Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Whitefish council approves $250,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity to build two deed‑restricted townhomes
Summary
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously May 18 to award Habitat Flathead $250,000 in resort‑tax funds to buy two lots on Whitefish Avenue for two deed‑restricted townhomes serving households at or below 80% of area median income; staff said funds are available in the FY26 resort tax allocation.
The Whitefish City Council unanimously approved a $250,000 grant on May 18 to Habitat Flathead to purchase lots at 1958 and 1966 Whitefish Avenue and build two townhomes restricted to households earning at or below 80% of area median income.
Mary Beth, representing Habitat Flathead, told the council the project is part of a larger "Grounded in Whitefish" campaign and would produce two three‑bedroom townhouses (six bedrooms total). She said the organization expects to submit plans by the end of the month, close on the property within days, and—if permitting goes as planned—break ground this August and have households in place by next year. "We are committing to building 10 houses a year for the next 10 years," Mary Beth said in presenting the request.
City staff presented a financing picture showing roughly $252,000 of uncommitted FY26 resort‑tax funds and recommended approval. The development agreement includes a two‑year completion term, a deed restriction keeping the homes affordable at or below 80% AMI, an annual progress report requirement, a shared‑appreciation cap, and audit rights for the city. Staff also noted the deed restriction and an agreement with the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust to help keep the homes perpetually affordable.
Councilors asked how Habitat will choose homeowners and how the shared‑appreciation deed restriction works; Mary Beth said applicants must work at least 30 hours per week for an employer in Whitefish and that the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust has the first right of refusal on resale to maintain perpetual affordability.
Following questions, a councilor moved to approve the grant and authorize the city manager to execute the development agreement; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Staff said the grant will be funded from the FY26 resort‑tax allocation and that the project is consistent with prior city contributions to ownership housing projects.
The council vote authorizes the city manager to finalize and sign the development agreement so Habitat can proceed with closing and permitting. The council did not change the deed‑restriction terms in the agreement. The project timeline provided by Habitat projects permitting by the end of the month and construction start in late summer, with initial occupants possible by mid‑2027.
