Kalispell launches land-use plan update outreach under SB 382; consultant outlines engagement tools and schedule

City staff and Logan Simpson consultants introduced the existing-conditions analysis and public-engagement program for Kalispell’s land-use plan update, which the presentation tied to Senate Bill 382 and described as a front-loaded, data-driven process.

Melissa Ruth, project manager for Logan Simpson, said the consultant team was contracted to lead public engagement, synthesize outreach results into actionable strategies and support plan adoption materials. “We were brought on to do really three core things: be the public engagement lead, support graphics as needed, and plan adoption support,” Ruth said.

Staff said the city received a state MCR grant and used that funding to hire outside assistance for outreach. The transcript records a grant amount of $30,000. Consultants and staff described existing online engagement tools available now at engagekalispell.com: a live questionnaire (land-use survey), an interactive “tag the map” tool that lets users drop pins and add comments or photos, and an online review platform planned for later in the process. The team listed a series of pop-up and open-house events over two days (coffee sessions, library lobby drop-ins, and evening open houses at BIAS and the Depot Building) and said they will return in June for a second round of in-person outreach.

Consultants outlined a four-phase process (foundation, innovation creation, public review, and plan adoption) and said the project is currently between phases 1 and 3: gathering baseline data and broadening public outreach. Staff emphasized that the outreach period is the time for public input and that the city will incorporate stakeholder interviews, technical assessments (zoning, infrastructure, housing, roads, broadband) and census/economic data into the draft plan.

Commissioners pressed on public notice and education, with one commissioner urging stronger emphasis on explaining why front-loaded engagement matters and how residents will be notified of future steps. Staff and consultants said project materials include an FAQ, a subscription list for updates, social-media outreach, and periodic newsletter updates. The team said they will post questionnaire results and summaries online as outreach proceeds.

This presentation was informational; no ordinance or plan adoption occurred at the meeting. Staff and Logan Simpson said they would continue outreach, collect survey and map input, and return draft materials for public review and formal adoption processes later in the update cycle.