Billings REALTORS® Forge Relationship With Local Government

Billings, Montana.

The quality of life in any community is enhanced when all of the stakeholders work together. The Billings Association of REALTORS® works with many groups to advance our common goal: the best interests of Billings-area homeowners and residents.

REALTORS® have taken a proactive and collaborative approach to advocacy, and they maintain an exceptionally strong relationship with local government.

Because of this strong community relationship, local government officials seek out the insight of REALTORS® before taking certain actions. Citizens’ organizations work with REALTORS® to get support for local ballot initiatives. In evaluating proposals brought to them, the REALTORS® rely upon five principles of their organization’s multifaceted Quality of Life Program:

• Protecting property owners
• Ensuring economic vitality
• Providing housing opportunities and choice
• Building better communities
• Preserving our environment

These principles set out an objective framework to help determine whether a proposed action is in the best interest of the Billings area. Some notable local initiatives that REALTORS® have recently supported based on these principles include plans for a new minor-league ballpark, the “Yes for Kids” campaign’s tax levies to support the local school system, and construction of a new public library, which opened its doors in 2014. Each of these initiatives helps improve the quality of life of Billings-area residents.

Billings REALTORS® are guided by the Quality of Life principles in all of their activities, not just when evaluating proposed government action. For example, REALTORS® organize two annual charitable fundraisers: a 5-mile/2-mile race, and a casino night. These two fundraisers have raised over $375,000 for local charities since 2004. In 2015, the April 21 Quality of Life Casino Night will benefit the local Ronald McDonald House; and on Aug. 15 the association will hold its annual race to benefit Billings Public Schools’ Back-Pack Meals Program, which provides weekend and holiday meals to elementary students who would otherwise go hungry.

Citizen involvement strengthens all communities. Billings REALTORS® live by this principle every day.