Your Weekly Flathead Valley Land Use Planning Brief

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Here’s your Monday primer about the Land Use Plan updates in Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and Whitefish. Read below for information on upcoming meetings and to find out what happened last week.

In the news:

Chronic Homelessness Continues to Rise Among Disabled, Aging Population in the Flathead Valley

Columbia Falls Planning Commission Begins Discussing Short-Term Rental Policy

Slow, Sustained Economic Growth Expected to Continue in Flathead County

The Flathead Needs to Commit to Public Transportation

Growth Policy Concerns

Columbia Falls

The city’s consultants published the findings of focus groups that it conducted with subject-matter experts on Economic Development, Land Use & Housing, and Natural Resources & Recreation. Click here to review the findings.

The city’s existing conditions report is available for public review. Click here to review it and to access the link to a survey to share your feedback.

Upcoming:

• Nothing this week. The next meeting related to the city’s Land Use Plan is expected to take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, where the Planning Commission will consider the future land use map and recommendations.

Last Week:

• The city’s Planning Commission met on Thursday, February 12, 2026 and were presented with focus group findings by consultants Cushing Terrell. The commission also had preliminary discussions about short-term rental policies and about zoning ordinance and subdivision regulation updates.

  • View meeting materials and video by clicking here.

Kalispell

Upcoming:

• Nothing this week.

Last Week:

• The Kalispell City Council held a work session on Monday, February 9, 2026 to discuss chapters 1 and 2 (existing conditions, population projections, community growth and design) of the city’s draft Land Use Plan.

  • View video from the meeting by clicking here.

• The city’s Planning Commission met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 and adopted zoning ordinance text amendments to comply with state law (MLUPA).

  • View video from the meeting by clicking here.

Whitefish

Upcoming:

• Whitefish City Council Work Session, Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., Whitefish City Hall (418 E 2nd St, Whitefish).

  • Direction about land use/zoning and subdivision regulations.

• Whitefish Planning Commission, Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6 p.m., Whitefish City Hall (418 E 2nd St, Whitefish).

  • Continued review of the Land Use Element.

  • Review of the future land use map.

    • Discussion will be continued to Monday, February 23, 2026.