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Mission West Community Development Partners
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CED

Mission West CDP / Community Economic Development

Community
Economic
Development

Strategic investment in the economic strength of Lake, Sanders, and Mineral counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation, building the foundation for long-term regional prosperity.

Tourism Grant Program Contact Us
About the Department

What We Do

The Community Economic Development department works at the intersection of economic strategy and community wellbeing. We support local governments, businesses, and community organizations in pursuing sustainable growth that reflects the values and priorities of western Montana.

CED leads regional planning efforts, administers tourism and downtown revitalization programs, and helps communities access state and federal economic development funding. This department is actively expanding, new programs and services are in development.

Main Street SW street sign in downtown Ronan, Montana, with flower baskets and a historic building behind
01. Focus Areas

How We Work

Building the conditions for long-term economic health across our region.

Regional Economic Strategy

Coordinating planning and investment across Lake, Sanders, and Mineral counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation to align resources with community priorities.

Tourism Development

Building western Montana's capacity to welcome visitors while preserving the character and cultural heritage that make our communities worth visiting.

Downtown Revitalization

Facade improvement grants, public art, walkability improvements, and place-making investments that strengthen Main Street communities.

Community Investment

Connecting communities to state and federal funding streams, grant writing support, and the technical assistance needed to put resources to work.

02. CED Programs

Active Programs

01

Current Projects

See every active and upcoming CED project in one place, with the status of each, from murals and grants to fairgrounds and trails.

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02

Ronan Revitalization

Downtown Ronan revitalization through the Montana Main Street Program, organizing community-driven work around economic vitality, walkability, and downtown design.

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03

Regional Economic Strategy

A five-year, community-informed plan for economic growth, infrastructure, and resilience across the tri-county region. Community input opens fall 2026.

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04

Ronan Tourism Grant Program

Administering Montana’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, including Façade Improvement Grants of up to $10,000 for qualifying businesses, public art projects, walkability improvements, and tourism infrastructure across the region.

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Additional CED programs are in development. Contact Brittany Simonich for information about current initiatives.

03. Our Team

CED Staff

Brittany Simonich, Community Economic Development Program Manager
Brittany Simonich
Community Economic Development Program Manager
(406) 676-5919 brittany.simonich@missionwestcdp.org
View profile →
Karl Sutton, REAP Specialist & Brownfields Program Manager
Karl Sutton
REAP Specialist & Brownfields Program Manager
(406) 676-5901 karl.sutton@missionwestcdp.org
View profile →
03 · Recent Projects

Building Western Montana

Tourism Grant Program projects across the region, from murals to facade improvements to trail planning.

01
Spring Creek Mural Project

Spring Creek Mural Project

Large-scale murals honoring Salish and Kootenai heritage are energizing downtown Ronan and creating a destination for locals and visitors.

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02
Façade Improvement Grant Program

Façade Improvement Grant Program

Matching grants help downtown businesses restore storefronts, preserve history, and attract more visitors to historic Main Street.

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03
Entertainer Theater Brownfields Cleanup

Entertainer Theater Brownfields Cleanup

Environmental cleanup restoring a historic downtown theater to safe, active use as a community gathering and performance space.

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04
Ronan Co-op Brewery, A Tourism Asset

Ronan Co-op Brewery, A Tourism Asset

Cooperative brewery upgrades make it a stronger tourism draw, a safer gathering place, and a centerpiece of downtown revitalization.

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05
Downtown Ronan Energy Audits

Downtown Ronan Energy Audits

ASHRAE energy audits help downtown property owners reduce operating costs and prepare buildings for future investment.

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06
Lake County Fairgrounds Infrastructure

Lake County Fairgrounds Infrastructure

Modern restrooms, improved utilities, and ADA accessibility keep the Lake County Fairgrounds ready for bigger events and a stronger community role.

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07
Sanders County Fairgrounds Infrastructure

Sanders County Fairgrounds Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure upgrades protecting one of Sanders County’s most important tourism and community assets.

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08
Thompson Falls Eastward Extension Trail

Thompson Falls Eastward Extension Trail

A planned multi-use trail and boardwalk will link the west and east ends of Thompson Falls, improving safety, access, and community connection.

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09
Whitepine Grange Covered Picnic Pavilion

Whitepine Grange Covered Picnic Pavilion

A covered outdoor gathering space expanding events, welcoming travelers, and strengthening rural tourism in Whitepine.

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What’s Coming Up

Upcoming Events

Sep 2 2026
Ronan Revitalization

Ronan Revitalization Steering Committee Meeting

3:00–5:00 PM Mission West CDP, 407 Main St SW, Ronan

A quarterly meeting of the Ronan Revitalization steering committee. Meetings are open to the public and community input is always welcome.

Event details →
Jan 20 2027
Ronan Revitalization

Ronan Revitalization Steering Committee Meeting

3:00–5:00 PM Mission West CDP, 407 Main St SW, Ronan

A quarterly meeting of the Ronan Revitalization steering committee. Meetings are open to the public and community input is always welcome.

Event details →
Apr 21 2027
Ronan Revitalization

Ronan Revitalization Steering Committee Meeting

3:00–5:00 PM Mission West CDP, 407 Main St SW, Ronan

A quarterly meeting of the Ronan Revitalization steering committee. Meetings are open to the public and community input is always welcome.

Event details →

See all events →

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Investing in Western
Montana's Future

Interested in CED programs or regional economic development opportunities? Tell us what you have in mind and our team will reach out.

Looking at the Tourism Grant? Visit the program page →

Mission West CDP

People · Place · Prosperity

Twenty-five years building rural western Montana through economic development, cooperative enterprise, and community investment.

Departments

  • Business Development Center
  • Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center
  • Cooperative Development Center
  • Community Economic Development

Organization

  • About Us
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Contact

  • Address 407 Main St SW
    Ronan, MT 59864
  • Phone (406) 676-5901
  • Email info@missionwestcdp.org

Newsletter

Quarterly updates on programs, events, and stories from rural western Montana.

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Serving Lake, Sanders & Mineral counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation

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