As Columbia Falls updates its growth policy, a process that is done about every six years, city leaders are surveying residents in order to give the planning board and city council guidance as the process progresses. The updated growth policy is expected in the fall. The planning board is currently working on updates, chapter by chapter, but the city council will have the final say in the adoption of the policy.

Below are the questions the city is asking residents. They can be filled out manually (use a separate piece of paper)and dropped off at city hall or electronically at the city’s website, www.cityofcolumbiafalls.org

How long have you lived in the city?

What brought you to Columbia Falls (Work, affordable housing, good schools, recreational opportunities, etc.)

What are the three most important issues facing Columbia Falls?

As Columbia continues to grow in the future, where do you see the city limits expanding; to the north across the BNSF tracks; to the east across the Flathead River; or to the west below South Hilltop Road?

Do you support the goal of continuing support of manufacturing in Columbia Falls, either light industrial or clean heavy industrial use?

In the last decade, tourist related business has started to locate in Columbia Falls. These businesses include guide services, Glacier Park concessionaires, hotels, hostels, etc. Do you support the continued development of these businesses?

Should the city continue to focus on infill development for commercial uses or expand the commercial districts east of Third Avenue East (Oh’s Body Shop) or west of South Hilltop Road (last stoplight west of town)?

What do you value about Columbia Falls that you want preserved as the community grows?