2026 Great Falls Draft Growth Policy
The Great Falls Growth Policy Draft describes a long-term growth and land use planning strategy to guide sustainable development, community vision, and infrastructure investments through 2045.
Community Vision and Planning Process
Community Vision and Planning Process
- The Growth Policy guides decision-making for growth, development, and investments, emphasizing community input and values.
- It is a living document, reviewed every five years, with updates every 20 years if no major changes occur.
- Great Falls was founded in 1883, initially driven by hydroelectric power, industry, and railroads.
- Economic focus shifted from heavy industry to healthcare, education, and small manufacturing, with periods of suburban expansion and downtown revitalization.
- The city’s rivers, wetlands, and topography influence growth, offering recreation and natural infrastructure but also hazards like flooding, wildfires, and contamination.
- Floodplain management and environmental protection are integral to land use planning.
- Fertile Mollisols support agriculture, while clay-heavy soils pose construction challenges.
- Growth is directed toward buildable areas, balancing development with farmland preservation.
- Legacy of industrial pollution from the ACM Smelter affects soil and water quality.
- Remediation efforts aim to transform contaminated sites into community assets, supporting sustainable growth.
- Urban trees provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance neighborhood character.
- Wildlife, including deer and migratory species, influence land use and conservation strategies.
- Wildfire risk is moderate, mainly at the wildland-urban interface.
- Planning emphasizes defensible space and fire-resistant practices to ensure safety.
- Aging infrastructure and housing demand challenge the city’s capacity.
- Strategic planning focuses on reinvestment, hazard mitigation, and resource allocation to support growth.
- Great Falls maintains 57 parks and an extensive trail system, including the River’s Edge Trail, linking key natural areas.
- The 2016 Master Plan identified gaps in indoor recreation; the Scheel’s Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Facility opened in 2024, offering pools, fitness, and community spaces.
- The population was 60,446 in 2020, with less than 2% growth since 2010, and a slight decline projected for 2024.
- Most residents are native-born, with a median age of 38.8; racial makeup is predominantly White (80.65%), with Native American communities at 5.33%.
- Residential land accounts for 39% of acreage; future growth favors infill and downtown revitalization while balancing sprawl and preservation.
- Downtown focuses on historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and supporting mixed-use development to strengthen economic and cultural vitality.
- The economy relies on healthcare, military, small businesses, and agriculture, with emerging sectors like renewable energy and tourism.
- Malmstrom AFB and Montana Air National Guard significantly impact the economy, supporting thousands of jobs and regional stability.
- Median home price is $343,950, with a 13.7% increase over the past year; affordability challenges persist for lower-income households.
- The housing stock is aging, with most units built before 1980; demand for diverse housing types, including rentals and senior housing, is rising.
- Aging sewer and water systems require upgrades; water rights and stormwater management are critical for sustainable growth.
- Broadband investment by TDS Telecom enhances digital connectivity; stormwater and sewer infrastructure are planned for expansion to support development.
- Fire Rescue needs additional stations and personnel to improve response coverage; a new training center is under construction to meet modern standards.
- Police services are essential for community safety; growth planning must consider infrastructure and resource allocation.
- The Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) operates with 87 sworn officers and 41 civilians, divided into four zones and five bureaus. Staffing shortages are critical, with only 33 officers available for a budgeted 45, leading to high call volumes and increased officer strain.
- Crime trends fluctuate, with increases in shoplifting and theft, while auto theft declines. Service calls, including complaints and disturbances, have risen sharply, and assaults on officers have increased by 183% since 2018.
- The Great Falls Public Library, built in 1966, faces aging infrastructure, underfunding, and limited modernization, impacting programming and community engagement. It remains vital for literacy, education, and cultural connection.
- The city’s medical facilities include Benefis Health System, Great Falls Clinic, and federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations. Rising demand and staffing pressures challenge access, especially for behavioral health and vulnerable groups.
- The district includes 14 elementary, 2 middle, 2 high schools, and specialized programs, with a total capacity of 13,116 students but an enrollment of 10,038, nearing capacity in some schools. Infrastructure aging and staffing shortages hinder growth.
- Student-faculty ratios average nearly 21:1, above district goals. Poverty levels are high, with over 60% participating in free/reduced lunch programs, affecting resource availability and educational attainment.
- The growth policy was developed through extensive public outreach, including surveys, stakeholder roundtables, workshops, and online engagement, involving diverse community voices.
- A Steering Committee guided the process, with the community input shaping the vision, goals, and land use strategies, emphasizing inclusivity, transparency, and participatory planning.
- The Future Land Use Map guides growth over 20 years, balancing natural assets, environmental constraints, and community priorities. It emphasizes preserving open spaces, river corridors, and agricultural lands.
- Key land use types include open space, traditional and urban neighborhoods, mixed-use riverfronts, industrial, and institutional zones, supporting sustainable, diverse development aligned with community values.
- Traffic congestion occurs on key corridors, with efforts to improve signal systems, street connectivity, and multimodal options. Gaps in bike lanes and sidewalks limit non-motorized travel.
- The transit system offers limited service, with plans to extend hours and improve safety, pedestrian crossings, and bike infrastructure to enhance accessibility and reduce congestion.
- Community priorities include protecting the Missouri River corridor, flood zones, wetlands, and agricultural lands. Brownfield cleanup and climate resilience are ongoing concerns.
- Natural hazard mitigation and stormwater management are emphasized, with community support for conservation, recreation, and ecological health.
- The community supports infill commercial and industrial growth, leveraging transportation corridors and underutilized areas. There is a focus on diversifying the economy beyond traditional sectors.
- Downtown revitalization and strategic growth zones aim to balance economic activity with preservation of community character and environmental assets.
- The city’s future land use includes Rural Fringe, Traditional Neighborhood, Urban Neighborhood, Downtown, Commercial Corridor, River’s Edge Mixed Use, Industrial, Campus Institutional, and Airport zones. Each has distinct purposes, building types, scales, and densities.
- Rural areas feature low-density living with large lots, while Downtown supports high-density, mixed-use development with buildings up to 8+ stories. Mixed-use areas promote walkability, diverse housing, and community amenities.
- Growth projections range from 4,600 to 11,000 new residents by 2045, with corresponding increases in households and jobs. Growth patterns influence city revenues and infrastructure costs.
- Infill and mixed-use development yield higher fiscal returns, with potential annual revenues up to $7.5 million under the Skyline Scenario. Low-density fringe growth offers minimal fiscal benefits and higher long-term costs.
- Efficient growth relies on leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize long-term maintenance costs. Dispersed expansion increases utility, road, and public safety expenses.
- Public safety response times are strained by outward growth. Utilities and stormwater management costs rise with new development, emphasizing the need for strategic planning.
- Healthcare, education, manufacturing, and defense are key sectors. Major employers include Benefis Health System, University of Providence, and Malmstrom Air Force Base.
- Job growth is projected from 3,600 to 5,000 over two decades, supported by regional economic diversification and small business development.
- The Growth Policy guides land use decisions but is non-regulatory. It emphasizes partnerships, zoning updates, and infrastructure planning for sustainable development.
- Continuous evaluation and adaptive strategies are essential for aligning growth with community values, environmental stewardship, and fiscal resilience.
- Emphasize transparency, natural resource protection, community access, and resilience aligned with Montana values.
- Promote collaboration among sectors, community engagement, and equitable housing options to support the 2045 vision.
- Integrate environmental stewardship into decision-making to protect land, water, and natural features.
- Focus on long-term resilience, reducing future maintenance costs, and respecting natural landscapes.
- Guide growth to areas with existing infrastructure, promote responsible annexation, and align water and utility capacity.
- Modernize zoning to support higher density, mixed-use development, and reduce lot sizes and setbacks.
- Encourage diverse housing types, including ADUs and tiny homes, to serve all income levels.
- Implement anti-displacement strategies and support homeownership for long-term residents.
- Prioritize quality jobs, support local businesses, and promote public spaces for social cohesion.
- Foster renewable energy, industrial flexibility, and workforce training aligned with community needs.
- Develop multimodal corridors, riverfront greenspaces, and historic preservation to enhance neighborhood identity.
- Support arts, cultural projects, and historic building reuse to strengthen community character.
- Use online dashboards, community input processes, and education efforts to foster informed resident participation.
- Collaborate with tribes, military, and diverse community groups for inclusive decision-making.
- Integrate principles into policies, update regulations, and build capacity among staff and residents.
- Regularly evaluate progress through performance indicators, community feedback, and adaptive management.
