Downtown investment lifts all

The Kalispell Business Improvement District is making a worthy investment in downtown’s curb appeal.

This spring, the member organization is reviving a tree-planting program that had gone dormant for several years following the Covid pandemic. A dozen new trees will be planted in May along downtown sidewalks, replacing those that are dead or dying.

Before the pandemic, the organization purchased new trees for downtown annually because the city Parks and Recreation Department lacked the funds, but the tree-planting program withered when costs became too high.

Unfortunately, during the past several years many downtown trees have suffered — it’s not easy being green in a concrete jungle. Dead and dying trees do not represent a welcoming shopping district full of life.

Recognizing the power of a first impression, the Business Improvement District got creative with its funding to revive the tree initiative, which ultimately helps every downtown business blossom and thrive.

“We’re willing to spend a little bit more money annually to make sure it looks beautiful and is inviting and contributes to the economic vitality of this district,” commented Kisa Davison, chair of the improvement district.

There is no doubt that a welcoming Main Street lifts all — an important point as Kalispell continues to reimagine the future of its core business district.