Housing Whitefish supports resort tax reallocation

I am writing on behalf of Housing Whitefish to express our support for the proposed reallocation of the resort tax to advance community housing projects and programs in the City of Whitefish. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing in our community.

Since starting as the Executive Director of Housing Whitefish last year, one of the sentiments I’ve routinely heard is that the City of Whitefish needs to do more to help with affordable community housing. The reality is that the city has limited funding resources to make a significant difference. The upcoming vote will secure long-term, dedicated funding toward community housing that has simply not existed before.

The proposal, which designates 10% of the 3% resort tax for community housing development over the next 20 years, is estimated to generate approximately $27 million. This dedicated funding stream promises to make a meaningful impact on our community, helping bridge the gap between the housing needs of our residents and the available options.

With the Haskill Basin Conservation Easement bond being paid off by January 31, 2025, now is the time to put our money where our mouth is as a community and provide funding for housing. The ballot initiative not only adds funding for community housing, but it also increases funding to vital areas of the city such as streets, paths, parks, and the Whitefish Trail. It’s important to point out that this is not a new tax but rather a strategic reallocation of existing resources to address our long-standing housing issues.

Housing Whitefish supports the reallocation because we believe it is a step towards ensuring that our community remains inclusive and vibrant for all its residents, regardless of their economic circumstances. Join us in supporting this initiative. Join us in maintaining the spirit of Whitefish while strengthening the community.

Daniel Sidder is the executive director of Housing Whitefish.