Michael Gardner Examines Who Owns Montana’s Economy And What It Means For Communities

A conversation about who truly owns Montana's economy will take center stage Thursday, September 24 when Michael Gardner presents "Who Owns Montana?" at the Covellite Theater, 215 W. Broadway in Historic Uptown Butte.

The presentation will take a close look at an issue that can be easy to overlook amid Montana's broader conversations about land, communities and the state's way of live.  Who actually owns the economic resources shaping those communities?

Gardner's keynote will explore the connections between capital. ownership and economic power, examining how ownership of businesses, land and other opportunities can influence communities across Montana.  At the heart of the discussion is a straightforward question:  What might change if more of Montana's economy were owned by the people who live here?

The event is intended to provide and opportunity to step back from the day-to-day economic conversation and consider how ownership itself can affect local communities.  Rather than focusing solely on what Montana has, "Who Owns Montana?" looks at who controls and benefits from the economic activity taking place across the state.

For Butte, a community with a long history shaped by questions of ownership, labor and economic power, the subject carries a familiar resonance.  The city's past has been closely tied to the question of who controls its resources and how those resources affect the people who live and work here.

Thursday's event promises and evening centered on ideas and discussion, with Gardner using the keynote to examine Montana's economic landscape and the possibilities surrounding greater local ownership.

"Who Owns Montana?" offers attendees a chance to consider a fundamental question about the state's future: how much of Montana's economic opportunity should belong to Montanans themselves?

Doors open at 6pm Thursday with the keynote beginning at 6:30pm.