Happy Thursday, Beacon readers! Lauren Frick here, and if you’re the loyal Beacon reader I’m sure all our newsletter subscribers are, you’ve probably noticed I’ve spent quite a bit of time at Whitefish City Hall this week. From final Fiscal Year 2027 budget approval, to Water Master Plan discussions, to a planning commission meeting tonight to dive back into the world of all things Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA), I think it’s time for me to list 418 E. Second St. as my second residence.
If you still haven’t gotten your fix of Whitefish news this week, though, you’re in luck, as there’s still a bit of news to squeeze out of Monday night’s city council meeting.
Whitefish city councilors on Monday night approved a $250,000 grant for Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley to help fund the purchase of the lots located at 1974 and 1982 Whitefish Ave. to build two three-bedroom townhouses.
The lot adjoins the propertyHabitat Flathead bought in May — located at 1958 and 1966 Whitefish Ave. — using the first installment of the city’s Resort Tax funds. The newly funded lot is a triangle shaped lot that will include a green space for the neighborhood at the tip of the triangle, the nonprofit said in a press release this week.
Habitat Flathead broke ground on the first two lots in July, marking the start of the organization’s “Grounded in Whitefish” campaign, which has a goal to build 10 affordable homes in Whitefish per year for the next 10 years, focusing on homeownership opportunities for the Whitefish workforce.
All Habitat Flathead homes, and therefore all the Grounded in Whitefish homes, are deed restricted against any kind of rental and commercial use, and the nonprofit wants all the houses built to eventually become part of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust’s long-term pool of affordable housing.
The homes will have a restriction of ownership to households with income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI), a term of two years for completion of the project and a shared appreciation allowing the homeowner only 25% of the appreciated value at the time of sale.
Habitat Flathead is taking applications on the townhouses until Oct. 31. Anyone interested in applying should visit habitatflathead.org/homeownership for more information. If you’re unsure if you meet the income requirements, send an email to [email protected] to discuss their eligibility.
Habitat Flathead plans to have all four of the townhouses on Whitefish Avenue ready to move into by June 30, 2027, according to its press release.
And as I promised in my last Thursday newsletter (yes, still playing Roundup musical chairs), I’ll always try to send you off with some weekend plans, even if it’s not 3 p.m. on Friday just yet.
The Whitefish Trail Hootenanny is back and will be held on Friday, Aug. 21 in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The annual community event celebrates local trails and open lands with live music, local beer, food trucks, raffle and kids activities. All of the proceeds support Whitefish Legacy Partners, the Whitefish Trail and local conservation lands.
This year, local band favorites New Wave Time Trippers and HotDayum! will feature as the event’s entertainment. Hotdayum! is a seven-piece sonic powerhouse with an electrifying mix of groove, melody, and improvisation, while the New Wave Time Trippers of 1985 create a totally tubular 80s dance party with both a visual and music show from the decade of decadence.
The raffle includes two unrestricted, roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines, a season ski pass to Whitefish Mountain Resort, a mountain bike from Glacier Cyclery and overnight stays at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, the Firebrand, and the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel. Raffle tickets are 1 for $5, 5 for $20, or 30 for $100, and you don’t need to be present to win.
Entry tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free and should bring their bike and helmet to ride the kids bike obstacle course. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased here.
OK, let me double check … now I think that’s all the news to report from Whitefish. Let’s see what else is happening around the valley in the rest of today’s Daily Roundup.
Flathead County District Court Rules in Favor of State in Lakeside Groundwater Permit Case
Citizens for a Better Flathead and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes had challenged the state’s approval of a wastewater-to-groundwater discharge permit for Lakeside, citing environmental concerns
Whitefish City Council Approves Final Budget with Additional Mills
A divided city council picked up an additional 10 mills in response to concerns the city’s roughly 27 “carry-over” mills would be eliminated in the upcoming legislative session.
Whitefish Council Approves Water Master Plan Despite Dewatering Concerns
One of the main requests from those looking to further protect the two Haskill Creek tributaries utilized by the city is the installation of a radio telemetry diversion management system to allow for real-time monitoring and adjustment of water withdrawals from Second and Third Creeks
Whether you’ve been here for decades, or you’re new to the Flathead Valley, our reporting is here to help you feel smarter and in the loop about the issues most important to Northwest Montana. With your support, we can build a more engaged, informed community.
