The Columbia Falls planning commission reviewed two model public participation plans and reached consensus to direct staff to draft a city-specific plan that complies with the Montana Land Use Planning Act, with a public hearing on the draft scheduled for the commission’s May 9 meeting.

Planning staff told commissioners the templates from Kalispell and Helena follow a model developed by the Montana Department of Commerce and the governor’s housing task force and contain the statutory elements required for adoption. “So under this, we're required to provide a public participation plan that creates the framework for communication engagement,” a city planner said, summarizing the statute’s requirement to facilitate dissemination of draft documents, written and verbal comment opportunities, public meetings with effective notice, online access and an analysis of and response to public comments.

Commissioners and staff emphasized several items they want the draft to include. They agreed to incorporate a 20-year housing benchmark and a requirement that staff analyze and respond to public comments so members of the public can see how their input was considered. The planner described the overall process: the planning commission will recommend the land use plan and future land use map, after which the city will update zoning and subdivision regulations to align with the adopted plan.

Staff also said the housing study required by the new law will be conducted by an independent consultant in accordance with Department of Commerce rules; the city has applied for a $30,000 grant to help pay for that work. “We have submitted an application for, cross our fingers, for a $30,000 grant to help pay for that,” the planner said.

Public commenters urged broad outreach and clearer visuals so residents understand potential changes. Scott Merkel thanked the commission for past opportunities to ask questions and asked that more participation be built into the process. Lucy Yates asked whether the plan differentiates between city residents and nonresidents and warned that a 20-year plan naturally considers areas outside current city limits. Architect Mark Wallow urged staff to show before-and-after illustrations so residents can picture likely development outcomes, saying residents often do not understand the implications until they see rendered scenarios.

Commissioners discussed consistent terminology for who carries out outreach (debating whether to list “contractors” versus use the phrase “agents of the city”) and directed staff to prepare draft language that preserves legal consistency while being clear and inclusive. Staff said all public engagement materials and records will be retained as public record.

Next steps: staff will prepare a draft public participation plan incorporating the commission’s direction and post it online before the next meeting. The commission will hold a public hearing on the draft at its May 9 meeting and then will make a recommendation to the City Council, which will consider adoption by resolution. No formal vote was taken on the plan tonight; the commission voiced consensus and directed staff to produce the draft. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was approved.