The city of Columbia Falls has initiated the development of a new land use plan to comply with Montana’s Land Use Planning Act, building on its 2018 master plan. The process, funded by nearly $400,000 in state grants, includes extensive public outreach through a dedicated website, social media, surveys, and meetings with various stakeholders. Key studies on the city’s sewer and water systems, crucial for accommodating future growth, have just been released, with a public open house scheduled for November 20 to discuss infrastructure needs and potential rate increases.

Public input has emphasized the need for timely information dissemination and inclusion of residents both inside and outside city limits. Concerns raised include the affordability gap for housing and the financial sustainability of current utilities. While the land use plan will be advisory rather than regulatory, it aims to guide growth and can be amended over time, with zoning laws ultimately enforcing regulations. The city faces a tight timeline to complete the plan by May 2026 due to delayed grant funding.