News

Montana West Economic Development Releases Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Flathead County Kalispell, Montana

The Flathead County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), was recently completed by Montana West Economic Development (MWED) and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), with collaboration from their community partners. In April and May of this year, MWED conducted six focus group discussions throughout the county, and sent out an on-line survey to email lists provided by MWED, the City of Whitefish and various Chambers, to obtain input from the area communities.

The CEDS is a strategic document that provides a current picture of the status of the Flathead Valley’s economy; with designs to strengthen the region’s economic outlook by outlining the goals needed to create jobs, cultivate a more diversified economy and to improve quality of life through a five-year strategic plan. The strategic plan was created through an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the communities; analysis of the area’s key industry sectors and workforce; and proposals for initial projects and public works slated to increase economic development.

From the data collected, Flathead County’s lack of affordable housing and skilled workforce are key needs, as are the low-paying and part-time positions due to a seasonal economy. Other weaknesses that need to be addressed are: slow Internet and lack of broadband options, lack of adequate daycare services at non-traditional times, high air fares, unregulated growth and aging infrastructures. Despite the former deficiencies, the Flathead Valley is still an attractive place to live and work with its close proximity to Glacier National Park, outdoor activities and beautiful, natural scenery that appeals to the local population, and boosts tourist numbers. A strong work ethic is present, as is quality health care and community involvement. The Kalispell Core Area, Glacier Rail Park, downtown Whitefish and Flathead Valley Community College hold great opportunity to increase economic growth and quality of life.

To address the challenges and opportunities, the CEDS partners devised the following goals, with targeted objectives to be successfully achieved through cooperation of all the partners involved:

Enhance and expand workforce development and educational opportunities for residents in order to provide a skilled workforce for local businesses and increase regional competitiveness.

Expand and diversify the economic base to create higher paying jobs through efforts to promote business start-ups and attract new business to the region.

Support the maintenance and enhancement of the physical infrastructure that is needed for sustainable economic growth in Flathead County.

Build on the region’s strengths and assets to support, retain and grow existing businesses.
Develop and maintain a positive quality of life for citizens and visitors to ensure communities are appealing and healthy places to live, work and recreate and to conduct business.

Partners: Northwest BEAR, Flathead County, City of Kalispell, City of Whitefish, City of Columbia Falls, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, Lakeside/Somers Chamber of Commerce, Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Kalispell Job Service, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, Small Business Development Center, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture – Rural Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Brownsfields Program, Small Business Administration, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Flathead Valley Community College, Flathead County Superintendent of Schools and Local School Districts, ImagineIF Libraries, Glacier Park International Airport, BNSF Railway, Watco Companies, Montana Dept. of Transportation, Kalispell Downtown Association, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Flathead Building Association, Kalispell and Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Community Action Partnership – Northwest Montana, Glacier AERO, local community foundations and other local non-profits, Kalispell Regional Healthcare, Flathead Electric, Weyerhaeuser, TeleTech, SmartLam and financial institutions.
Additional information and a copy of the CEDS can be found on the Montana West Economic Development website at https://www.dobusinessinmontana.com/mwed-2/.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Dorothy Meyer at 406.257.7711 ext. 2 or email at [email protected].

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.