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Citizen Portal News Montana
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The Barber Farm annexation proposal has been withdrawn after a passionate outcry from neighbors, raising serious concerns about traffic, density, and school capacity.

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#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #BillingsNeighbors #CommunityPlanning #TrafficSafety #WaterQuality
Developer withdraws contested Barber Farm annexation and zone-change after large resident turnout
After a three-hour hearing with dozens of neighbors expressing concerns about traffic, density, school capacity and aquifer impacts, the developer of Barber Farm (annexation 2506 / zone change 1074) requested to withdraw the applications; the council unanimously accepted the withdrawal so the developer can retool the proposal and meet with neighbors.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:56 AM
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Residents of Whitefish demand stronger enforcement of lakeshore protections and clearer public participation in the city's growth policy update—are their voices being heard?

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#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #EnvironmentalProtection
Residents urge Whitefish to press county on lakeshore enforcement and to restore public participation in growth policy update
Speakers from Citizens for a Better Flathead and ShelterWF told the Whitefish City Council Nov. 17 that Flathead County is not consistently enforcing lakeshore protections and urged the city to support stronger enforcement; public commenters also urged clearer, statutorily aligned participation in the growth policy update.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 11:36 PM
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The Libby City Council has taken a proactive step by approving a legal services agreement to prepare for potential claims related to PFAS contamination, despite no evidence currently found in the city's water supply.

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#LibbyLincolnCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Libby council approves legal services agreement to keep city ready for AFFF/PFAS claims
The Libby City Council approved a resolution authorizing a legal services agreement to preserve the city's ability to pursue or join claims related to AFFF/PFAS contamination; the item was framed as preventative because no PFAS have been confirmed in city water supplies.
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November 28, 2025 at 9:13 PM
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The Butte-Silver Bow Council's recent vote to sell the controversial 305 W. Mercury Street has sparked intense debate over its implications for local mental health providers and community development.

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#SilverBowCounty #MT #SilverBowCountyCommunity #CitizenPortal
Commission advances sale of 305 W. Mercury St. to local developer despite valuation and timeline concerns
Councilors voted 9–3 to authorize staff to draft a resolution and purchase agreement to sell 305 W. Mercury St. to Jeff Riggs and Keith Waring. Commissioners raised concerns about building condition, tenant impacts, the absence of detailed timelines or clawback provisions, and restrictions on resale.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 11:06 PM
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Columbia Falls is taking a bold step towards addressing its housing crisis by forwarding a pivotal needs study to the City Council—could this be the solution to soaring prices and limited availability?

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#ColumbiaFallsFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach
Columbia Falls planning commission forwards housing needs study to city council after presentation and public comment
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a housing needs study presented by consultant Wendy Sullivan to the City Council for further public hearing. Residents raised concerns about short public-notice and urged greater outreach; the consultant outlined recommended tools including density bonuses, partnerships and targeted incentives.
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November 27, 2025 at 1:13 AM
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Columbia Falls is gearing up for a crucial land-use plan update, inviting residents to shape the future of their community through an online survey available until December 11!

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#ColumbiaFallsFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #NaturalResources
Columbia Falls kicks off state-required land-use plan update; consultants outline schedule, outreach and next steps
Cushing Terrell presented a six- to eight-month schedule to update Columbia Falls's land-use plan to comply with the Montana Land Use Planning Act; the project website and online survey (open through Dec. 11) were launched and residents pressed for stronger outreach, notices and attention to housing affordability and natural resources.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 12:17 AM
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Livingston City's new mobile crisis response team is set to revolutionize behavioral health support, providing immediate, compassionate care and aiming for a swift 30-minute response to those in need.

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#LivingstonCityParkCounty #MT #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal
Livingston City updates mobile crisis response team, aims for 30‑minute city response
Kelly Miller, program manager for Livingston City's mobile crisis response team, told commissioners the co‑responder program will expand staffing, integrate telehealth and an EMR, rely on 988 for referrals, and aims for roughly 30‑minute responses within city limits; state grant funds paid for a vehicle and training support.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 8:18 PM
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Missoula County commissioners reveal a surprising truth: two-thirds of our budget comes with strings attached, leaving little room for new initiatives!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #FiscalTransparency #CommunityInvolvement
Missoula County commissioners: two-thirds of spending comes with strings; much of property-tax revenue is statutorily obligated
The commissioners said roughly two-thirds of county spending is from grants and fees that carry legal or contractual restrictions, while much property-tax revenue is allocated to state-mandated services; they urged voters or grants for new discretionary programs.
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November 26, 2025 at 7:18 PM
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Curious about how Missoula County is using tax increment financing to boost long-term economic development?

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #InfrastructureInvestment #TaxIncrementFinancing #CitizenPortal #MissoulaCountyEconomicDevelopment #GovernanceTransparency
How tax increment financing and TEDs work in Missoula County, according to commissioners
Commissioners explained Targeted Economic Development districts (TEDs) and tax increment financing (TIF) are intended to fund public infrastructure that outlasts single businesses; they contrasted TEDs with city urban renewal districts and described the Missoula Development Authority's advisory role.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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Missoula recently celebrated the legacy of Eloise Cobell with a powerful event that included heartfelt speeches, stunning art, and a community honor song, showcasing the enduring impact of her fight for accountability.

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#MissoulaMissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #IndigenousLegacy
Community honors Eloise Cobell in Missoula with keynote, ledger art and honor song
The sixth annual Eloise Cobell Day in Missoula featured a keynote from attorney Keith Harper, a ledger-art gift to Harper and family, and an honor song by Sean Whitegrass and Britney Hunter; organizers invited community mingling and closed the program with refreshments.
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November 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
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Keith Harper's reflection on the Cobell litigation reveals a powerful truth: "A trust is a trust," highlighting decades of federal mismanagement and the landmark $3.4 billion settlement that changed the landscape for Native American trust accounts.

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#MissoulaMissoulaCounty #MT
Keith Harper recounts Cobell trust litigation, calling it 'a trust is a trust'
Attorney Keith Harper told a Missoula gathering that the Cobell litigation, filed in June 1996, forced the federal government to provide trust accounting and produced a roughly $3.4 billion settlement and a $60 million scholarship fund; he described strategy, court fights and continuing limitations for beneficiaries.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 3:13 PM
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Willie Peck is urging Granite County to join a successful tri-county stewardship initiative that's already making waves in western Montana, but commissioners want more details before making a decision.

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#GraniteCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #StewardshipProjects
Regional natural-resources adviser outlines multi-county stewardship and asks Granite County to consider joining
Willie Peck, a natural-resources adviser for neighboring counties, asked Granite County to consider joining a tri-county program to secure stewardship funding, citing past grant wins and proposed shared projects; commissioners asked for a detailed budget and benefit breakdown before deciding.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
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Missoula County is gearing up to tackle the urgent need for septic replacements in rural areas with a groundbreaking federal funding application aimed at supporting low-income residents!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #LowIncomeSupport #CommunityDevelopment #RuralAssistance
Missoula County approves consent agenda, postpones item 8; highlights CDBG septic grant applications
Missoula County commissioners approved the consent agenda while postponing item 8 and discussed applying for federal CDBG funds to help low-income residents replace failing septic systems in rural areas; staff said public feedback was mostly supportive.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:36 AM
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Missoula County is shaking up community governance with a proposed ordinance that shifts council seats from elections to appointments—are you ready for the changes ahead?

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityEngagement #CivicAccountability
Missoula County proposes ordinance to formalize community councils; first reading set for Dec. 4
Missoula County staff said the Montana Code Annotated requires community councils to be established by county ordinance rather than resolution and proposed an ordinance to standardize council formation, records, finances and social media archiving; first public hearing is Dec. 4 and adoption is targeted for Jan. 8, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:32 AM
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FERC is urging Granite County to prepare for crucial updates on dam safety and inspection plans, as several response letters are on the way!

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#GraniteCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureReview #GraniteCountyDamSafety #EmergencyManagement
FERC staff tells Granite County to expect revised dam-safety documents and inspection comments
FERC technical staff told commissioners quarterly-review letters are coming on the county's ODSP, EAP, SMR and SMP submittals; staff said a revised comprehensive assessment (CA) inspection plan and other resubmissions will be required and advised the county to submit plans/schedules in response.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 10:24 AM
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Granite County residents are voicing strong opposition to expanding nighttime operations at Riddick Field, raising critical concerns about noise, safety, and the source of airport grant funding.

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#GraniteCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #SafetyConcerns #PublicParticipation
Residents press Granite County on airport night operations and grant rules
Public commenters urged county leaders to limit nighttime airport operations at Riddick Field, raised safety and wildlife concerns, and sought clarity about whether recent airport funding came from the Montana Department of Transportation or the FAA and how that affects FAA lighting/beacon requirements.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:15 AM
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Livingston is on the brink of a significant decision as city officials weigh the establishment of a stormwater utility, driven by rising population and regulatory pressures.

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#LivingstonCityParkCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalCompliance #CommunityEngagement
Livingston City Commission hears update on stormwater utility evaluation
City staff updated the commission on a multi-year evaluation of a possible stormwater utility, describing regulatory triggers (MS4), recent funding setbacks and a consultant'led analysis of impervious surfaces and billing options; a consultant report is expected late October'early November.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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Granite County is taking a bold step towards reshaping local governance by launching a survey to gather resident opinions on critical changes, including shortening commissioner terms and adopting new leadership structures.

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#GraniteCounty #MT #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal
Granite County study commission approves resident survey, adds pros and cons for term-length question
The Granite County Study Commission approved a final draft of a county government survey, added balanced pros and cons for a question about shortening commissioners' terms from six to four years, set a return-by date for responses, and authorized mailing logistics.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 8:56 AM
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Livingston City just took a crucial step to protect its waterways and flood safety by adopting new floodplain regulations, including a 10-foot vegetation buffer!

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#LivingstonCityParkCounty #MT #FloodplainRegulations #CitizenPortal #LivingstonCity #EnvironmentalProtection
Livingston adopts interim floodplain rules, adds 10‑foot riparian buffer to meet state and federal standards
The Livingston City Commission unanimously approved Ordinance 3065 to replace Chapter 29 with updated floodplain regulations aligned with Montana DNRC and FEMA/NFIP guidance; the measure includes a 10‑foot riparian vegetation buffer and several higher standards while staff completes a detailed mapping study.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM
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Whitefish is shaping its future with new land-use scenarios and a community open house—your voice matters in planning Vision Whitefish 2045!

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#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #HousingNeed #UrbanPlanning #WhitefishCommunity
Whitefish planners, consultants unveil land-use scenarios and set open house for Vision Whitefish 2045
City staff and CZB consultants presented draft land-use scenarios, composite transportation and place-type maps, and a housing projection of roughly 2,100 units through 2045; an open house is scheduled the next day to gather community feedback ahead of planning commission and city council hearings.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:15 PM
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Granite County is facing a heated debate over the future of the Phillipsburg airport beacon, balancing safety concerns with the desire for dark skies.

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#GraniteCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #GraniteCountyAirport #CommunityInput #EnvironmentalConcerns
Residents split as Granite County reviews Phillipsburg airport beacon options
County and airport staff outlined FAA and funding requirements to replace a collapsed beacon; residents and pilots sparred over night operation, with staff proposing pilot-controlled lighting to balance safety and dark-sky concerns.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 9:17 AM
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Silver Bow County commissioners are grappling with the future of volunteer fire departments, debating legal ownership and funding while navigating potential courtroom battles.

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#SilverBowCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SilverBowCountyVolunteerFireDepartments
Study commission examines volunteer fire-department governance, legal questions about assets and taxes
Commissioners and legal counsel reviewed the consequences of removing volunteer fire departments from the charter, citing an analogous Montana Supreme Court case and Attorney General opinions; they requested equipment inventories, map clarifications and further legal/fiscal analysis.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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Whitefish residents and advocates are rallying to keep mixed-use zoning in the growth policy, arguing it's crucial for creating a vibrant, multimodal community.

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#WhitefishFlatheadCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #MultimodalTransportation #ZoningReform
ShelterWF and residents urge retention of mixed-use language in Whitefish growth policy
ShelterWF's executive director and Citizens for a Better Flathead told the council they support mixed-use zoning tied to multimodal transportation planning and criticized the planning office's public participation process as inconsistent with Montana Land Use Act requirements.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:53 PM
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The Butte-Silver Bow Council has put the sale of 305 West Mercury Street on hold after a heated debate over its valuation and financial implications for taxpayers.

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#SilverBowCounty #MT #SilverBowCountyCommunity #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency
Commissioners hold proposed sale of 305 West Mercury Street in abeyance amid debate over price and enterprise-fund accounting
After extended debate about valuation, RFP process and the building’s enterprise-fund status, the council voted 9–1 to hold the proposed sale of 305 West Mercury Street in abeyance while staff and commissioners address appraisal, criteria and financial implications.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:59 AM
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Yellowstone County is taking bold steps toward a comprehensive AI policy and enhanced online services, but can they gain the public's trust in the digital age?

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#BillingsYellowstone #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicTrust #BillingsCounty #AIPolicy #DigitalGovernment
Yellowstone County explores AI policy and expands online services; IT director favors incremental approach
County IT Director Larry Zeiler said the county is planning an AI policy after a judge's request, highlighted e-government projects (new website, online permitting) and said public trust limits prospects for online voting.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 3:19 AM