• A growth policy is a document that provides data and analysis AND how the data and analysis pertain to the existing condition of the community.

• It is a strategic roadmap, including goals and objectives that are measurable, realistic, and provide residents with tangible results.

• It should be used every day – Your copy of it should be worn out!

• It is the PEOPLE’S PLAN!

The primary objective in undertaking the growth policy update is to engage the public in the creation of an updated vision for growth, development and re-development in Great Falls. The project will include preparation of all technical information needed to support the plan and an evaluation and update of the goals, policies and objectives to fulfill the community’s vision. An additional project objective is to position the City to effectively implement the newly adopted Montana Land Use and Planning Act.

The 2023 Montana State Legislative Session passed a variety of land-use related bills and developed the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA). The Montana Land Use Planning Act requires that cities in Montana with populations over 5,000 people that are located in counties with populations over 70,000 people update their land use plans and zoning and subdivision regulations within 3 years of the passage of the Act. The City of Great Falls meets this population threshold and therefore is subject to the requirements of the MLUPA.

MLUPA requires:

1. Continuous public participation be provided when adopting, amending, or updating a land use plan or land use regulations.

2. An updated land use plan intended to identify the opportunities for development of land within the planning area for housing, businesses, agriculture, and the extraction of natural resources, while acknowledging and addressing the impacts of that development on adjacent properties, the community, the natural environment, public services and facilities, and natural hazards. Once updated, a land use plan must be reviewed every 5 years. The land use plan will need to be updated if the review shows new or increased impacts.

3. A future land use map that reflects the preferred pattern of development within the City’s jurisdiction over the next 20-years based on population and economic development projections, housing and local service needs, and public input received, while considering the environment, natural resources, and natural hazards of the area.

4. Zoning regulations and map that align with the updated land use plan and future land use map. Included in the MLUPA is a list of zoning reforms - the City must adopt at least five of the listed options.

The Great Falls Growth Policy was last updated in 2013. You can read the 2013 Growth Policy by clicking here.

This project is led by City of Great Falls staff and a team of consultants (Orion Planning + Design, Water & Environmental Technologies, and Cascadia Management Group), but it’s Great Falls citizens who have the most impact. Be sure to share your ideas, concerns, and feedback with the team!

There are many different ways to participate throughout the Growth Policy update process.

• Check out the “Calendar” tab to see upcoming events that may fit your schedule and comfort level. There will be a variety of in-person and virtual engagement opportunities at different points throughout the process.

• Leave us comments, thoughts, feedback, etc. through the “Connect With Us” form on the main page of this website.

• Schedule a presentation for your group or event through the “Schedule a Presentation” tab.

• Sign up for our listserv to receive engagement opportunity alerts, project updates, and more!