Montana’s  Swan Valley’s rustic, rural character has long attracted residents and visitors, but the purchase of Holland Lake Lodge raised concerns that significant change could be coming. In response, community members banded together to shape their own future by creating a neighborhood plan designed to preserve the valley’s character and values. Led by co-chairs John Simon and Helene Michael, the Condon Neighborhood Planning Committee and 13 volunteers began updating the plan in late 2023, acknowledging that change is inevitable while emphasizing the importance of guiding it thoughtfully rather than resisting it outright.

After 18 months of work, the finalized plan lays out a community-driven framework for future development, addressing issues such as land use, water, and air quality with the goal of protecting the valley for future generations. Committee leaders say the plan reflects authentic local values precisely because it was created by residents themselves, not imposed from outside. Now under county review, the plan is scheduled to go before county commissioners on January 29, marking a key step toward formally shaping how growth and change will unfold in the Swan Valley.