Federal Grant Money Is Coming to Kalispell. Who Gets to Decide How It’s Spent?

KALISPELL — The City of Kalispell and Flathead County are asking residents to help shape how federal grant money gets spent in the community, but if residents don’t participate, organized advocacy groups and nonprofits likely will.

A public hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on December 4, 2025, in the Kalispell City Council Chambers at 201 First Avenue East. The hearing will inform grant applications to the Montana Department of Commerce for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Montana Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds.

The federal money is available either way. The question is who decides how it gets used.

What the Money Can Fund

CDBG and HOME grants fund housing, economic development, public facilities, infrastructure, and planning activities. The primary requirement is that funded projects must benefit low- to moderate-income residents—working families, not just specific interest groups.

According to the city’s announcement, “The purpose of this hearing is to obtain the views of community residents, especially low/moderate income residents, regarding community development needs and priorities.”

The hearing will provide information about the CDBG program and allow for citizen participation in developing proposed grant applications.

Why Resident Input Matters

Nonprofits typically have paid staff and volunteer networks dedicated to advocating for grant funding. Individual residents rarely show up to these hearings, which means community priorities often reflect organizational agendas rather than broader public input.

The December 4 hearing is an opportunity for residents to identify local needs and priorities before applications are submitted to the state.

How to Participate

Residents who cannot attend the December 4 hearing can submit input to the City of Kalispell Development Services Department by email at [email protected] or by phone at 406-758-7713.

The hearing will take place in the City Council Chambers at Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Avenue East.

If residents don’t show up, someone else will decide for them.