Public Invited to Give Feedback on Growth Policy Update

Published on October 15, 2024

Charting Our Future logo over image of Gates of the Mountains

Helena, MT - The first draft of the Lewis and Clark County Growth Policy and Future Land Use Map are now available for public review, and the County is calling on residents to provide their feedback. This marks the second round of public engagement for the Growth Policy update following an online survey and a series of open houses, community meetings, and discussions with stakeholder groups earlier this year, which were instrumental in shaping this first draft.

What is a Growth Policy and Future Land Use Map?

The Growth Policy is a long-term plan which creates a vision and set of priorities for the County, guiding County initiatives, land use policy, and development. The Future Land Use Map is a visual representation of this vision and outlines how different areas around the County will be used, from housing and agriculture to conservation and commercial development.

Key Topics of the Growth Policy Update Include:

  • Housing Development and Proposed Incentives: Identifying areas for growth and new affordable and attainable housing.
  • Future Land Use: How land use patterns and existing zoning may evolve, particularly around the Helena Valley.
  • Agricultural Preservation: Strategies to protect valuable farmland and incentivize and enable farming practices.
  • Wildfire and Flood Preparedness: Planning for resilience against natural disasters.
  • Environmental Preservation: Protecting natural resources, recreation lands, and open spaces, ensuring sustainable recreation and the conservation of wildlife habitats, waterways, and scenic landscapes.

In addition to addressing these critical topics, this plan outlines distinct policies and strategies tailored to different regions of the County, including Helena Valley, Lincoln, Augusta, Canyon Ferry-York, Wolf Creek-Craig, and Marysville-Canyon Creek, each with its own vision for future growth and development.

 

Call for Public Engagement

As part of the ongoing effort to ensure intentional and strategic growth and development, the County will host a series of information sessions and open houses to engage the community in further discussions about the future.

With three formal presentations followed by interactive open houses, these sessions provide an opportunity for residents to explore the recommendations and implications of the Growth Policy and Future Land Use Map update. The County will also have a booth at the Helena Farmers Market to share information and answer questions.

The County encourages broad public participation to ensure that the final policy reflects the community’s values and needs.

Upcoming Events:

Helena Farmers Market Booth:
      Saturday, October 26th

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Fuller Avenue, Helena, MT 59601  [GU1] 

Information Sessions and Open Houses:

Lincoln Information Session

Monday, October 28th

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Lincoln Library

102 9th Avenue S, Lincoln, MT 59639

 

Augusta Information Session

Tuesday, October 29th

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Augusta Community Center

134 Main Street, Augusta, MT 59410

 

Helena Valley Information Session

Wednesday, October 30th

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

City-County Building, Rooms 326 and 330

316 N Park Avenue, Helena, MT 59623[NG2] 

All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping the future of their community. Public input is vital to ensure that the Growth Policy aligns with the vision of local citizens.

For more information about upcoming events or to review the DRAFT Growth Policy, please visit LCCGrowthPolicyUpdate.com.

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