Bill Cole | |
|---|---|
| 44thMayor of Billings | |
| In office January 2, 2018 – January 5, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Hanel |
| Succeeded by | Mike Nelson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Bozeman, Montana, U.S. |
| Spouse | Anne Remmer |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Dartmouth College (BA) Columbia University (JD) |
Bill Cole is an American politician who was the mayor ofBillings, Montana from 2018 to 2026.
Cole was born and raised inBozeman, Montana. He earned abachelor's degree in history fromDartmouth College and received hisJuris Doctor degree fromColumbia Law School. Cole and his wife, Anne, returned to Billings in 1991, where he practiced law, and she is a professor at theMontana State University Billings campus.[1]
Before entering local politics, Cole practiced real estate, land use, and commercial contracts law. He also served as chair of the Billings Chamber of Commerce.
Cole was elected mayor of Billings on November 7, 2017, succeeding two-term mayor, Tom Hanel, who was term-limited. In the election, Cole faced member of theMontana Senate,Jeff Essmann, defeating him by 7,000 votes.[2][3] He took office on January 2, 2018. Much of his mayoralty was spent dealing with theCOVID-19 pandemic and he encouraged residents of Billings to take theCOVID-19 vaccine. During his time as mayor Centennial Park was constructed, an $11.6 million was granted for the construction of the Skyline Trail and Skyway Drive, and he passed two public safety leviesproperty tax. Cole announced his intention to run for re-election on April 22, 2021.[4]
