Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider forming an advisory committee tasked with helping to guide a housing study and develop a housing plan.  

The proposal stems from a housing initiative Mayor Ryan Hunter championed during his successful campaign for office. While he pushed for a permanent board that would also focus on homelessness, councilors opted for a temporary committee with a set goal and timeline.  

Council meets at 7 p.m., June 15 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. 

The committee would help staff draft a request for a proposals for a citywide housing study. Kalispell has set aside $126,000 from a grant received in 2023 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund the effort.  

The five-person board would be able to make policy recommendations to Council and is expected to include members from the public, for profit, and nonprofit sectors with direct housing experience, according to a memo from City Manager Jarod Nygren. 

Council will also decide whether to approve a tax increment financing loan for an affordable housing project in West Kalispell.  

Mach Development is looking to build a 24-unit apartment building at 40 Appleway Drive that will boast one- and two-bedroom rent-restricted apartments for households making below 50% to 60% of the area median income.  

The $113,700 loan would come from the West Side/Core Area tax increment financing program, which is intended to address blight and promote economic development in those neighborhoods.  

Station Kalispell, LLC is looking to put the dollars toward demolition of the existing building and site preparation as well as boulevard improvements and construction of a sidewalk.  

COUNCIL IS expected to accept a grant for a backup generator at the city’s public safety building.  

The $284,075 grant comes from Montana Disaster and Emergency Services and requires a local match of $96,692. 

The need for a generator became apparent after a December windstorm left the base of operations for the Kalispell Police and Fire departments without electricty for two days.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.