Research Update

The Three Wests: Access to Markets Matters
This interactive map and research show that there are three distinct types of counties in the West—Metro, Connected, and Isolated—defined by their access to major markets and population centers.

How Royalty Changes Impact Coal & Natural Gas
A detailed study of how proposals to reform federal royalty rates would impact coal and natural gas, finding that the proposed changes would increase costs for natural gas by a larger amount compared to coal.

Home Construction in Montana
This research and data—for all counties and statewide—show that Montana’s housing market is recovering, but that historical and recent trends in home construction vary widely across the state.

New Staff: Janet Clark
Janet has worked with agencies, tribes, universities and nonprofits throughout the West. She holds a B.A. from Penn State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Montana State University.