Kalispell City Council poised to appoint new city manager
JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months AGO
Kalispell Development Services Director and Interim City Manager Jarod Nygren speaks to a gathering of guests during an open house in counsel chambers at City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 10. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
KALISPELL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION REPORTER Jack Underhill covers Kalispell city government, housing and transportation for the Daily Inter Lake. His reporting focuses on how local policy decisions affect residents and the rapidly growing Flathead Valley. Underhill has reported on housing challenges, infrastructure issues and regional service providers across Montana. His work also includes accountability reporting on complex community issues and public institutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Underhill graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Journalism before joining the Inter Lake. In his free time, Underhill enjoys mountain biking around the valley, skiing up on Big Mountain or exploring Glacier National Park. IMPACT: Jack’s work helps residents understand how growth, housing and infrastructure decisions affect the future of their community. | December 14, 2025 11:00 PM
Kalispell City Council is expected to decide Monday whether to appoint Jarod Nygren to the city manager position.
Council meets on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.
If appointed, Nygren would immediately enter a five-year contract term, receive a $200,000 base annual salary subject to a yearly increase, a $750 monthly vehicle allowance and paid health insurance for himself and his family, according to a memo from City Attorney Johnna Preble.
Mayor Mark Johnson said he fully supported Nygren during an open house held last week for the public to meet the city manager finalist. Johnson didn’t expect much dissent from Council.
As the city’s chief administrator, Nygren would oversee the day-to-day operations of a municipality with 244 full-time employees and a $180 million budget.
Nygren, presently the city’s director of Development Services, emerged as the sole finalist following a months-long recruitment process spearheaded by GMP consultants. The consulting firm invited five finalists for interviews, but all except Nygren declined.
Nygren has been serving as interim city manager since August, following Doug Russell’s departure from the position after 13 years.
COUNCIL WILL appoint someone to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission.
The city received applications from Emmett Van Allen, Cody Hunter and Brett Huff.
The commission acts as an advisor to Council on land use planning by recommending development proposals.
Council is expected to consider extending the Autumn Creek Subdivision’s preliminary plat for two years.
The plat was originally approved in 2021 for JCM Development LLC to stake out 28 residential lots on around 8.4 acres at Hathaway Lane north of U.S. 2 West.
A preliminary plat is valid for three years from the date of approval. The developer requested a two-year extension in 2023 and is now requesting additional time after utility repairs turned out to be more extensive than anticipated.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].
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