Main Street Improvement - Public Comment from Amber RoperJudi Funk
From: Amber Roper <amber@naturebabyoutfitter.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 5:19 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Main Street Improvement - Public Comment
This is a big, complex project —and I want to start by thanking the city and planners for hearing the public,
even when the feedback hasn't always felt constructive. Like many of you, I've had sleepless nights filled
with "what ifs" —what this project could mean for my business, my family, and our community. I've
watched the planning sessions multiple times, and I genuinely appreciate the thought that's gone into
this —from snow removal to traffic flow to worst -case travel delays.
During those long nights, I also found myself looking through past downtown improvement proposals —
ones that never broke ground. And one thought kept coming back to me: the kind of downtown I admire
when I visit other cities. The kind where you ask, "What's happening downtown this weekend?" —and
have real options.
We need that. A strong, thriving downtown that reinvests in our community —economically, socially, and
culturally. Local businesses sponsor kids' sports teams, donate to fundraisers, host events, and hire our
neighbors. Every dollar spent downtown stays closer to home. That ripple effect is something big box
stores just can't replicate.
Right now, though, that's not the reality here. And while I'm clearly a little biased, we do have amazing
businesses downtown. But it's hard to ignore the challenges. As big box chains continue to grow in North
Kalispell, our historic downtown has faded from being the go -to destination. We hear it all the time —
"downtown feels dirty and uninviting," "parking and traffic are confusing," and most of all, "there's just
not enough happening to make the trip worth it." Even longstanding events like Ladies Night and the
Holiday Stroll are seeing lower turnout.
It's a vicious cycle: fewer events mean fewer people downtown. Fewer people mean fewer businesses
want to be there. And the cycle continues. This Main Street improvement project is a real opportunity to
start breaking that cycle.
As a business owner, I'll be honest —I'm nervous. I worry about what happens if we don't make changes
and the foot traffic continues to drop. But I'm also nervous about surviving a construction season that
could hit during our busiest time of year. One of our stores is already hard to access —tucked on a one-
way with a no -left -turn off Main. Add construction, and it's a real concern.
But I also believe we're stronger together. I trust this community. I believe we'll find ways to collaborate
and support one another through the messy middle. Because this isn't just about fewer traffic lanes or
wider sidewalks. It's about building a foundation for something bigger: a more welcoming, lively
downtown that can host more events, sidewalk sales, outdoor dining, music, themed cruises —
everything that brings a city to life.
This project didn't come out of nowhere —and it's not about stopping the Cruises or "turning us into
California." It's part of a long-term plan. The bypass is already rerouting heavy traffic. The Parkline Trail is
bringing people back in. The mall is finally seeing much -needed investment. These are coordinated steps
toward making downtown a true destination —one that honors our heritage while planning for the future.
We're heading in this direction eventually. The question is: do we take the opportunity now —while
there's federal funding available —to ease the financial burden on our local taxpayers? Or do we delay,
knowing we'll likely revisit the same plans later with fewer resources?
I've gone back and forth on this. But when I weigh the pros and cons, I believe the benefits far outweigh
the challenges. This kind of funding won't be available forever. In a perfect world, we could take it
whenever we wanted, with no strings attached. But that's not how these grants work. This is the timeline.
And this is our opportunity to reinvest in the safety, accessibility, and future of our downtown.
Cheers,
Amber Roper
Owner
Nature Baby Outfitter
mobile: 406 871-2710