GOVERNOR’S HOUSING TASK FORCE & SB 382 Lawsuit
During the 2023 Montana Legislative session, several bills were signed into law, including SB 382, now known as the Montana Land Use Planning Act. This legislation, along with others, was enacted following recommendations from the Governor’s Housing Task Force, aimed at addressing housing challenges in the state.
However, concerns have been raised about whether these new laws will effectively create affordable housing. A group of homeowners, Montanans Against Irresponsible Densification, has filed a lawsuit against the State of Montana, arguing that the laws fail to deliver affordable housing and are not a viable solution. The case is currently progressing through the courts.
Vision Whitefish 2045
The City of Whitefish’s Growth Policy has not been updated since 2007, other than recent corridor plans and other specific plans that are considered “updates” to the growth policy. The City Council has made it a priority to review and update the existing policy. Updating the growth policy will require public engagement from the Whitefish community. Long Range Planner, Alan Tiefenbach has created a Growth Policy Update (Vision Whitefish 2045) page on the city website to keep you in the “know”.
It’s up to US – the community of Whitefish, to help guide this massive project.
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