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Whitefish solicits consultant to update Community Wildfire Protection Plan; council appoints selection panel and notes $100,000 placeholder in FY26

Whitefish City Council · November 4, 2025

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Summary

The council authorized the process to select a consultant to update the city's Community Wildfire Protection Plan, appointed staff and a council member to the selection panel and noted the FY26 budget includes $100,000 to support the project pending grant confirmation.

Fire Chief Hadley told the Whitefish City Council on Nov. 3 that the city issued an RFP on Oct. 22, 2025 to update its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and that proposals are due Nov. 14, 2025. The updated plan will include a new wildfire risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and public engagement; staff expects to interview shortlisted firms from mid-November into early December and to select a consultant by late December.

Chief Hadley described a two-step selection process: a rating panel of city staff will review proposals and identify a short list for interviews; a selection panel composed of city staff and a council member will conduct interviews and make the final recommendation. The council asked for and then approved the rating/selection panel structure and nominated the deputy mayor to serve on the selection panel by unanimous voice vote.

The city’s FY26 adopted budget earmarked $100,000 to update the CWPP; staff said the budget anticipates using funds from a pro-housing grant administered in partnership with the Montana League of Cities and Towns but that guidance on accessing those funds is still pending. If grant funds are unavailable, staff said the city would use general-fund cash revert reserves.