6/8/26 Kalispell City Council Session

The City of Kalispell, Montana City Council held a work session on June 8, 2026, focusing primarily on affordable housing and related urban development issues. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the proposal to create a permanent Affordable Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee to provide input on housing plans, review RFPs for housing studies, and offer recommendations to the council. Council members debated the committee's scope, duration, membership criteria, and potential overlap with existing groups like Collaborative Housing Solutions. They emphasized the need for clear goals, definitions of affordable housing, and consideration of financing challenges. Additionally, the council discussed zoning and development standards along the Parkline Trail, including incentives for trail-facing buildings and multi-story development to encourage density and revitalization. The council agreed to direct the Planning Commission to explore development standards and incentives for the area. The meeting also included a brief mention of a $380,000 grant for a public safety building generator requiring a $90,000 city match, with further budget discussions forthcoming. A work session on addressing lawlessness downtown was proposed for a future date. Public comments highlighted concerns about affordable housing subsidies, regulatory impacts on development, and the need for balanced growth strategies.