Ordinance 1853 Public Comment from Lorraine Clarno, Kalispell ChamberAimee Brunckhorst
From:
Lorraine Clarno <I.clarno@kalispellchamber.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 11:40 AM
To:
Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Cc:
Tom Ray (trayliv58@gmail.com); 'Courtenay Sprunger'; Erica Wirtala; Tagen Vine
Subject:
[EXTERNAL] Public Testimony - Ordinance 1853
Good evening Mayor and City Councilors
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently completed their 2021 planning and set priorities for the
year. Economic development and workforce development are directly impacted by housing availability.
As Kalispell continues to grow, it is apparent that housing is becoming a significant challenge and issue for both
individuals already here and becoming a larger issue for employers expanding their workforce and needing to recruit
more employees to the area.
The affordable and workforce housing shortage has emerged as a primary barrier to creating and growing jobs here in
the Flathead.
Recently our regional health care center's Human Resource department shared that in one day, 6 out-of-state recruits
declined high demand positions and sighted the lack of housing and affordability as the primary factor in their decisions.
We believe that Accessory Dwelling Units can be a part of the solution to our housing shortage. They will not only
increase the available inventory for people in need of housing, but they will also provide supplemental income for
property owners that may be experiencing hardships during this challenging economic time. We also want to stress the
need for Council's inclusion in the ordinance that the ADUs affected here in shall be for long-term rentals so as not to
increase the supply of short-term visitor rentals such as Airbnbs and VRBOs.
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce applauds and supports the City's efforts to find unique solutions to our housing
crisis. Thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony this evening.
Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Convention & Visitor Bureau
15 Depot Park I Kalispell, MT 59901
(P) 406-758-2802 (C) 406-407-4144
I.clarno _kalispellchamber.com
Ca LorraineClarno
r