Meeting looks at tourism master plan

The Whitefish Tourism Master Plan Steering Committee is holding a community meeting on Monday, May 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Whitefish City Hall Council Chambers.

Tourism is one important part of a diverse Whitefish economy. While it provides many benefits to Whitefish, there are also real stresses on the community from peak season visitation that creates year-round effects on residents. The vision of the committee is to work with the Whitefish community to define a balance in which tourism can continue to boost the economy, while being mindful of the needs of a small town in shaping its development and growth.

“The committee values the opinions of a diverse set of residents and would like input from the Whitefish community to help us discover the path forward,” said committee chair Lauren Oscilowski. “We want to hear what you — Whitefish residents — have to say about visitation to Whitefish in both the peak and shoulder seasons. Is there a tipping point, how will we know we are approaching it, and what can we do to avoid it?”

Community members plan to discuss a number of questions.

The Whitefish Tourism Master Plan Steering Committee was selected by the City Council. Committee members include Nick Polumbus, Meagan Powell, Steve Thompson, Lauren Oscilowski, Brian Schott, Craig Workman, Michelle Howke, Mariah Joos and Andy Feury. It is being facilitated by Michele Archie of Harbinger Consulting Group.

Committee advisors include Dylan Boyle with Whitefish CVB, Jen Frandsen of Old Town Creative and Rhonda Fitzgerald of the Tourism Advisory Council.