About
Vision
A resilient Jefferson County economy that retains and grows good-paying jobs across mining, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and logistics through proactive partnership building and targeted investment.
Established in 1998, JLDC emerged from an Economic Development Task Force formed by volunteers across the county. This initiative was facilitated by the MSU Extension Agent for Madison and Jefferson Counties in response to the impending closure of two local mines. Over two years, the task force evolved into JLDC, a non-profit, business membership organization. The MSU Extension Agent was assigned to manage the organization, and additional staff were added to continue agricultural and 4-H educational programming, as well as economic and community development initiatives.
Strategic Pillars
The Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) is dedicated to promoting the general welfare of Jefferson County, Montana. Our mission is to assist business enterprises, enhance the tax base, create employment opportunities, combat community deterioration, and support the development of projects and studies. We collaborate with local governments, civic bodies, and other organizations to foster the planning, development, renewal, redevelopment, and improvement of Jefferson County.
Organization Objectives
As the lead economic development organization in Jefferson County, JLDC works closely with regional partners like Headwaters RC&D to secure assistance for local businesses. Our volunteer board of directors represents various parts of the county, including a county commissioner. Staffing includes an Executive Director, a Business Manager and a Grants Coordinator.
JLDC has been instrumental in numerous projects that have increased the number and quality of jobs and the tax base in Jefferson County. These include the redevelopment of two abandoned state buildings in Boulder, now housing a business employing 35 people with an annual budget of $2 million; intensive business planning and finance assistance that helped a one-person transmission rebuilder expand to a booming business with a staff of eight; construction of five super-efficient affordable homes in Boulder, with plans for additional senior homes and workforce housing in Whitehall; and facilitating a land trade with the state for the Elkhorn Treatment Center in Boulder, bringing 35 new jobs and an annual budget of $2 million to the area.
JLDC's objectives include assisting and retaining local businesses, attracting new investment, expanding the tax base, and creating quality jobs across Jefferson County. We coordinate resources and partnerships, working closely with Jefferson County, MSU Extension, and Headwaters RC&D/EDD to secure technical assistance, capital, and programs for businesses. Additionally, we combat community deterioration and support redevelopment, including the Boulder South Campus reuse initiative under JLDC’s lease-option.
Core Programs
Our main programs and projects focus on creating and expanding businesses, sustaining JLDC as a professional economic development organization, and community development. These initiatives address current needs in the county, long-term projects, and activities that align with the educational mission of MSU Extension, our staffing partner. The board sets priorities each year at its annual retreat in April, though new projects may be adopted based on emerging needs or opportunities throughout the year.
Target Audiences
Our target audiences encompass sectors such as mining and metals/materials processing, light manufacturing and fabrication, agriculture and value-added food, outdoor recreation and tourism, and logistics and services. We serve communities including Boulder (county seat), Whitehall, Clancy, Montana City, Basin, and Jefferson City, all within the Headwaters RC&D region of Southwest Montana.
At JLDC, we are committed to fostering a thriving, diverse economy in Jefferson County by supporting existing businesses and attracting new opportunities that align with our community's strengths and values.
