Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 days ago

Council narrows growth‑plan language after hearing, strikes several prescriptive items and delays final adoption After a lengthy public hearing and staff presentations, the City Council reviewed public comments and a late letter from a state senator, voted to remove specific form‑and‑massing downtown provisions and other prescriptive sentences, added wildfire and fire‑station objectives and moved the final adoption of the Vision Whitefish 2025–2045 community plan to April 20, 2026 for a clean packet and mayoral presence.

The Whitefish City Council made significant edits to the Vision Whitefish 2025–2045 plan after a heated public hearing, striking controversial provisions while addressing urgent community concerns like housing and wildfire safety.

Get the details!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #WildfireSafety

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 week ago

Whitefish council hears neighborhood concerns as staff clarifies triplex confusion in Vision 2045 review At a March 23 public hearing on the draft Vision 2045 community plan, residents pushed the council to preserve heritage‑urban neighborhoods and demand a detailed implementation plan; staff and council agreed to return revised redlines on April 6 after several line‑by‑hands edits tonight.

The Whitefish City Council is grappling with public outcry over neighborhood preservation and miscommunication regarding housing plans as they prepare for a crucial meeting on April 6.

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #HousingAffordability

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Whitefish council awards $6.632M bid for 1,000,000‑gallon elevated water tank; SRF loan and impact fees to fund project The council unanimously approved awarding the bid to Landmark Structures for a 1,000,000‑gallon elevated storage tank at a low bid of $6,632,000, funded primarily through the State Revolving Fund with about $1 million in impact‑fee funds and anticipated principal forgiveness.

Whitefish City Council has green-lit a $6.6 million contract for a massive elevated water tank, paving the way for future growth and fire safety improvements!

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CommunityGrowth #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WaterInfrastructure #WhitefishPublicWorks

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Council hears hours of debate on Vision Whitefish 2045; public hearing held open for more comment City planners presented the Vision Whitefish 2045 community plan and defended population and housing projections while residents and advocacy groups debated mixed‑use, short‑term rentals and downtown strategy; the council voted to keep the public hearing open for additional public comment and a March 23 work session.

The Whitefish City Council is keeping the public hearing open on the crucial Vision Whitefish 2045 plan after hours of passionate debate on housing, infrastructure, and neighborhood character.

Get the details!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicParticipation

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Whitefish Planning Commission votes to forward revised growth policy to City Council The Planning Commission voted Feb. 26, 2026 to recommend the revised Whitefish growth policy and future land-use map to City Council, after weeks of edits, public comment and several contested changes; one commissioner recorded opposition. Council will review the package at a March work session and public hearing.

The Whitefish Planning Commission has just sent a revised growth policy to the City Council, sparking a heated debate and set to shape the future of the community.

Get the details!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #WhitefishPlanning #CommunityInput #LandUsePolicy

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Whitefish council authorizes bids for Armory Park parking and Armory Road reconstruction Council authorized bidding for Armory Park parking/open space and approved preliminary design and bidding for the Armory Road reconstruction project (two 11-ft lanes, 8-ft shared-use path, raised median), with estimated costs of about $493,734 for the park phase and $6.4 million (including 20% contingency) for the road.

Big changes are coming to Whitefish as the City Council greenlights bids for the Armory Park parking and a major reconstruction of Armory Road, promising improved safety and access!

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Whitefish approves higher boat-launch fees to bolster invasive-species inspections Council adopted Resolution 26-03 raising resident and nonresident day and season boat-launch fees and restructuring commercial charges to increase funding for aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspections and decontamination; staff projects revenue would cover roughly 80% of AIS program costs after the change.

Whitefish City Council has just approved a significant increase in boat-launch fees to tackle the growing threat of aquatic invasive species—are you ready for the changes?

Learn more here!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #PublicRevenue #InvasiveSpecies #CitizenPortal #WhitefishAquatic

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

After heated public comment, Whitefish council approves amendments to Glacier Twins stadium lease Council approved Resolution 26-04 amending the Glacier Twins' long-term lease at Memorial Park to require greater transparency on Verizon funds, align terms with the Verizon license, allow termination if the property is unused for baseball/programming for more than a year, and require annual financial reporting; public speakers both criticized and defended the Twins.

After a passionate public debate, the Whitefish City Council unanimously approved significant amendments to the Glacier Twins' stadium lease, aiming to enhance transparency and ensure fair use of Memorial Park.

Learn more here!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CommunityTransparency

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

‘Vision Whitefish 2045’ draws hours of public comment as commission presses staff for clearer maps and place-type edits City planners previewed Vision Whitefish 2045 and its place-type map; residents and advocates offered competing views—some urging aggressive downtown and near‑downtown housing, others warning against downzoning, loss of neighborhood character, or developing wetlands. The commission asked staff to refine place-type boundaries and circulate updated maps before continuing deliberations.

Whitefish's future hangs in the balance as planners unveil the Vision Whitefish 2045 plan, igniting a fierce debate over housing, growth, and community character.

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

1 month ago

Whitefish planning commission reverts new heritage downtown designation after residents raise preservation, parking and flood concerns After hours of public comment on Feb. 11, the Whitefish Vision 2045 Planning Commission voted to revert a recently added heritage downtown neighborhood place type back to a heritage urban designation with targeted carve-outs and limits on multifamily development west of Spokane Avenue.

In a decisive move, the Whitefish Planning Commission has reverted the controversial “heritage downtown neighborhood” designation, prioritizing the preservation of long-established neighborhoods amid rising development pressures.

Learn more here

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #WhitefishHeritage

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

2 months ago

Residents urge protections for downtown character, wetlands and infrastructure as consultants propose place‑type changes Speakers at the Feb. 4 Planning Commission work session urged stronger historic‑preservation tools, flagged wetlands and wildlife corridors in Option B, questioned mixed‑use and proposed commercial acreage along Highway 93, and asked the commission to protect infrastructure and limit unintended height impacts.

Residents of Whitefish are sounding the alarm over proposed land-use changes that could threaten historic neighborhoods and vital wetlands!

Get the details

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #EnvironmentalProtection #WhitefishHistoricPreservation

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

2 months ago

Consultants present Vision Whitefish 2045 land‑use draft; plan aims to guide inward growth and add roughly 2,100 housing units by 2045 Consultants from CZB presented the draft land‑use element on Feb. 4, outlining place types, a zoning‑code update and a target of about 2,100 new housing units by 2045; commissioners postponed detailed discussion to Feb. 11 after extensive public comment.

Whitefish is gearing up for a transformative 20-year plan that aims to add 2,100 new housing units while preserving the city's unique character—are you ready for the changes ahead?

Get the details!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalStewardship #WhitefishHousing

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Habitat for Humanity and local partners pitch 22-unit snow-lot townhome project; council approves two land-trust purchases Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley asked the council to consider developing 22 townhomes on the city's snow lot using a community land-trust model; council later approved two Northwestern Montana Land Trust purchases with $40,000 per house city contributions (unanimous).

Habitat for Humanity is proposing an innovative townhome project in Whitefish that could dramatically lower housing costs, but the city council has some crucial decisions to make first.

Read the full story

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CommunityDevelopment #WhitefishHousing #AffordableHousing

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Whitefish council raises ambulance fees and adds fire-response charges after wide-ranging debate After a lengthy public hearing and debate about fairness to uninsured residents, the Whitefish City Council adopted Resolution 26-01 to raise ambulance fees roughly 22% and add new fire-response fees (automobile-response hourly charge and a gas-leak fee). The measure passed 5–1.

The Whitefish City Council just voted to raise ambulance fees by 22% and add new charges for fire responses, igniting a heated debate over the impact on uninsured residents.

Read the full story

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CommunitySupport #HealthcareAccess #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

3 months ago

Whitefish planning commission hears wide public input on Vision Whitefish 2045 housing element City staff presented population and housing inventories and a housing-needs assessment that estimates a 20-year need of roughly 930–1,500 units; speakers urged denser, mixed-use, and permanently affordable housing while staff said public review will continue before the Jan. 7 meeting.

Whitefish residents are demanding bold action for affordable housing solutions as the Planning Commission grapples with a projected need for up to 5,000 new units over the next two decades.

Learn more here

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #WhitefishHousing

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Residents urge Whitefish to press county on lakeshore enforcement and to restore public participation in growth policy update Speakers from Citizens for a Better Flathead and ShelterWF told the Whitefish City Council Nov. 17 that Flathead County is not consistently enforcing lakeshore protections and urged the city to support stronger enforcement; public commenters also urged clearer, statutorily aligned participation in the growth policy update.

Residents of Whitefish demand stronger enforcement of lakeshore protections and clearer public participation in the city's growth policy update—are their voices being heard?

Learn more here!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #EnvironmentalProtection

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

Whitefish planners, consultants unveil land-use scenarios and set open house for Vision Whitefish 2045 City staff and CZB consultants presented draft land-use scenarios, composite transportation and place-type maps, and a housing projection of roughly 2,100 units through 2045; an open house is scheduled the next day to gather community feedback ahead of planning commission and city council hearings.

Whitefish is shaping its future with new land-use scenarios and a community open house—your voice matters in planning Vision Whitefish 2045!

Join us to share your thoughts!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #HousingNeed #UrbanPlanning #WhitefishCommunity

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

4 months ago

ShelterWF and residents urge retention of mixed-use language in Whitefish growth policy ShelterWF's executive director and Citizens for a Better Flathead told the council they support mixed-use zoning tied to multimodal transportation planning and criticized the planning office's public participation process as inconsistent with Montana Land Use Act requirements.

Whitefish residents and advocates are rallying to keep mixed-use zoning in the growth policy, arguing it's crucial for creating a vibrant, multimodal community.

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #MultimodalTransportation #ZoningReform

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Council approves Whitefish Riverfront Hotel expansion; staff notes river-buffer permits and retaining-wall work The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit to convert an existing office building at the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel into nine suites to expand the hotel's rental pool. Staff required two bike parking spaces, preservation of hotel-unit status (no short-term rentals), and noted existing retaining walls predate current water-quality and

The Whitefish City Council has just approved an exciting expansion of the Riverfront Hotel, transforming an underused office into nine stunning new suites!

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #WhitefishHotel #EnvironmentalProtection #CommunityPlanning

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

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

Whitefish is taking proactive steps to enhance its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, with a $100,000 budget and a strategic selection process for expert consultants underway!

Learn more here!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WhitefishWildfire #CommunityResilience

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Whitefish proclaims support for North Valley Food Bank as SNAP funding uncertainty looms The Whitefish City Council on Nov. 3 issued a proclamation backing the North Valley Food Bank amid federal SNAP funding uncertainty, pledged to encourage donations at City Hall and to post donation requests on public meeting agendas through year end.

The Whitefish City Council is rallying support for the North Valley Food Bank as SNAP funding faces uncertainty, warning that a potential pause could leave thousands hungry.

Learn more here!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #LocalGovernment #FoodSecurity

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

City accepts FRA planning grant, forms task force to study rail crossings; council appoints representative Whitefish will use a $500,000 planning budget — $400,000 from an FRA grant, $75,000 from BNSF and $25,000 city cash — to study railroad crossing improvements, with a task force established and Councilmember Steve appointed as the city representative.

Whitefish City Council is taking a big step towards safer railroad crossings with a new task force and a $500,000 planning grant!

Learn more here

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WhitefishRailroads #TransportationImprovements #CommunityPlanning

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

5 months ago

Council denies Taylor Hill PUD after hours of public comment and staff review The Whitefish City Council voted 4–1 to deny Ordinance 25-13, a planned-unit development (PUD) proposal for 24 townhomes on 2.85 acres at Baker Avenue and West Tenth Street after extensive public testimony and debate over height, neighborhood character, traffic and affordable‑housing mitigation.

The Whitefish City Council has officially denied a controversial proposal for 24 townhomes, sparking heated debate over neighborhood character and affordable housing.

Read the full story

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning #WhitefishNeighborhoods

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Residents Highlight Traffic Concerns on O'Brien Avenue Amid Baker Avenue Issues Community members discuss severe traffic challenges on O'Brien Avenue during peak hours.

Whitefish residents are sounding the alarm over escalating traffic troubles on O'Brien Avenue, as concerns mount about safety and accessibility amid growing community demands.

Get the details!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WhitefishTraffic #CommunityDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Whitefish Community Development Board Holds Public Hearing on Housing Zoning Controversy The board discusses zoning adjustments amid public concerns over housing and traffic impacts.

The Whitefish Community Development Board is tackling the pressing issue of affordable housing and zoning regulations, aiming to balance growth with community character.

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations #CommunityEngagement #WhitefishCommunity

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Brandon Tice outlines Whitefish regional stormwater treatment plan at community meeting Brandon Tice presents plans for a stormwater management system to improve local water quality.

Whitefish is taking bold steps towards cleaner waterways with a groundbreaking regional stormwater treatment plan—could this be the future of sustainable development?

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityPartnerships

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Design Team Prioritizes Sustainable Materials for New Building Project Design team focuses on healthy, certified materials for enhanced air quality.

The Whitefish Community Development Board is revolutionizing local construction by prioritizing sustainable materials that promise healthier living environments for residents.

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #HealthyMaterials #SustainableBuilding

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Project Owner Sherry Ross proposes stormwater management strategy for Baker Avenue site Sherry Ross suggests alternative stormwater management to fund West Seventh treatment project.

A groundbreaking proposal could transform stormwater management in Whitefish, potentially setting a new standard for local infrastructure and environmental health.

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #StormwaterManagement #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Whitefish Planning Board Reviews 24 Unit Townhome Subdivision Proposal on Baker Avenue Taylor Hill proposes a townhouse subdivision with community benefits amid local traffic concerns.

Whitefish is taking a bold step towards affordable housing with plans for a new 24-unit townhouse subdivision, but will it change the neighborhood forever?

Click to read more!

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #WhitefishHousing #CommunityDevelopment #TrafficSafety #AffordableHousing

Citizen Portal News Montana

@citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social

6 months ago

Pat LaTorell urges Whitefish council to prioritize park lighting and evacuation safety LaTorell highlights unsafe park lighting and vital evacuation access in Whitefish, Montana.

Community member Pat LaTorell is sounding the alarm on public safety in Whitefish, urging the council to enhance park lighting and improve evacuation routes amidst ongoing beautification efforts.

Read the full story

#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WhitefishParks