Community member urges Whitefish Council to address Community Development Board issues

The Whitefish City Council convened on July 7, 2025, for its first meeting of the new fiscal year, addressing key issues related to community development and public engagement. With both the mayor and deputy mayor absent, the meeting was led by a council member who acknowledged the challenges of operating under a budget that is not finalized until August.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments, where a resident named Dakota expressed urgent concerns regarding the Community Development Board's recent actions. Dakota criticized the board for what he described as a "flagrant disregard" for city staff expertise and public input, particularly in relation to the economic development chapter of the growth policy. He urged the council to take stronger action against the board, highlighting that many community members, especially younger residents, feel their future in Whitefish is at risk due to the board's decisions.

Dakota's comments reflected a broader sentiment among residents who are concerned about the direction of urban planning in Whitefish. He emphasized the need for the council to hold the board accountable, suggesting that the focus should shift from merely valuing experience to prioritizing effective results and community needs.

Following Dakota's remarks, the council moved on to other agenda items, including communications from volunteer boards and the approval of the consent agenda, which passed unanimously. The meeting concluded without further public comments, indicating a need for continued dialogue on the pressing issues raised by community members.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing development with community interests in Whitefish, as residents seek more responsive governance in shaping the future of their city.