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Columbia Falls reviews land-use survey: residents prioritize open space and affordable housing
Summary
At a Jan. 26 joint workshop, consultants presented a 374-response community survey and existing-conditions analysis; residents and officials commended the outreach but raised concerns about housing affordability, short-term rentals, protecting wildlife corridors and implications of recent state zoning changes.
Consultants and city leaders presented the results of a community survey and existing-conditions analysis at a joint City Council and Planning Commission workshop in Columbia Falls on Jan. 26. The survey drew 374 respondents, and staff emphasized the results will feed the land use plan update and future focus-group work. "The survey got a really great response rate, 374 respondents," consultant Nora Bland of Cushing Terrell said.
The presentation highlighted what residents currently value and what they want preserved. Top assets cited included access to nearby public lands and open space, clean air and water, recreational opportunities and the friendliness of community members. Preserving natural areas was the highest-ranked priority when respondents considered Columbia Falls' future; housing cost and availability, reliable public infrastructure, recreation and public safety followed.
Why it matters: the city faces limited buildable land inside municipal boundaries, so officials and the consultant said…
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