Housing work session Public Comment from Flathead Building AssociationFrom:Mark Freidline
To:Kalispell Meetings Public Comment; Mark Johnson; Sandy Carlson; Kari Gabriel; Chad Graham; Sam Nunnally;
Ryan Hunter; Jessica Dahlman; Sid Daoud
Subject:EXTERNAL housing work session
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 3:18:47 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Letter to Kalispell.pdf
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Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
We, members of the building and development community, respectfully request that the
City Council schedule a work session to discuss how Kalispell can work more
collaboratively with our industry to reduce the cost of building homes and improve
housing availability for working residents.
Kalispell is facing an urgent housing shortage. A study by the University of Montana’s
Bureau of Business and Economic Research shows a deficit of over 3,000 homes in the
Flathead Valley, and Montana now ranks as the most expensive state for housing.
Although thousands of units have been approved, high land and development costs—
many of which are shaped by local policies and processes—continue to delay or prevent
new housing from being built.
We believe a work session would provide a valuable opportunity, as partners in this
effort, to examine key barriers, including:
Inefficiencies in the plat and permit approval processes
Increasing infrastructure and parks requirements that add significant costs
Zoning standards that limit density and housing diversity
Unpredictable interpretations of development standards
Fee structures that contribute to overall project expense
Ultimately, we hope the Council will consider forming a working committee—including
city staff, a Council member, and industry representatives—to explore solutions and
bring forward recommendations. But first, we respectfully ask you to begin this
conversation by scheduling a dedicated work session.
We appreciate your leadership and stand ready to work in partnership to help address
this critical challenge for Kalispell’s future. This letter has been signed by over 20
builders, developers, and other business owners who have expressed their concerns
regarding this matter (see attached copy of letter).
Sincerely,
Mark Freidline
Executive Officer, Flathead Building Association
Office: (406) 752-2422
Cell: (513) 330-2074
director@buildingflathead.com
40 2nd St. East, Suite 202
Kalispell, MT 59901
Docusign Envelope ID: 842341F6-826D-4964-A2AD-2DE5A3099841
Docusign Envelope ID: 842341F6-826D-4964-A2AD-2DE5A3099841