In the News
Rural West 2026: Culture, Community, and the Rural Ties That Bind
“How do we make rural politics more hopeful and abundant? By showing up and leaning into differences — by being hopeful and curious about differences, rather than repulsed by them.”
–ZACH BROWN
Bennion handed off to Zach Brown, the Gallatin County commissioner (2020–present) and a former three-term Montana state legislator (2014–2020). Importantly, Brown framed himself as more of an urban Montanan, but with deep engagement in rural communities.
A Democrat, Brown’s position was clear: though Democrats are struggling in rural Montana, a relational approach is far more effective than partisan entrenchment. Politics shift when people choose relationship-building and local, practical community action over nationalized, partisan positions, he argued, urging the audience to “show up,” appreciate each other's differences, and demonstrate curiosity about them rather than intolerance. In the face of divisive polarization, community-based leadership — such as grassroots investment groups and local organizing — offers a pathway to renewed civic participation, he argued.
Brown concluded by reiterating the need for an approach to rural politics that privileges curiosity and relationships, which he sees as an inspiring alternative to the tendency to try and make others around us think, act or vote in comfortable, familiar ways: “Each of us is more unique and complex than any labels that others may ascribe,” he reminded the audience, imploring them to treat themselves and others with the curiosity everyone deserves. “This might be the medicine we all need to improve rural Montana…The future of our families, communities, government systems and the civic threads that hold this nation together depend on such courageous and intentional curiosity.”
Hidden Creek Appartments affordable housing project.
“What this place represents is quality, dignified housing for people who deserve to be able to live, work and thrive in this community.”
–ZACH BROWN
Hidden Creek Apartments is a partnership with Gallatin County, the City of Bozeman, and HRDC with the goal to provide clean, safe, and affordable housing in the middle of Bozeman. Hidden Creek Apartments is the LIHTC component of the greater Hidden Creek Community which includes a county daycare, rest home, and community land trust homes. The Project is located on the north 5.7 acres of the 9.8 acre County Rest Home parcel. The Project will include five LIHTC apartment buildings and include 30%, 60% and 70% AMI homes. All 40 of 30% AMI dwellings will have Project Based Vouchers.
$46 million Gallatin County Justice Center opens in Bozeman.
“The taxpayers would be — if they knew everything that went into this — really proud of how scrupulous our team was with making an economical space and respecting the fact that all this is funded with taxpayer dollars but also coming up with a project that will last. The first ask to voters was $90 million so this $29 million bond was quite economical.”
–ZACH BROWN
How Gallatin County allocates marijuana tax revenue to mental health services
Voters passed a 3% local option tax on recreational and medical marijuana in 2022. All funds received by Gallatin County are allocated towards mental health.
“All of the revenue that Gallatin County receives goes into our mental health fund,” said Zach Brown, Gallatin County Commissioner.
Why? Brown says it's because the state and federal government are divesting in mental health services.
“We’re all each other has here at the community level, I think in a lot of ways, and we have to make our service system stronger so that our neighbors have access to health when they are having a bad day.””
–ZACH BROWN
In the News
GVLT: Vital Agricultural Land Permanently Protected Near South Cottonwood Creek.
“It’s hard to imagine a part of the Valley that benefits more from permanent protection,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown after voting to approve the project for funding. “This is a wonderful project that will benefit the community and wildlife for many years to come. Thank you to the Bos family for their hard work and generosity.”
–ZACH BROWN
Op-ed: Saving the Gallatin County Rest Home
“Gallatin County is a close-knit community, and as one of your commissioners, I see so many helpers across our communities working to support their vulnerable neighbors and make our community safety nets stronger.
A recent act of goodness came in the form of a successful mill levy in 2022 that voters approved to maintain the only skilled nursing home in our area: Gallatin County Rest Home. As the second most populated county in Montana, ensuring the vitality of our only remaining skilled care nursing home is critical for our seniors needing long term care. Voters stepped up to save this essential facility.”
–ZACH BROWN