Community needs public hearing is Thursday

There will be a public hearing on community development needs at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Kalispell City Council Chambers, 201 First Ave. E.

The event is being hosted by a variety of local organizations with the ability to submit grants based on feedback from the community. Representatives from the Kalispell city government, Flathead County, Montana West Economic Development, United Way, Samaritan House, NeighborWorks Montana, Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell Public Schools and Kalispell Regional Healthcare will be present at the event to hear from community members about their priorities. These entities are eligible to submit applications to the Montana Department of Commerce for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and/or a Montana Home Investment Partnership Program grant (HOME) to address community needs.

“The purpose of this hearing is to obtain the views of community residents, especially low- and moderate-income residents, regarding the community development needs and priorities of the city of Kalispell and Flathead County for economic development, housing and neighborhood revitalization and public facilities.”

The organizations will evaluate and submit the recommendations for the current cycle of grant funding and maintain a list for future consideration if the requests do not receive funding.

Community members may voice their opinions at the public hearing or prior to the event. Suggestions can be submitted to the Kalispell Community and Economic Development Department by calling 758-7738. CDBG or HOME application guidelines are available for review on the Montana Department of Commerce website: https://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/CDBG