Ten Whitefish High School students brought a welcome spark to the Community Development Board work session last week as they presented ideas inspired by the growth policy update, Vision Whitefish 2045.  

Seniors from Wesley Webb’s class explored topics from traffic to taxes with the goal of preserving and enhancing Whitefish's walkability, housing and overall livability. 

“This is an applied civics project for my government and AP government students as a way for them to practice persuasive writing skills in a way that’s highly relevant to where they live and, when we’re talking about local politics,” Webb said, introducing the project to the board. “It’s about as real as things can get, especially for a young person.” 

Some students worked alone while others tackled the issues in groups of two or three.  

Kellie Klepper proposed a vacancy tax that would be imposed on property owners whose homes remain vacant for over six months each year. 

“The vacancy tax would generate revenue from the numerous vacant homes that could be put back into our housing industry towards our low-income housing as well as our workforce housing,” Klepper said. “The majority of Whitefish residents are part of the workforce and if their housing is in better shape, then our community will be in better shape as well.” 

Jake Dunker and Isaac Gibbs worked together on a plan called “Make Central Central Again,” referring, not just to Central Avenue, but to the people and events, like the Christmas Stroll, that are central to Whitefish.  

“Our town and all the people in it are under an increasing threat from the cars that are driving on the roads and especially from those people coming from out of town who don’t necessarily understand our unspoken codes of conduct on the roads,” Dunker said. 

Their idea is to close Central Avenue from Railroad Street to Second Street each Thursday in the summertime. 

Gibbs said the increased walkability of town would economically benefit local businesses and help revitalize downtown. He said their plan would also encourage usage of the bike and multi-use path network.  

Tyler Wick and Griffin Gunlikson teamed up to propose more mixed-use development that combines commercial spaces with affordable housing. Wick said the city could incentivize businesses and property owners to develop mixed-use buildings. 

“Creating vibrant neighborhoods with cafes and local shops integrated with housing could draw professionals and entrepreneurs seeking an outdoorsy and community-focused lifestyle,” Gunlikson said. 

The team of Lauren Rossi, Ethan Hunsaker and Logan Bingham shared ideas for infrastructure improvements, including public transportation, electric vehicle chargers and permeable pavement.  

“We should update the existing SNOW bus system to create a more accessible and year-round public transportation network,” Rossi said. 

THE CLASS PROJECT began weeks ago with brainstorming, a field trip to City Hall and research. Students then developed arguments and began writing. In the late stages of the project, writing coaches visited the classroom to help assure the students were producing their best work.  

While all of Webb’s students completed the assignment, only the small group of volunteer students participated in the Community Development Board work session.  

Students had to overcome some nerves when faced with speaking publicly in the City Council Chambers.  

"I was certainly nervous, but with the help of my government teacher and writing coaches I knew I was ready to present to the city," Ethan Amick said. 

Amick’s presentation was about equitable representation to ensure all voices are heard in municipal governance. 

After sharing her idea about forming a Transportation Advisory Committee, Witney Workman was still looking to the future. 

"Doing this project supported the connection between the information we were learning in the classroom to its practical application in the real world,” Workman said. “I am grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of this and I hope the project continues."

Each of the seven board members thanked the students and many remarked on the quality of the presentations.  

Board members Scott Wurster and Toby Scott were in agreement that the students had many excellent ideas. Board member Whitney Beckham thanked the students, especially for citing their resources. 

“I’ve seen the barriers to getting involved and just showing up and doing what you did tonight was awesome to see,” said the newest board member, Mallory Phillips. “So, thank you.” 

This was the second year Webb’s students have participated in the growth policy update by sharing ideas with the board.  

"My intent with this project is to bring students into politics where it is most relevant to their lives,” Webb said. “Engaging in collective action can be a daunting and discouraging task, but there is no greater motivation for students than the opportunity to have a legitimate impact on the future of their community." 

The student presentations are available on the City of Whitefish’s YouTube channel.