What is the tipping point for tourism-generated visitation in Whitefish?

The Whitefish Tourism Master Plan Steering Committee invites Whitefish residents to meet with the steering committee and a facilitator from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 14, at Whitefish City Hall.

Tourism is one important part of a diverse Whitefish economy, and while it provides many benefits to Whitefish, there are also real stresses on the community from peak season visitation that creates year-round effects on residents, according to committee chairperson Lauren Oscilowski. The vision of the committee is to work with the Whitefish community to define a balance in which tourism can continue to boost the economy, while being mindful of the needs of a small town in shaping its development and growth.

“The committee values the opinions of a diverse set of residents and would like input from the Whitefish community to help us discover the path forward,” Oscilowski said in a press release. “We want to hear what you — Whitefish residents — have to say about visitation to Whitefish in both the peak and shoulder seasons. Is there a tipping point, how will we know we are approaching it, and what can we do to avoid it?”

Community members will discuss:

- What is special about this place? What do you value and appreciate about the Whitefish community?

- Why do you live, work and do business in our community?

- How does visitation affect you and our community, both positively and negatively?

- What is our community at risk of losing as a result of growth in visitation, and how will we know if or when the balance has tipped?

The steering committee was selected by the Whitefish City Council after applicants applied and interviewed for the volunteer board. Committee members include Nick Polumbus, Meagan Powell, Steve Thompson, Lauren Oscilowski, Brian Schott, Craig Workman, Michelle Howke, Mariah Joos and Andy Feury. It is being facilitated by Michele Archie of Harbinger Consulting Group.

Committee advisers include Dylan Boyle of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau, Jen Frandsen of Old Town Creative and Rhonda Fitzgerald of the Tourism Advisory Council.