Workshop on tourism management plan Oct. 22

The Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan steering committee is holding a workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall.

The committee is developing a plan to find a balance in which tourism can continue to boost the economy, while creating a priority for community efforts to sustain and enhance the well-being of residents.

“The committee seeks ideas from a broad spectrum of residents and would like input from the Whitefish community to help us with actionable items to help drive policy for the sustainable path forward,” said committee chair Lauren Oscilowski.

Tourism is one important part of a diverse Whitefish economy, organizers note, 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 purpose of the workshop is to solicit input from community members on potential strategies for the plan. The workshop will include hands-on activities for participants to share their thoughts on what’s working, as well as challenges and action items to address issues related to sustainable tourism. Strategies are being considered to address overcrowding, affordability, transportation, small town character and environmental concerns.

The committee members invite residents, business owners, students, and any interested party to attend the workshop.

Refreshments will be provided and a drawing will be held at the end of the workshop for those who participate in the activities.

The Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan steering committee was selected by the City Council and includes Nick Polumbus, Meagan Powell, Lauren Oscilowski, Brian Schott, Craig Workman, Michelle Howke, Mariah Joos, Alan Myers-Davis and Andy Feury.

The workshop is being facilitated by Kate McMahon of Applied Communications and Lorraine Roach of the Hingston-Roach Group who have been contracted by the city to create the plan. Committee advisors include Dylan Boyle with the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau and business owner Rhonda Fitzgerald.