SANDPOINT — Navigating the delicate balance between welcoming Sandpoint's inevitable growth and maintaining its small town feel has been a hot topic for years.

City Councilman Stephen Snedden has been a longtime sounding board for both sides of the debate and now plans on forming a temporary growth committee charged with reviewing city policies, examining the strategies of cities facing similar growth and eventually presenting detailed policy suggestions to the full council.

Snedden said much of the community discourse centers on Sandpoint's changing socioeconomic environment.

"There are people on both sides of the debate," Snedden said. "One saying that this is a matter of supply and demand, and another saying this is becoming out of reach for the people who have lived here a long time and really enjoy Sandpoint and have built it to what it is now."

The committee will likely meet three to four times during a month-long period, discussing issues related to affordable housing, zoning, tourism, job creation and other growth-related topics.

Bridging the gap between the different viewpoints — which are often diametrically opposed — will be no easy feat, but Snedden said the community is up for the challenge.

"I think it's completely achievable to have that balance between this being a resort town while also maintaining its affordability," he said. "It's achievable, but it will take a lot of work."

Snedden will bring the issue before council at its next session and hopes to begin committee meetings soon after.

Snedden said anyone interested in Sandpoint's growth strategies are encouraged to join the committee. For more information, contact Snedden at [email protected].