Helena Growth Policy Update
The City of Helena hired SCJ Alliance to update its Growth Policy, setting strategic direction for the community’s next 20 years. Dealing with low unemployment and the need to attract workers to fill employment demand, the City seeks to increase its supply of affordable housing while also balancing its need for fiscal stability. The plan, based on an extensive community engagement effort, resulted in a series of transformative recommendations calling for “optimizing” the community’s centers. New land use, transportation, and housing strategies facilitate development of mixed uses, variety in housing type and subarea planning. This will encourage intensification of specific parts of town, creating identity-rich districts that provide centers of activity. Public engagement included a four-day storefront studio in the historic downtown, featuring a pair of community workshops and a “First Friday” gallery opening to reveal the plan’s proposed direction and collect community thoughts in response.
Client Reference:
Sharon Haugen
Community Development Director
shaugen@helenamt.gov
406.447.8490
Dates of Involvement: 2018 – 2020
Cost: $80,000
