Current projects

• Demanding fiscal restraint and accountability from all departments of County Government.
• Investing tax dollars wisely in new technologies in order to reduce long term operating costs.
• Treating every dollar spent by county government as if it were my own.
• Leveraging local tax dollars with other sources of money, state, federal and private.
• Creating a stable and fair system of minimal regulation.
• Making individual businesses and trade organizations a part of the review process for proposed regulations.
• Encouraging existing business success by limiting property taxes and assessments.
• Utilizing tax abatement laws to reward investment in existing and new businesses.
• Utilizing TIF districts and Industrial Development bonds to assist expanding businesses willing to create jobs in our community.
• Utilizing Revolving Loan Funds to assist with gap financing for business loans.
• Utilizing public facilities such as the Four Seasons Arena and Expo Park to draw events into our area.
• Supporting efforts to market our county to both tourists and potential business investors.
• Initiating and supporting legislation to improve the business climate of Montana and create jobs.
• Working with other communities in our region on issues of mutual economic benefit.
• Maintaining viable missions for both Malmstrom AFB and MANG.

•  Regional Economic Diversification Study funded by OEA.  Managed by Cascade County and GFDA.
•  Regional Economic Development Transportation Study. Joint project of Cascade County, GFDA, Sweetgrass Development, Great Falls        Airport Authority and the Montana Dept. of Commerce. Funded by OEA and the Big Sky Trust Fund.
• Joint Land Use Study funded by the OEA and Cascade County.  Managed by Cascade County but a joint project of Cascade County, the City of Great Falls, Malmstrom AFB and the six other Missile Counties. 
• MAFB Mission Enhancement Study, a joint project of Cascade County and the Central Montana Defense Alliance.  Funded by Cascade County CDBG funds.
• Montana Expo Park Facilities and Marketing Study.  Managed by Cascade County, funded by Cascade County and the EDA.
• Implementation of a new admissions system for the Montana State Fair to reduce costs and reduce the wait time at the admission gates.
• Joint project with the Montana Department of Transportation, Central Montana Defense Alliance and Cascade County for improvements to 2nd Ave North approaching the main gate of Malmstrom AFB.
  

• Regional Infrastructure analysis to access the Sweetgrass Region's ability to deal with a potential Oil and Gas boom
• Creation of a Statewide Joint Land Use Study to address military mission and community compatibility issues throughout Montana.
• Creation of an advisory committee to assist local jurisdictions with the evaluation of possible implementation of JLUS proposals.
• Creation of a map in each of the Missile Counties to assist potential wind developers in assessing where turbines can be placed most easily and effectively while minimizing the impact on our military missions. (Funding and project Authorized by OEA on September 14, 2012)
  
• Examination of our federal and state regulations dealing with wireless Internet operations and spectrum allocation to make sure that Montanans have access to broadband wireless services that are comparable to those enjoyed by citizens of more densely populated areas. 
  

A few of the leadership positions Joe currently holds that help him serve you.

• Immediate Past President of Sweetgrass Development the regional EDD and CRDC.
• Executive Committee and Board member of Great Falls Development.
• Executive Committee and Board member of the Central Montana Defense Alliance.
• Board of Directors, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce.
• 2nd Vice President of the Montana Association of Counties.
• Chairman, Montana Association of Counties, Community and Economic Development and Labor Committee.
• Member, Montana Association of Counties, Legislative and Resolutions Committee.
• Member, National Association of Counties, Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee.
• Regional Director, National Conference of Republican County Officials.