The Whitefish City Council convened on August 4, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding affordable housing and development in the community. The meeting highlighted significant changes to the management of rental units under the Legacy Homes program, a key initiative aimed at tackling the local affordable housing crisis.

The council unanimously approved a motion related to the Alpine 93 and 40 project, which involves the development of 210 rental units, of which 21 will be deed-restricted for affordability. This decision is part of a broader effort initiated in 2019 to ensure that developers contribute to affordable housing solutions in Whitefish. However, the program faced challenges following the Montana legislature's 2021 decision to make it voluntary, which has complicated the city's ability to enforce affordable housing mandates.

During the meeting, city officials discussed a proposal to amend the existing rental deed restrictions. The developer, Alberto, requested to take over the role of income qualifying tenants, a responsibility previously held by the Whitefish Housing Authority. This change aims to streamline the approval process, allowing the city to maintain a minimal oversight role while the developer manages tenant qualifications directly. The council expressed the need for a holistic approach to affordable housing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the Housing Authority to ensure effective administration of these units.

Concerns were raised about the lack of involvement from the Housing Authority in the discussions, with council members questioning whether the existing processes were functioning effectively. The Housing Authority confirmed that they are currently managing affordable units without significant issues but acknowledged the potential for improvement as the number of units increases.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the developer's timeline for obtaining permits, prompting the council to consider a tentative approval of the proposed changes. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between facilitating development and ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible to those in need.

As the council moves forward, the focus will be on refining the administrative processes for affordable housing and ensuring that all stakeholders, including the Housing Authority, are engaged in future discussions. The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial in shaping Whitefish's approach to addressing its ongoing housing challenges.