Flathead County is facing a housing emergency, and it must be treated like one.
Over the past decade, rents and home prices have skyrocketed while wages have struggled to keep up. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and young people raised here are increasingly being pushed out of the community they call home.
As County Commissioner, I will:
Introduce a formal declaration of a county housing emergency to unlock state and federal funding.
Lead the creation of a Flathead County Housing Authority to build, acquire, and manage permanently affordable housing.
Partner with local cities, nonprofits, and developers to expand workforce housing and attainable homeownership opportunities.
Support policies that protect renters while encouraging responsible housing development.
Housing is infrastructure. Without stable, affordable housing, our workforce cannot stay, our businesses cannot grow, and our community cannot thrive.
Flathead County cannot grow sustainably without modern transportation.
Right now, too many residents must rely entirely on cars to access work, education, healthcare, and basic services. That creates barriers for seniors, young people, and working families.
As Commissioner, I will:
Work to establish low-cost and eventually fare-free county-run bus service connecting Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and rural communities.
Pursue state and federal transportation grants to expand transit options.
Establish a County-wide Unified Regional Planning and Development Authority to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
Advocate restoring regional passenger rail service connecting the Flathead to the rest of Montana and the Northwest.
Transportation is not a luxury. It is an essential public service that supports economic opportunity, mobility, and quality of life. As a member of Flathead County's Transportation Advisory Committee, I know firsthand the lack of will to act — and I will change that.
A strong local economy requires opportunity and investment in people.
Young people should be able to build their futures here. Businesses should be able to hire skilled local workers. Parents should be able to work without worrying about childcare costs.
I will advocate for:
A Workforce Development Investment Fund to support skills training and career pathways.
Two years of tuition-free community college or job training for local residents, piloted with the lowest cost model in partnership with the state, local governments, and stakeholders.
Expanded partnerships with Flathead Valley Community College, unions, and local employers to strengthen workforce training.
Fully funded childcare and preschool programs so parents can work and children can thrive.
Career pathways in healthcare, construction, renewable energy, and public service.
Investing in education and workforce development ensures the next generation can afford to live and succeed in Flathead County.
County government must work for the public — not behind closed doors.
Residents deserve clear information, meaningful participation, and leaders who are accountable to the people they serve.
As Commissioner, I will push for:
Recorded and publicly archived county meetings so residents can always review what was decided and why.
Virtual public participation so residents can attend meetings remotely and have their voices heard.
Meaningful and accessible public comment opportunities on major decisions affecting the community.
Easy online access to budgets, contracts, and major decisions so residents can hold government accountable.
Democracy works best when people can see, understand, and participate in their government.
Support the Platform
This campaign runs on small donations from people who believe Flathead County deserves better leadership. No corporate PACs. No special interests. Your support directly funds our work to make these commitments happen.
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Mental Health, Addiction & Homelessness Services
Our current system is fragmented, underfunded, and overwhelmed.
Communities across the Flathead are struggling to respond to rising mental health needs, addiction challenges, and homelessness. The solution is not blame — it is coordination, treatment, and housing.
As Commissioner, I will:
Commitments
Establish a Countywide Unified Social Services Agency to coordinate services across cities, nonprofits, public health agencies, and law enforcement.
Expand access to mental health treatment and addiction recovery programs across the county.
Support community-first housing-first solutions that stabilize people while connecting them to services.
Strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers, housing organizations, and community groups.
Housing and recovery go hand in hand. When we invest in people and solutions, our whole community becomes healthier and safer.