm Pishkun Visitors Center, the River's Edge Trail, and the Visitor Information Center. These, along with the newly-expanded C.M. Russell Museum, will form the core attractions to bring visitors to Great Falls during the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark journey and for many years thereafter.

Economic and cultural development are the result of community partnerships and seldom does any one agency or organization single-handedly achieve results. Great Falls has positioned itself for the future through such partnerships and through the judicious use of its Economic Development Revolving Fund to create leverage to help bring other resources to the table to achieve results.

Goal 1 | Goal 2 | Goal 3 | Goal 4 | Goal 5
Goal 6 | Goal 7 | Goal 8 | Goal 9 | Goal 10