City Council 2025: Mike Boyett

I want to be the mayor of Billings to continue serving my city at the next level. I am currently a City Council member, representing Ward 5, and the Deputy Mayor as voted on by the Council. With my 5+ years on the Council I understand how the city works – its management structure, departments, operations, budgeting, etc. I have served on the boards of several city and county partners and organizations, both as a representative of the city and as a volunteer.

I have a BS degree in Business Administration from Eastern Montana College (now MSU-B). I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and ended my service as a First Lieutenant. My employment background includes 9 years in law enforcement with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and 30 years in banking in finance, investments, and corporate security departments.

I’ve built strong relationships with city staff, the county commissioners, and local organizations. I’ve consistently worked across differences on the Council to build consensus and get things done. With 3 to 6 new Council members expected next year, it’s more important than ever to have experienced leadership guiding our city forward. I can deliver that leadership.

I am committed to serving Billings with honesty and common sense — working every day to make our city stronger, safer, and more prosperous for all.

My policy decisions are based on a range of sources, including staff information, citizen input across the city, organizations who represent various interests, and my own research. As a non-partisan elected official, I approach each issue with impartiality and work to remain free from the influence of any specific political ideology.

At the same time, I strongly encourage constituents to bring their concerns to me. I listen carefully, value their feedback, and make it a priority to stay connected with the issues affecting them. I regularly attend task force meetings to stay informed and engaged on key topics.

When people reach out by phone, voicemail, or email I respond as quickly as possible. Even if someone may not agree with my position, they will always get a clear, respectful, and timely response from me.

A. Budget Challenges

My top priority is to ensure that Billings has the funds necessary to continue supporting our vital public safety services, especially our police and fire departments. Due to a recent decision by the 2025 State Legislature, the city’s ability to assess mills against taxpayers’ property has been reduced. Our 2026 budget cannot exceed the 2025 rates which results in a revenue decrease of over $2 million.

At the same time, we must work to minimize the negative impact on other essential city services funded through the General Fund, including parks, planning, and code enforcement.

B. Public safety

We urgently need more jail space. The estimated cost of over $200 million for a new facility is huge, but the alternative is continued strain on an already overburdened system. If that figure is out of reach, we must explore phased solutions: building something smaller first, then expanding as funds allow. The county commissioners will conduct a survey to learn what citizens want regarding the jail and what they are willing to support financially. I will support the will of the people.

The county commissioners established the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council in 2023 to address the challenges for the criminal justice system in Billings including the need for more judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and jail space.

C. Planning land use for the future

Billings will continue to grow in population and in physical size through annexation. That growth must be intentional. As we plan, we need to ensure new development aligns with the city’s goals and values:

• Smart infrastructure planning
• Higher housing density where appropriate
• Efficient and accessible transportation systems
• Better connectivity to downtown and other business centers
• Mixed-use development
• Parks and open space
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

These principles should guide how we shape neighborhoods, attract businesses, and build a city that serves all its residents. Planning for development around the new Skyway Drive and land connecting to the new Billings Bypass are examples where intentional development will be essential.

The police department is working hard to get the force up to its authorized staffing level of 177 sworn officers. This is a critical goal because the certainty of getting caught and punished is a deterrent to crime.

The call for more officers, prosecutors, and judges is easy to make, but much harder to fund or implement, especially in the current budget environment. While additional staffing is important, it alone will not “solve” the crime problem. Many recognize that crime is partly a matter of perception and lived experience. It is not something easily measured with numbers.  Addressing root causes will also require continued investment in substance abuse prevention and mental health, things that the city has not done in the past and without funding, won’t be done in the future.

The City of Billings now has a second city judge. The county short term detention center is scheduled to open this fall. This temporary holding facility will facilitate the processing of individuals charges with misdemeanor crimes in the city.

A positive effort to help victims of domestic abuse is the Northern Lights Family Justice Center which opened in 2023. It combines all the services needed in one location – shelter, police, prosecutors, and legal aid.

A. Zoning for higher density housing near key locations

Planning staff should prioritize zoning for higher-density housing close to transit stations, employment centers, schools and higher education institutions, and other appropriate population centers. These locations are naturally suited for increased residential density due to existing infrastructure and high levels of accessibility.

We should look at the areas around our existing transfer stations as well as some high-use transit stops near employment areas, colleges and universities and other locations for higher density housing. Utilizing the ½ mile walk distance that transit uses for its system could be a tool in this analysis for determining areas for higher density housing allowances. This metric provides a clear, data-driven basis for identifying potential zones where higher-density housing would be both feasible and impactful.

B. Setback Reductions and Increased Building Heights

Eliminate setback requirements or reduce existing setback requirements by at least 25% and increase building height limits for residential units by at least 25%.

While Billings reduced and adjusted setbacks when it adopted its new code in 2021, further adjustments may be warranted. Any reductions in setbacks must account for building safety codes, including requirements for fire walls and structural integrity.

Allowing taller buildings in some areas could add density and housing while enabling the city to deliver its services more efficiently. However, taller buildings and reduced setbacks can make difficult transitions between new construction and existing residential areas. I would advocate for looking at both issues together to ensure that adequate setbacks are provided between residential areas where multi-story residential buildings abut single story homes. Buffer zones graduated height steps, or design guidelines may help mitigate potential conflicts.

The city’s budget is complex, but our current process is familiar and stable. I’m open to considering zero-based budgeting because it is deliberate and strategic. This approach allows staff and Council to review each line item, which could maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

Because of the State Legislature’s decisions, the budget is the most critical issue facing the City Council and the citizens of Billings. To make informed and responsible decisions that meet the city’s needs, we must rely on expert analysis and accurate financial data. That’s why I introduced a motion—unanimously approved by the Council—to fund a new Budget Analyst position. We are currently recruiting for this position which will help ensure the Council has the necessary expertise to deal with the financial challenges ahead.

I am a strong supporter of TIFs as a critical tool for economic development and revitalization in Billings. I am very familiar with the Downtown, East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBIRD), and South Billings Urban Renewal District (SBURA) TIF districts. These areas demonstrate the value of TIF as a funding mechanism to encourage business development, eliminate blight and abandoned properties, and invest in vital infrastructure and beautification projects.

Since joining the City Council, I have consistently supported nearly every TIF-funded initiative, voting in favor of all but one project—an effort that was ultimately abandoned. My voting record reflects a commitment to using TIF to responsibly stimulate growth and revitalize underutilized areas.

Several current and ongoing infill projects supported through TIFs are Sams Club, Cabela’s, Amend Park, Old Billings Hardware, Old Town Flats, the new Marriot tel currently under construction, and the remodeling of the old Masonic Temple downtown. These projects are creating jobs, enhancing neighborhoods, and strengthening the tax base—all core goals of the TIF program. I will continue to advocate for the strategic use of TIF to support responsible growth and long-term prosperity in Billings.

I believe we should use Downtown TIF strategically to leverage private fundraising and encourage greater community investment. I would prioritize TIF funds based on each venue’s demonstrated need and the level of existing community support, as shown by individual and business donations and attendance at events and programs.

I admire the hard work and dedication of those who manage and/or support these properties and struggle to keep them viable. Their efforts in the face of limited resources are commendable.

Currently, the downtown TIF is the only dedicated funding source the city has for these properties. It has already donated many thousands of dollars to all three properties, but the property values in the district have not increased meaningfully. On a positive note, staff have had success in obtaining grants for certain projects.

Ultimately, I believe we must rely on significant private support as the city simply does not have the financial resources to maintain these venues. By using the TIFs to attract matching funds and deepen partnerships with donors and community stakeholders, we can create a more sustainable path forward.

I voted in favor of the motion to fund a study to consider forming an airport authority. I believe it is important to fully understand the potential benefits and challenges before making a final decision. I will wait for the results of that study and carefully evaluate all available options. My decision will be based on what best strengthens our airport and supports the continued growth of our local economy.

It’s worth noting that Logan International Airport was recently ranked among the top 10 in the nation for stress-free travel. This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our airport management and staff, and their commitment to providing excellent experience for travelers.

I fully support the TBID assessment and its strategic use as supported by the Chamber and Visit Billings. Tourism is vital to Billings’ economic health as it boosts revenue, creates jobs, and enhances the vitality of our community. When visitors spend money here, they support a wide range of local businesses — hotels and motels, restaurants, bars, retail stores, recreational facilities, cultural and entertainment venues, gas stations, and more.

That’s why I voted in favor of the recent fee increase from $2.00 to $4.00 when it was included in the TBID budget that was presented to the City Council recently. This is one of the few funding mechanisms Billings has that is paid primarily by non-residents — visitors who enjoy what our city offers, and, in turn, help sustain it. The positive ripple effect of tourism reaches nearly every corner of our local economy. It’s an investment in Billings’ future.