Where Education Meets Community Impact

Future Build is the educational and consulting arm of CoBuild Montana, developing meaningful partnerships between emerging leaders and local community projects. We offer opportunities for university and high school students to put their skills in innovation, design, problem-solving, and technology to work on real-life challenges. By actively participating in local initiatives, students gain valuable hands-on experience that strengthens and enriches Montana communities while preparing them to make a meaningful difference.

Meet the 2026 UM Cohort

  • Beau Milton

    Beau is a co-founder of Orion Farmstead in Ovando and a geoscience student at the University of Montana focusing on hydrology and geospatial science. Raised on a cattle ranch outside Billings, he works at the intersection of land stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and resilient community development.

  • Sophia Ericsson

    Sophia is a double major in International Business and Management Information Systems with a passion for the intersection of business and sustainability. She is driven by a commitment to leveraging technology and global business strategy to create meaningful, lasting change.

  • Chris Holstine

    Chris is a senior at the University of Montana studying Environmental Science and Sustainability and is focused on food systems, sustainable development, and equitable solutions to climate change. As a Future Build intern, Chris has researched how water use, regulation, and pollution affects stakeholders in Missoula County, Montana.

  • Rebecca Karkowski

    Becca is a double major in Management Information Systems and Marketing who is passionate about applying data, design, and strategy to support sustainable and forward-thinking business solutions. Her interests as a Future Build intern center on collaborative approaches to building resilient communities through shared ownership and inclusive economic development.

  • Chad Keller

    Chad is studying to enter the MBA program. He is a UM history graduate with an interest in urban historical development. As an intern, he applies archival research and historical analysis to support ongoing projects and contribute to informed planning and research initiatives.

Our Current Theme: Community-Centered Design

A city, town or neighborhood is more than just a collection of houses and buildings; it is similar to a living system. The health of a community is woven into the interconnected flows of water, energy, food, and mobility that sustain it daily. At Future Build, we use a systems-based approach to understand and shape these essential resources, creating an adaptable template for neighborhoods that are resilient, equitable, and connected to the landscapes of Montana.

Our methodology is guided by internationally recognized principles for creating healthy and sustainable communities. We adapt these frameworks to the unique context of Montana's neighborhoods, focusing on four key areas to ensure a holistic approach: Urban Design & Mobility, Socio-Cultural Fabric; Bio-Geo-Physical Health and Ecological Imperatives.

By grounding our work in these principles, Future Build aims to guide the development of neighborhoods that not only meet today’s needs but also build a foundation of lasting well-being for generations to come.

Current Project Focus: Blackfoot Crossing – Reimagining Community Development in historic Bonner

What happens when the choice is between new housing and heavy industry? Blackfoot Crossing is a living exploration of that question—complete with the trade-offs, tensions, and tough decisions that often accompany former company towns like Bonner, a town with deep roots in Montana’s timber and industrial past. Situated on a 107-acre site of a former log yard, this project represents a pivotal opportunity to rethink workforce-centered neighborhood development.

The project demands balancing financial realities—such as incorporating a travel plaza to fund housing and cleanup efforts—with aspirations for family-friendly, environmentally conscious outcomes. Community stakeholders have voiced a wide range of hopes and concerns, from preserving permanent open space and improving infrastructure to addressing traffic, water quality, and ensuring the neighborhood truly serves working class families.

For Future Build interns, Blackfoot Crossing offers a hands-on opportunity to explore complex decisions, listen to diverse perspectives, and work toward solutions that prioritize both immediate needs and long-term goals. By contributing research, fresh ideas, and thoughtful questions, the interns are not only gaining invaluable experience but also actively shaping the project’s trajectory.