Resource Database

The American Planning Association's (APA) policy guides represent the collective thinking of our members on positions of both principle and practice. They represent APA's official position on issues central to building communities of lasting value. Topics include: Climate Change, Energy, Hazard Mitigation, Sustainability, Housing, and more.

Community Builders colloaborates with communitys in "community assistance projects". Areas of assistance include: redevelopment and revitalization, transportation, transportation issues, housing issues, community and regional planning, and economic and policy analysis.

The USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) anticipates trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America and to conduct high-quality, objective economic research to inform and enhance public and private decision making. ERS digitally publishes its research and analysis in economic research reports, articles in our award-winning Amber Waves magazine, and data products throughout the year.

This USDA page includes general rural fire information, training programs, statistical information and publications on fire issues that include: emergency medical services, emergency preparedness and first responders facility funding, operation and management, fire safety and prevention, hazardous materials, and wildland fires.

The Energy Bureau’s vision is a future where Montana’s energy needs are met through sustainable means that are protective of the state’s natural and human resources. The Energy Bureau works toward this vision through specific activities that support our mission to increase Montanans’ access to energy efficiency and renewable energy, improve the state’s energy security, provide analysis of energy trends and issues, and demonstrate the benefits of compliance with environmental regulations through innovation, education, and technical and financial assistance.

University-based organization creating innovative solutions to the difficult how-to-pay issues of environmental protection and improvement.

Idaho Water / Wastewater Funding Resources

Montana Water / Wastewater Funding Resources

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), in cooperation with NTCA. The Rural Broadband Association, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. FRS provides a variety of programs, ranging from youth-based initiatives and educational materials to consumer awareness and rural economic development. To fulfill its mission, FRS develops and disseminates information about rural telecom issues and encourages the support of community-based telecom providers and the communities they serve. FRS also provides annual grants for programs in rural communities to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America.

Small cities and towns outside of significant natural amenities such as national parks, public lands, ski areas, and scenic rivers throughout the western United States are becoming increasingly popular places to visit and live. As a result, many of these gateway and natural amenity region (GNAR) communities—such as Jackson, WY, and Moab, UT—are grappling with a variety of “big city” issues, including severe congestion, lack of affordable workforce housing, and concerns about sprawl. Other GNAR communities are just beginning to, or may soon, experience significant growth and tourism pressures. Effective and proactive planning is critical for helping GNAR communities preserve and enhance the qualities that make them such desirable places to live and visit.

The Fair Housing Forum is a community of Idaho stakeholders dedicated to open and respectful discussion of issues impacting housing consumers, providers and advocates. We welcome diverse opinions, explore areas of common interest and strive to address real or perceived barriers to fair housing in Idaho. Forum members support education and outreach opportunities throughout Idaho. These include the Fair Housing Art Competition and Calendar, conferences and Fair Housing Month events. This site serves as a clearinghouse for fair housing and related information of interest to all fair housing stakeholders.

Montana Healthy Communities hosts an annual Montana Healthy Communities conference, provides a webinar series based upon Montana Healthy Communities issues, and provides mini grant opportunities.