In the heart of Kalispell's city hall, a gathering of community leaders and residents unfolded, focused on a pivotal update to the city's land use plan. As the clock ticked towards evening, discussions centered around the implications of Senate Bill 382, which mandates that Kalispell, along with nine other cities in Montana, adopt a new land use plan by May 2026. This legislation aims to replace existing growth policies and update zoning and subdivision regulations, setting the stage for significant changes in the community.

The planning commission outlined the objectives of this update, emphasizing the need to identify development opportunities across various sectors, including housing, businesses, and public lands. They also highlighted the importance of addressing the impacts on adjacent properties and the natural environment, as well as establishing future land use boundaries within Kalispell's jurisdiction.

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of this initiative. Since March, the planning team has hosted two open houses and several drop-in sessions, gathering feedback from over 60 participants in person and more than 10 online responses. The engagement efforts have included outreach to diverse groups, from local senior centers to county organizations, ensuring a broad spectrum of community voices is heard.

Key findings from the community feedback revealed a strong appreciation for Kalispell's access to nature, small-town feel, and distinctive downtown. However, residents also voiced significant challenges, including the need for improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, concerns about rapid development, and the rising cost of living. The community identified attainable housing strategies, with preferences for higher density housing near public transit and the introduction of tiny homes.

The planning commission is utilizing the IAP2 framework for public participation, which outlines five levels of engagement, from informing the public to empowering them in decision-making. This structured approach aims to ensure that community input is not only heard but actively incorporated into the planning process.

As the meeting concluded, the planning commission reiterated their commitment to transparency and collaboration, inviting residents to participate in regular meetings held every second Tuesday of the month. With a celebration planned for July 2025 to unveil the draft plan, the commission is eager to keep the momentum going and ensure that the voices of Kalispell's residents shape the future of their community. The path ahead is clear, but as one commissioner noted, the real challenge will be managing expectations as changes begin to take shape in the coming years.