We are getting closer and closer to new, officially adopted Land Use Plans in Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and Whitefish. While there isn’t much official action this week, as city councils are off today, there are some items to pay attention to.
Read below for details.
The 69th Montana Legislature’s Transportation Interim Committee (TIC) is conducting an interim study on ways to improve passenger transportation service and public transit. TIC hopes to gain a broad-based perspective on how Montanans and their families utilize various forms of public transportation, both within local communities and for travel across the state.
The information gathered from this survey will play a role in helping the TIC assess current transit services and identify areas of improvement. By analyzing community feedback, the committee hopes to pinpoint gaps in service , evaluate demand for new or expanded transportation options, and prioritize enhancements to existing systems.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. TAKE SURVEY NOW.
In the news
- Realtors ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ as Rising Mortgage Rates and Inventory Impact Flathead Valley’s Housing Market
- Kalispell Hosts First in a Series of Town Halls for ‘Casual Conversations’
- Republican Legislator Rolls Out New Property Tax Cap Initiative
- Whitefish City Council Makes First Edits to 20-Year Planning Document
- Texas Developer Prepares TIF Funds Request for Kalispell Center Mall Makeover
- Ask These Two Questions Before Buying a home
- The Flathead Affordability Gap
- Updated stormwater plan identifies system shortfalls in Kalispell
- Time to speak up about future growth is now
- Roundup for Safety awards grant to Habitat for Humanity to enhance volunteer safety
- City leaders contemplate a short-term rental policy similar to Bozeman’s
Columbia Falls
Click here to view the draft Future Land Use Map
Click here to view the draft Recommendations
Click here to complete the survey by April 8, 2026
Upcoming
Nothing this week. The Planning Commission will again address the draft Future Land Use Map and Recommendations on April 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.
The Columbia Falls City Council is continuing to discuss new short-term rental regulations. Your feedback is needed during this process. We expect the council to address the issue again on April 6. Read this article for more information.
See the calendar below for additional relevant meeting dates.
Last Week
Nothing last week.
COLUMBIA FALLS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WEBSITE
Kalispell
Upcoming
The Kalispell City Council is expected to formally adopt its new land use plan on April 6, 2026.
TONIGHT, there is a town hall at Kalispell City Council Chambers, beginning at 7 p.m. Click here for more information.
Last Week
Nothing last week.
KALISPELL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WEBSITE
Whitefish
Upcoming
Nothing this week.
The Whitefish City Council is expected to continue its public hearing on the draft Land Use Plan, with official adoption of the plan, during its April 6, 2026 regular meeting.
Last Week
Last week, the Whitefish City Council held a work session to review initial zoning and subdivision updates. One major topic of discussion was certain zoning restrictions (particularly in downtown) to limit 60-foot tall buildings.
Livable Flathead does not think that a strict reading of state legislation allows the city to do this. Read for yourself by clicking here.
During a special meeting, the Whitefish City Council continued its review of the draft Land Use Plan. Click here to watch the video of the meeting.