City Adopts Updated Growth Policy
 | Author:
Linda Kent, MT43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
City Adopts Updated Growth Policy
Linda Kent
MT43 News Correspondent
Townsend’s City Council adopted an updated growth policy May 6. The State of Montana requires all municipalities to develop or revise such a plan every five years. The policy addresses both the incorporated parts of the city, as well as a one-mile area around those existing boundaries.
A community survey, conducted by WWE Engineering of Helena in 2024, showed that residents valued the sense of community and agriculture very strongly, as well as access to police and emergency services. Other priorities noted in the survey included affordable housing, access to health care, and quality schools. The survey also revealed that a small majority felt that there has already been too much growth in the community. Most respondents also felt that managing growth was a priority for the community.
When it came to future growth, survey respondents felt that it was very important for the city develop strong regulations to address how growth occurs and that the city needs to plan for growth.
Interestingly, with the exception of solid waste collection, the majority of respondents indicated they would not be willing to pay additional taxes to support improvement of a range of services from public education and law enforcement to mosquito control. Another consistent theme of responses was the importance of street and sidewalk repair.
The policy emphasizes housing availability and affordability, infrastructure, and supporting local schools.
The city held a public hearing on the draft policy April 29, with no members of the public weighing in. There was also no public comment during the May 6 meeting on the policy.
