Corner Farm Open Space Bond Funds Expenditure

On Monday, June 10, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing to determine whether or not to approve the expenditure of up to $310,000 of 2018 Open Space Bond funds to preserve 8 acres of local farmland on the Corner Farm property located in the Orchard Homes area. Based on a desire for potential county involvement, the Council voted to send the project back to the Climate, Conservation, and Parks Committee for further discussion.

The City is currently discussing the project with the County and will update this page as more information becomes available. The project is anticipated to be brought before the Climate, Conservation, and Parks Committee sometime in August 2024. Learn more about the request for open space bond funds.

The property, Corner Farm, is located at the corner of Tower St. and South Third St. West and historically produces about 40,000 pounds of food annually. Preserving the area as agricultural open space also protects riparian areas, wildlife habitat, and the FEMA 100-year floodplain.

The property is appraised at $720,000, or $90,000 per acre. The proposed $310,000 contribution from the Open Space Bond funds would amount to $38,750 per acre. Trust Montana and Corner Farms, LLC will cover the remaining costs through donations and fundraising.

Trust Montana, a 501c3 non-profit organization with 14 years of experience, would own the 8 acres and require agricultural uses on the property under a renewable 75-year ground lease. This would ensure sustainable food production at an affordable price for local farmers, particularly those unable to purchase farmland. Likewise, a conservation servitude would be placed on the property, allowing only agricultural uses and designating the property as "open space."

Additionally, Corner Farm, LLC plans to construct attainable and climate-smart housing on two acres south of the farmland, though the City is not involved in this housing project. Learn more about Corner Farm.

Learn more about the request for open space bond funds.