A positive path forward for Billings.
“I believe in honesty, accountability, and respect. I am loyal to our great city. It has been good to me and mine, and I believe it deserves the same right back.”
- Mike Nelson
Meet Mike
Born and raised in Billings, Mike Nelson grew up on the 2600 block of Broadwater in a house he drives by almost every day. He attended Meadowlark Elementary, Will James Junior High, and West High School before graduating from Eastern Montana College (now MSU-Billings) with a degree in natural resources economics. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Povilaitis, in 1981, before his career in hospitality, human resources, and operations took him to Nevada. Mike returned to Billings in 2008 to take care of his aging mother, and after she passed away Mike partnered with his brother Chris to buy and restore the Northern Hotel in downtown Billings.
Since then, he’s dedicated his life to reinvigorating Billings as a vital hub for the community and the region as a whole. In partnership with local engineers, architects, designers, and construction firms, the Northern Hotel has again become a vibrant fixture of our city’s downtown. He is deeply committed to the Billings community, serving as Board chair for the Big Sky Economic Development Corporation, the Billings Chamber of Commerce, and the Billings Preservation Society. He also served on the MSU-Billings Foundation Board and as Secretary/Treasurer of Citizens for a Safer Billings and currently serves as Vice Chair of the St. Johns United Board.
Mike has been married to Judy, a retired educator, for 44 years, and they have two grown daughters still living in the Mountain West. When he is not spending time with his family or working hard to make Billings the best city in Montana, he enjoys bowling and target shooting. Mike is a league bowler at Sunset Bowling Alley, where he has been bowling since junior high.
Mike’s Priorities
Crime Prevention
Mike served as treasurer for Citizens for a Safer Billings, the successful campaign to pass the public safety mill levy in 2021. He used his personal resources to provide micro-grants to local businesses downtown to invest in safety projects. For this work, he’s been honored by the Billings Police Department for his efforts to improve public safety and crime prevention.
Economic Growth
Mike and his brother have restored the Northern Hotel as a landmark business for the region. He’s also served on the boards for the Big Sky Economic Development Corporation, the Billings Chamber, and the Moss Mansion.
Workforce Development
Through the Northern, Mike employs nearly 125 people. He doesn’t just care about making a profit – he also works to provide opportunities for his employees, neighbors and customers to improve their lives. That has included working with Billings Public Schools to turn the Northern into a satellite classroom for their Career and Technical Services program.
Get Involved
Join our email list to get a yard sign, stay up to date on events, and volunteer with the campaign!
Do you have a specific skill that you’d like to share with the campaign? Reach out directly by emailing hello@mikeforbillings.com.