Don't get caught off guard by new public participation rules

The 2023 Legislature delivered a package of bills that reform Montana’s land-use codes with an eye toward fixing the state’s housing crisis. The legislation was a top priority for Gov. Greg Gianforte and his mandate to cut so-called red tape that stymies new development.

Among the sweeping reform measures was Senate Bill 382 and the Montana Land Use Planning Act. The measure takes aim at not-in-my-backyard type public uprisings that frequently challenge proposals for new subdivisions or multi-family developments. 

Recently in the Flathead Valley, well-organized movements have successfully influenced decisions on a number of high-profile housing proposals, from Columbia Falls and Bigfork to the outskirts of Whitefish. In each case, community members flooded council and commission chambers to air concerns and let their voice be heard.