Panel discussion focuses on workforce housing

Workforce affordable housing will be the topic during a panel discussion on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

The panel will include those working to provide affordable housing in the Flathead. This non-partisan event is coordinated by the Flathead County Democratic Central Committee and co-sponsored by the Kalispell Education Association, the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, and NeighborWorks Montana.

Panelists include Kim Morisaki, Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust in Kalispell; Ryan Hunter, member of the Kalispell City Council and Land Protection Specialist for the Flathead Land Trust; Ed Docter, owner of Tamarack Ski Shop and Montana Tap House and founder of Whitefish Workforce Housing Project; Ben Johnson, a member of the Whitefish Housing Authority board of directors; Jerry Dunker, Managing Partner of Trail View, LLC, in Whitefish.

“There will not be any political speeches or campaigning at this event," said FCDCC chairwoman Lynn Stanley. "This is the first of several community-issue events the committee is organizing to bring to light policy solutions to some of the most critical problems facing Montanans and local community leaders."

The event is not intended to be a forum to address the pros or cons of development, Stanley noted.

The event is open to the public. Masks and social distancing is urged for attendees.

Audience members will have a chance to ask questions of the panelists following an hour-long moderated discussion.