Young voices must be included in Growth Policy

As a young Whitefish resident and worker, I am concerned that the Growth Policy process risks leaving out the voices of young people, year-round workers, and long-term residents. Reopening previously settled chapters and a dense meeting schedule make participation difficult for those who cannot attend repeatedly. 

While the city has opened public participation, these opportunities often favor those with the time to show up. I encourage the Committee and Council to ask: who is not at the table today, and who do we want shaping Whitefish twenty years from now? 

Housing, transportation, and land use decisions will determine affordability and equity in our community. Without intentional engagement, the town risks favoring luxury development and seasonal interests over locals who live and work here year-round.

I urge the Committee and Council to prioritize infill and mixed-use development, align transportation with equitable growth, institutionalize youth and worker input, and ensure repeated chapter reopenings do not silence the broader community.

Young voices must be included now to shape a Whitefish that works for everyone in the future.
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Bella Brown, Forward Montana, Whitefish