Jon Brown

This housing needs assessment for West Yellowstone, Montana, identifies a significant structural mismatch between workforce incomes, housing types, and market prices. The document details how high vacancy rates overstate housing availability due to seasonal use, short-term rentals, and employer-provided housing, which do not serve the year-round workforce. It highlights widespread affordability pressures, an absence of attainable homeownership opportunities, and direct negative impacts on business operations and community stability due to housing shortages. The assessment concludes that 40 to 60 additional year-round, independent workforce housing units are needed to meaningfully improve housing stability and workforce access.

The agenda for the Town Council meeting included administering the Oath of Office and officially appointing Julia Wittmer. Key discussions and actions were scheduled for the confirmation of the Chief of Police, Corey White. New Business items slated for discussion/action involved the Billings Clinic annual report and risk share payment for 2025, appointments to the Health Care Services Advisory Board and the Business Improvement Advisory Board, and a proposal to update the Subdivision Regulations concerning Sunflower Peak Planning. The meeting also covered the Treasurer's and Securities Reports, the review of Purchase Orders totaling $157,520.68 to PineCove Consulting and Asphalt Systems Inc., and reports from the Town Manager, Staff, and Advisory Boards, including a presentation on the WY Foundation Transit Program Outcome Report.

The session included an introduction and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Key agenda items for the main meeting involved review of Treasurer's and Securities Reports, processing of Purchase Orders and Claims, and review of business license applications. The meeting included a Public Hearing and subsequent discussion/action regarding a Conditional Use Application for a Travel Trailer Park Expansion at 101 S Canyon Street, and an Application to Maintain an Encroachment at the same location. Further new business included discussion/action on Site Plan Approval for a TownePlace Suites lodging facility, Marketing and Promotions Fund Award Recommendations (including awards for Octane Expo & Snowmobile Rodeo and Taste of Trails), and discussion/action on Event Permits. Other significant items addressed were the AARP Community Challenges Grant Application, Council Member Jeff Mathews' resignation, Town Council Priorities for 2026, and the Town Attorney/Legal Services Contract.

The Town Council meeting agenda included several discussion and action items. Key topics involved the appointment and administration of an oath of office for Julia Wittmer, discussion of Treasurer's and Securities Reports, and approval of purchase orders and claims. New business items included discussion/action on the Billings Clinic annual report and risk share payment for 2025, appointments to the Health Care Services Advisory Board and Business Improvement Advisory Board, and a proposal to update the Subdivision Regulations concerning Sunflower Peak Planning. Confirmation of the Chief of Police was also scheduled for discussion/action. The document also contained supplementary information regarding Town Council Policy No. 16, quotes for Verkada security systems for various town facilities, a detailed Claim Approval List Report for the accounting period ending March 2026, and minutes from a prior Town Council Work Session and Meeting held on February 17, 2026, which covered budget process discussions, approval of previous minutes, staff reports on infrastructure projects like the 80-acre development and wastewater treatment plant progress, and a public hearing regarding an RV Park expansion and a site plan approval for a hotel.

The meeting included a Town Council work session focused on introducing the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and a formal Town Council meeting. Key agenda items for the formal meeting included reviewing Treasurer's and Securities Reports, processing Purchase Orders and Claims, and reviewing Business License Applications. A Public Hearing was held for a Conditional Use Application regarding a Travel Trailer Park Expansion at 101 S Canyon Street. New Business involved discussions and actions on the Conditional Use Application, an Application to Maintain an Encroachment at 101 S Canyon Street, Site Plan Approval for a 100-unit lodging facility (TownePlace Suites), Marketing and Promotions Fund Award Recommendations (for Octane Expo & Snowmobile Rodeo and Taste of Trails), Event Permits (Yellowstone Rendezvous Race and Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K), the AARP Community Challenges Grant Application, the resignation of Council Member Jeff Mathews, Town Council Priorities for 2026, and the Town Attorney/Legal Services Contract.