Great Falls seeks resident input for future growth policy on survey

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The City of Great Falls is inviting residents to share their opinions and vision for the city's future through a newly launched Growth Policy Survey.

The survey aims to gather insights from the community to update the city's Growth Policy, which will guide decisions on growth, development, policy, and capital improvements for the next 20 years. It is estimated to take 15-20 minutes to complete.

Residents who participate in the survey will be entered into weekly drawings for gift cards to local businesses. The survey is available online.

In addition to the survey, the Planning and Community Development Department will host community workshops to further engage residents. These workshops are scheduled as follows:

- January 27, 5:30 p.m., Civic Center – Gibson Room

- January 28, 12:00 p.m., Montana Expo Park – Paddock Club

- January 28, 5:30 p.m., Meadowlark Elementary School - Library

- January 29, 5:30 p.m., East Middle School - Cafeteria

- January 30, 12:00 p.m., Great Falls College MSU, B139

Residents are encouraged to share their opinions on various aspects of the city's growth. The survey poses questions about the city's greatest assets, the pace of growth, and the challenges Great Falls may face in the coming decades.

Varied opinions on the city's progress are being expressed so far on social media. One resident expressed concerns in a Facebook comment, saying, "Great Falls needs more work. We have never replaced the Smelter job loss. Our population has never grown since 1982... Great Falls has turned into a welfare-reliant city with no future."

Another resident spoke with NonStop Local who wished to remain anonymous. The resident acknowledged economic challenges within the community but also noted positive developments. "There's been a lot of growth. A lot of new things have come in. It seems like the city is modernizing for the better and not for the worse. The college has gotten a lot better for young people. I think that encourages young people to stay in Great Falls is important," the resident said.

Housing affordability is a significant concern for this resident and many others. "I think negative changes is just affordability," the resident explained. "I think it's gotten way too expensive for what it is because there has not been enough housing. There is not a single-family home in Great Falls being built or available for a reasonable price. It should not cost $350,000 to buy a house here."

The same resident suggested a unique idea to improve safety and accessibility in the city. "It would be cool to have, like, a pedestrian bridge or something over 10th. So people don’t have to worry about crossing the street or think it’s dangerous to do so. I know that would be kind of expensive and difficult to do, but it would be nice for people going from Providence across town."

The city looks forward to hearing from the community and using their feedback to shape the future of Great Falls.

Great Falls seeks resident input for future growth policy on survey

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