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Kalispell residents urge council to expand senior housing options, including tiny‑home villages
Summary
Public commenters told the council there are few affordable independent senior communities in Kalispell and asked the city to promote tiny homes, ADUs and other options; councilors agreed it is a priority and noted code allows tiny homes with acreage limits.
Multiple residents told the Kalispell City Council on July 20 that the city lacks affordable independent housing options for seniors on fixed incomes.
Diane Porter, who identified herself as an 82‑year‑old resident, described the scarcity of affordable senior communities and said new 4‑story market developments and high rents make it difficult for longtime residents to move into town or remain independent. Porter said she researched tiny‑home villages and ADUs and urged the council to help create affordable ownership options for older residents.
An online commenter echoed concerns about rising property taxes and asked the council to consider seniors when planning housing incentives. Councilors responded positively: several members said they are interested in tiny‑home communities and other affordable models, noted the city code currently allows tiny homes though there are acreage requirements for village developments, and encouraged developers and service providers to bring proposals forward.
Councilors said senior housing and transportation (including Mountain Climber service) should be considered together as affordability and mobility challenges intersect, and they thanked speakers for raising the issue.
