Housing symposium to dive into issues facing Whitefish
Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 3 days, 8 hours AGO
Alpenglow Apartments seen from across the rail yard in Whitefish on Oct. 16. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Housing Whitefish, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and Explore Whitefish will host the Whitefish Housing Symposium: Understanding Today’s Housing Challenges and the Resources Available, on Nov. 10 from 9-11 a.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Center.
The event is for employers supporting staff through housing challenges, residents who are interested in understanding our housing affordability challenges, and anyone who wants a clearer picture of one of the most pressing issues facing the community. Presenters will cover current housing market conditions, local policy and planning updates, employer perspectives and the assistance programs currently available to Whitefish residents and workers.
Presenters include Daniel Sidder, executive director at Housing Whitefish; Erica Wirtala, public affairs director at the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors; Rachel Smalley, system director of HR operations at Logan Health; Dana Meeker, Whitefish city manager.
“Housing affects nearly everyone in Whitefish — the people trying to find a place to live, the businesses trying to keep their workforce and the community trying to hold on to the people who make it run,” Sidder said.
Katherine Archibald, executive director of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, shared a similar message.
“Housing affordability is not just a housing issue; it’s an economic issue that directly impacts our businesses, workforce, and the long-term vitality of Whitefish," Archibald said. “Our local businesses depend on a strong workforce, and those employees need attainable places to call home. Our goal is to connect businesses and community members with valuable resources and help them navigate this complex challenge.”
The event is $15 and open to the public. To register, visit the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Community Events page and click on the Whitefish Housing Symposium link.
The symposium is made possible by presenting sponsor Dick Anderson Construction, supporting sponsors Logan Health and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, and refreshment sponsor Kemo Sabe.