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Public comment: Pride flag hearing request and multiple resident proposals for housing and winter placemaking
Summary
During public comment Whitefish residents urged the city to hold a hearing on adopting the Pride flag, asked the council to find land for affordable homes (including Habitat), proposed winter placemaking to reduce isolation, and urged more demographic balance on the planning commission.
Multiple residents used the council’s public comment period on Dec. 1 to press the city on a range of community issues.
A speaker identified as "Z" urged the council to demonstrate "moral courage" and schedule a public hearing to consider designating the Pride flag as the official flag of Whitefish, citing studies that welcoming communities reduce suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ residents and criticizing most council members’ silence on the issue.
Cameron Blake, who said he has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, urged the council to help secure land for affordable and workforce ownership housing, referenced a local housing needs assessment calling for 47 units at 50–80% AMI in the next 10 years, and encouraged the city to include Habitat in any RFP processes for city lots.
Jamie Gogan gave a short placemaking proposal focused on winter activity: low‑cost initiatives such as outdoor winter cinema, community ice rinks and an ice ribbon connecting City Beach to the lodge to reduce isolation and foster community during cold months.
A commenter identified as Dugan urged the council to appoint planning commission members who better reflect Whitefish’s demographics and younger residents, arguing that a lack of opportunities pushes younger people away and affects the town’s long‑term vitality.
Councilors acknowledged the comments; the mayor thanked speakers and the meeting proceeded to other business.
