Southwest Montana News

Helena residents have a unique opportunity to provide input on the future of the city through the Helena Forward Land Use Plan project. The city is currently seeking input through various public engagement tools to guide the development of the Land Use Plan. Community members can visit www.helenamt.gov/helena-forward/ to learn more about the project and ways to get involved.

The city is working with consulting firm Houseal-Lavigne to analyze previous planning documents, conduct extensive public engagement, and develop the new Land Use Plan. The project website currently offers a Community Questionnaire with questions about important issues and opportunities facing the city. There is also an online tool, map.social, that allows participants to provide feedback and ideas using an interactive map.

The project kicked off in early June with key stakeholder meetings in Helena. Houseal-Lavigne is also conducting interviews with various business owners and civic leaders as part of the data collection process. The team has created DIY Kits that allow residents to conduct their own small group workshops to gather input on the Land Use Plan. DIY Kits can be requested by emailing Ellie Ray with the City’s Planning Division at eray@helenamt.gov.

Helena Forward is a multi-year process that stems from the passage of Senate Bill 382, the Montana Land Use Planning Act. The Land Use Plan will replace the city’s Growth Policy, which was last updated in 2019. The project team expects the full process to last approximately one and a half years.