Swan Valley Planning Committee

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The Swan Valley Planning Committee, a subcommittee of the Swan Valley Community Council, is pleased to share this public draft of the Swan Valley Neighborhood Plan, which outlines a vision for the future growth, development, infrastructure, and services of our community. This plan is a vital tool for maintaining the rural character, protecting natural resources, and ensuring that infrastructure and services can support our long-term objectives.

You can view a draft of the plan here. If you would like to read an executive summary of the draft plan, you can read the document here. Paper copies of these documents are available at the Swan Valley Library.

Your input is essential to shaping a plan that reflects the values and priorities of residents. To review the draft and provide comments, please visit the project website:

https://missoulacountyvoice.com/swan-valley-planning-committee or submit feedback via email to swanvalleycommunitycouncil@gmail.com by August 31st, 2025.

The draft neighborhood plan will be updated based on public feedback in September. After September, the plan is anticipated to begin the adoption process. During that process, the plan will be reviewed and voted on by the Swan Valley Community Council, the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board, and ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners.


Follow this page to stay up-to-date on the Swan Valley Planning Committee, and let the Swan Valley Planning Committee know your thoughts or questions on various planning topics discussed at their meetings.

Planning Committee Members: Helene Michael, Luke Lamar, Grace Siloti, Gary Lazarowski, Joan McGuire, Marcia Tapp (non-voting member), Tom Parker, Jon Simon, Christian Spilker, Len Kobylenski, Christine Straube (non-voting member), Bill Lombardi, Jenny Rorher (non-voting member and note taker).

The Swan Valley Planning Committee is a sub-committee of the Swan Valley Community Council tasked with exploring ideas, opportunities, and applications for land use planning tools that could be developed to address residents’ concerns around growth in the Swan Valley.

Members of the Planning Committee were appointed by the Swan Valley Community Council on Nov. 21, 2023. They were directed to explore land use issues the community is most concerned about, and what planning tools might best address those issues. The Planning Committee determined to pursue updating the 1996 Swan Valley Neighborhood plan, which was approved by the Swan Valley Community Council.

This webpage is a place for the community to track the activities of the Planning Committee, find resources, such as the 1996 Swan Valley Neighborhood Plan, and keep track of meeting times and dates. Planning Committee meetings are open to the public and are held at the Swan Valley Community Center. Find the agenda, meeting times, and dates for the Swan Valley Planning Committee meetings under the "key dates" widget on the right-hand side. When the Planning Committee is seeking engagement, comments made on this website will be forwarded to the Planning Committee.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month from 5-7 pm at the Swan Valley Community Center unless otherwise posted. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The meetings are attended by Missoula County Planning, Development and Sustainability planners who provide the community with technical assistance

The public can also join the meetings using the Microsoft Teams link either by phone or on the computer:

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 270 993 601 168

Passcode: B2byax

Dial in by phone

+1 406-272-4824,,402442295# United States, Billings

(406) 272-4824,,402442295# United States (Toll-free)

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 402 442 295#

Join on a video conferencing device

Tenant key: 623215837@t.plcm.vc

Video ID: 117 733 824 7

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For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

The Swan Valley Planning Committee, a subcommittee of the Swan Valley Community Council, is pleased to share this public draft of the Swan Valley Neighborhood Plan, which outlines a vision for the future growth, development, infrastructure, and services of our community. This plan is a vital tool for maintaining the rural character, protecting natural resources, and ensuring that infrastructure and services can support our long-term objectives.

You can view a draft of the plan here. If you would like to read an executive summary of the draft plan, you can read the document here. Paper copies of these documents are available at the Swan Valley Library.

Your input is essential to shaping a plan that reflects the values and priorities of residents. To review the draft and provide comments, please visit the project website:

https://missoulacountyvoice.com/swan-valley-planning-committee or submit feedback via email to swanvalleycommunitycouncil@gmail.com by August 31st, 2025.

The draft neighborhood plan will be updated based on public feedback in September. After September, the plan is anticipated to begin the adoption process. During that process, the plan will be reviewed and voted on by the Swan Valley Community Council, the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board, and ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners.


Follow this page to stay up-to-date on the Swan Valley Planning Committee, and let the Swan Valley Planning Committee know your thoughts or questions on various planning topics discussed at their meetings.

Planning Committee Members: Helene Michael, Luke Lamar, Grace Siloti, Gary Lazarowski, Joan McGuire, Marcia Tapp (non-voting member), Tom Parker, Jon Simon, Christian Spilker, Len Kobylenski, Christine Straube (non-voting member), Bill Lombardi, Jenny Rorher (non-voting member and note taker).

The Swan Valley Planning Committee is a sub-committee of the Swan Valley Community Council tasked with exploring ideas, opportunities, and applications for land use planning tools that could be developed to address residents’ concerns around growth in the Swan Valley.

Members of the Planning Committee were appointed by the Swan Valley Community Council on Nov. 21, 2023. They were directed to explore land use issues the community is most concerned about, and what planning tools might best address those issues. The Planning Committee determined to pursue updating the 1996 Swan Valley Neighborhood plan, which was approved by the Swan Valley Community Council.

This webpage is a place for the community to track the activities of the Planning Committee, find resources, such as the 1996 Swan Valley Neighborhood Plan, and keep track of meeting times and dates. Planning Committee meetings are open to the public and are held at the Swan Valley Community Center. Find the agenda, meeting times, and dates for the Swan Valley Planning Committee meetings under the "key dates" widget on the right-hand side. When the Planning Committee is seeking engagement, comments made on this website will be forwarded to the Planning Committee.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month from 5-7 pm at the Swan Valley Community Center unless otherwise posted. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The meetings are attended by Missoula County Planning, Development and Sustainability planners who provide the community with technical assistance

The public can also join the meetings using the Microsoft Teams link either by phone or on the computer:

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 270 993 601 168

Passcode: B2byax

Dial in by phone

+1 406-272-4824,,402442295# United States, Billings

(406) 272-4824,,402442295# United States (Toll-free)

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 402 442 295#

Join on a video conferencing device

Tenant key: 623215837@t.plcm.vc

Video ID: 117 733 824 7

More info

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

Have a question about what the Swan Valley Planning Committee is working on? Ask us!

We will try to respond within five business days.

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  • Share To make sure I understand the answer given since I clearly asked about house/dwelling and not any other kind of building. The questions was: "How many parcels will be able to build a house/dwelling with Land Use Alternative #2?" To clarify I am not asking how many houses can be built. If we have 908 parcels currently, how many will still be able to build a house/dwelling if LUA #2 is applied? (My estimate is less than 250 of current parcels) By your answer "the number of parcels that couldn’t be built on would be very small" you are saying that a very small number of the 908 current parcels couldn’t build a HOUSE/DWELLING if LUA #2 is adopted. Is this correct? on Facebook Share To make sure I understand the answer given since I clearly asked about house/dwelling and not any other kind of building. The questions was: "How many parcels will be able to build a house/dwelling with Land Use Alternative #2?" To clarify I am not asking how many houses can be built. If we have 908 parcels currently, how many will still be able to build a house/dwelling if LUA #2 is applied? (My estimate is less than 250 of current parcels) By your answer "the number of parcels that couldn’t be built on would be very small" you are saying that a very small number of the 908 current parcels couldn’t build a HOUSE/DWELLING if LUA #2 is adopted. Is this correct? on Twitter Share To make sure I understand the answer given since I clearly asked about house/dwelling and not any other kind of building. The questions was: "How many parcels will be able to build a house/dwelling with Land Use Alternative #2?" To clarify I am not asking how many houses can be built. If we have 908 parcels currently, how many will still be able to build a house/dwelling if LUA #2 is applied? (My estimate is less than 250 of current parcels) By your answer "the number of parcels that couldn’t be built on would be very small" you are saying that a very small number of the 908 current parcels couldn’t build a HOUSE/DWELLING if LUA #2 is adopted. Is this correct? on Linkedin Email To make sure I understand the answer given since I clearly asked about house/dwelling and not any other kind of building. The questions was: "How many parcels will be able to build a house/dwelling with Land Use Alternative #2?" To clarify I am not asking how many houses can be built. If we have 908 parcels currently, how many will still be able to build a house/dwelling if LUA #2 is applied? (My estimate is less than 250 of current parcels) By your answer "the number of parcels that couldn’t be built on would be very small" you are saying that a very small number of the 908 current parcels couldn’t build a HOUSE/DWELLING if LUA #2 is adopted. Is this correct? link

    To make sure I understand the answer given since I clearly asked about house/dwelling and not any other kind of building. The questions was: "How many parcels will be able to build a house/dwelling with Land Use Alternative #2?" To clarify I am not asking how many houses can be built. If we have 908 parcels currently, how many will still be able to build a house/dwelling if LUA #2 is applied? (My estimate is less than 250 of current parcels) By your answer "the number of parcels that couldn’t be built on would be very small" you are saying that a very small number of the 908 current parcels couldn’t build a HOUSE/DWELLING if LUA #2 is adopted. Is this correct?

    CH asked 25 days ago

    That’s correct. Many small parcels (e.g., less than one acre) are difficult to build on due to septic, well, and other site limitations that would make development difficult. The zoning would impact a very specific set of parcels, for example, lots smaller than 10 acres that already have two homes (a primary home and an existing accessory dwelling).  These lots couldn’t add a third home under the proposed zoning.  There aren’t many lots in the Swan that meet that specific criteria. 

  • Share What is the Swan Front Recommended Wilderness area? on Facebook Share What is the Swan Front Recommended Wilderness area? on Twitter Share What is the Swan Front Recommended Wilderness area? on Linkedin Email What is the Swan Front Recommended Wilderness area? link

    What is the Swan Front Recommended Wilderness area?

    CH asked 25 days ago

    This area is a recommended wilderness area per the Flathead National Forest Plan. The recommended wilderness is composed of roadless areas along the west side of the Swan Range. 


  • Share I understand that the Forest service does not have to go by our neighborhood plan, but it shows them what the community wishes are. According to the plan we are letting the Forest Service know that Holland Lake Lodge can double its number of beds. How many people have changed their position and now favor expanding the Lodge? on Facebook Share I understand that the Forest service does not have to go by our neighborhood plan, but it shows them what the community wishes are. According to the plan we are letting the Forest Service know that Holland Lake Lodge can double its number of beds. How many people have changed their position and now favor expanding the Lodge? on Twitter Share I understand that the Forest service does not have to go by our neighborhood plan, but it shows them what the community wishes are. According to the plan we are letting the Forest Service know that Holland Lake Lodge can double its number of beds. How many people have changed their position and now favor expanding the Lodge? on Linkedin Email I understand that the Forest service does not have to go by our neighborhood plan, but it shows them what the community wishes are. According to the plan we are letting the Forest Service know that Holland Lake Lodge can double its number of beds. How many people have changed their position and now favor expanding the Lodge? link

    I understand that the Forest service does not have to go by our neighborhood plan, but it shows them what the community wishes are. According to the plan we are letting the Forest Service know that Holland Lake Lodge can double its number of beds. How many people have changed their position and now favor expanding the Lodge?

    CH asked 25 days ago

    We’re not certain who has changed their opinions regarding the Holland Lake Lodge. You’re welcome to ask committee members that question during one of their meetings.  

  • Share I have a hard time believing so many people here have now changed their positions about the Holland Lake Lodge expansion because by allowing the sale or conveyance of the Condon Work Center and saying there is an effort to retain local ownership, we are letting the Forest Service know it is ok to sell our public lands as long as there is a public benefit. Does this not open the door for Holland Lake Lodge to expand since they can say they will hire locals or have seasonal worker housing so it would be a public benefit? on Facebook Share I have a hard time believing so many people here have now changed their positions about the Holland Lake Lodge expansion because by allowing the sale or conveyance of the Condon Work Center and saying there is an effort to retain local ownership, we are letting the Forest Service know it is ok to sell our public lands as long as there is a public benefit. Does this not open the door for Holland Lake Lodge to expand since they can say they will hire locals or have seasonal worker housing so it would be a public benefit? on Twitter Share I have a hard time believing so many people here have now changed their positions about the Holland Lake Lodge expansion because by allowing the sale or conveyance of the Condon Work Center and saying there is an effort to retain local ownership, we are letting the Forest Service know it is ok to sell our public lands as long as there is a public benefit. Does this not open the door for Holland Lake Lodge to expand since they can say they will hire locals or have seasonal worker housing so it would be a public benefit? on Linkedin Email I have a hard time believing so many people here have now changed their positions about the Holland Lake Lodge expansion because by allowing the sale or conveyance of the Condon Work Center and saying there is an effort to retain local ownership, we are letting the Forest Service know it is ok to sell our public lands as long as there is a public benefit. Does this not open the door for Holland Lake Lodge to expand since they can say they will hire locals or have seasonal worker housing so it would be a public benefit? link

    I have a hard time believing so many people here have now changed their positions about the Holland Lake Lodge expansion because by allowing the sale or conveyance of the Condon Work Center and saying there is an effort to retain local ownership, we are letting the Forest Service know it is ok to sell our public lands as long as there is a public benefit. Does this not open the door for Holland Lake Lodge to expand since they can say they will hire locals or have seasonal worker housing so it would be a public benefit?

    CH asked 25 days ago

    For the Holland Lake Lodge to do any expansion, it would have to change its special use permit with the US Forest Service. That is a separate regulatory process, and questions about any potential plans should be referred to the Flathead National Forest.

  • Share It is my understanding that the Swan Valley Connections was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Condon Work Center and accrued over $1 million in maintenance costs for things like the deficient septic system and aging infrastructure. My question is: has the committee requested to the Forest Service that SVC pay for the maintenance cost and to fix the septic that same way that the community has about the Holland Lake Lodge? If not, this can show a prejudice and opens our town and county up to a lawsuit for discrimination. on Facebook Share It is my understanding that the Swan Valley Connections was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Condon Work Center and accrued over $1 million in maintenance costs for things like the deficient septic system and aging infrastructure. My question is: has the committee requested to the Forest Service that SVC pay for the maintenance cost and to fix the septic that same way that the community has about the Holland Lake Lodge? If not, this can show a prejudice and opens our town and county up to a lawsuit for discrimination. on Twitter Share It is my understanding that the Swan Valley Connections was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Condon Work Center and accrued over $1 million in maintenance costs for things like the deficient septic system and aging infrastructure. My question is: has the committee requested to the Forest Service that SVC pay for the maintenance cost and to fix the septic that same way that the community has about the Holland Lake Lodge? If not, this can show a prejudice and opens our town and county up to a lawsuit for discrimination. on Linkedin Email It is my understanding that the Swan Valley Connections was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Condon Work Center and accrued over $1 million in maintenance costs for things like the deficient septic system and aging infrastructure. My question is: has the committee requested to the Forest Service that SVC pay for the maintenance cost and to fix the septic that same way that the community has about the Holland Lake Lodge? If not, this can show a prejudice and opens our town and county up to a lawsuit for discrimination. link

    It is my understanding that the Swan Valley Connections was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Condon Work Center and accrued over $1 million in maintenance costs for things like the deficient septic system and aging infrastructure. My question is: has the committee requested to the Forest Service that SVC pay for the maintenance cost and to fix the septic that same way that the community has about the Holland Lake Lodge? If not, this can show a prejudice and opens our town and county up to a lawsuit for discrimination.

    CH asked 26 days ago

    We are unable to provide this information. I would direct questions about the current status of the Condon Work Center to the Flathead National Forest.

  • Share According to a pervious answer you are saying the committee does not plan to let people know that #2 would cut future building by 58%, the same as you have with the 70% growth since 1990. Does that also mean the committee will not let people know that in the last 20 years there has been less than 30% growth? Or that of the 70% growth you do mention, that almost 40% of it happened between 1990 and 1996? on Facebook Share According to a pervious answer you are saying the committee does not plan to let people know that #2 would cut future building by 58%, the same as you have with the 70% growth since 1990. Does that also mean the committee will not let people know that in the last 20 years there has been less than 30% growth? Or that of the 70% growth you do mention, that almost 40% of it happened between 1990 and 1996? on Twitter Share According to a pervious answer you are saying the committee does not plan to let people know that #2 would cut future building by 58%, the same as you have with the 70% growth since 1990. Does that also mean the committee will not let people know that in the last 20 years there has been less than 30% growth? Or that of the 70% growth you do mention, that almost 40% of it happened between 1990 and 1996? on Linkedin Email According to a pervious answer you are saying the committee does not plan to let people know that #2 would cut future building by 58%, the same as you have with the 70% growth since 1990. Does that also mean the committee will not let people know that in the last 20 years there has been less than 30% growth? Or that of the 70% growth you do mention, that almost 40% of it happened between 1990 and 1996? link

    According to a pervious answer you are saying the committee does not plan to let people know that #2 would cut future building by 58%, the same as you have with the 70% growth since 1990. Does that also mean the committee will not let people know that in the last 20 years there has been less than 30% growth? Or that of the 70% growth you do mention, that almost 40% of it happened between 1990 and 1996?

    CH asked 27 days ago

    County staff developed the Existing Conditions report and the numbers within based on changes since the last neighborhood plan was adopted in 1996.   The information presented is publicly available census data, which every American has access to. People are welcome to use data to draw different conclusions, as you have in your own analysis. If you oppose the data or conclusions used, you’re welcome to submit that as a comment and/or share that with the planning committee during one of their public meetings.  

  • Share Has it been mentioned to the planning committee about reaching out to local contractors? If so, what was decided? on Facebook Share Has it been mentioned to the planning committee about reaching out to local contractors? If so, what was decided? on Twitter Share Has it been mentioned to the planning committee about reaching out to local contractors? If so, what was decided? on Linkedin Email Has it been mentioned to the planning committee about reaching out to local contractors? If so, what was decided? link

    Has it been mentioned to the planning committee about reaching out to local contractors? If so, what was decided?

    CH asked 27 days ago

    We’re uncertain if this was addressed yet. Thank you for your comment. 

  • Share Why is it the intent of the plan to create housing opportunities for community members by addressing the Condon Work Camp while also limiting housing opportunities for private property owners with housing density? Is this not contradiction of each other? on Facebook Share Why is it the intent of the plan to create housing opportunities for community members by addressing the Condon Work Camp while also limiting housing opportunities for private property owners with housing density? Is this not contradiction of each other? on Twitter Share Why is it the intent of the plan to create housing opportunities for community members by addressing the Condon Work Camp while also limiting housing opportunities for private property owners with housing density? Is this not contradiction of each other? on Linkedin Email Why is it the intent of the plan to create housing opportunities for community members by addressing the Condon Work Camp while also limiting housing opportunities for private property owners with housing density? Is this not contradiction of each other? link

    Why is it the intent of the plan to create housing opportunities for community members by addressing the Condon Work Camp while also limiting housing opportunities for private property owners with housing density? Is this not contradiction of each other?

    CH asked 29 days ago

    The median home prices in Condon in 2024 were $716,000, making the cost of living and homeownership difficult for the workforce in the area. The concern of providing housing for the workforce has been mentioned in the community questionnaire, as the current housing market is difficult for people to find attainable options for housing without looking outside of the Swan Valley. One idea to address this concern was to look at the Condon Work Center as a location for potential workforce housing. 

    The process of what ultimately happens at the Condon Work Center will be outside of this planning process. 

  • Share If build out potential is cut by 58%, would it not affect growth rate? Example: If you cut by 58% than 1.3% growth rate with about 10 new dwellings a year could become .55% growth rate with about 4 new dwelling a year. on Facebook Share If build out potential is cut by 58%, would it not affect growth rate? Example: If you cut by 58% than 1.3% growth rate with about 10 new dwellings a year could become .55% growth rate with about 4 new dwelling a year. on Twitter Share If build out potential is cut by 58%, would it not affect growth rate? Example: If you cut by 58% than 1.3% growth rate with about 10 new dwellings a year could become .55% growth rate with about 4 new dwelling a year. on Linkedin Email If build out potential is cut by 58%, would it not affect growth rate? Example: If you cut by 58% than 1.3% growth rate with about 10 new dwellings a year could become .55% growth rate with about 4 new dwelling a year. link

    If build out potential is cut by 58%, would it not affect growth rate? Example: If you cut by 58% than 1.3% growth rate with about 10 new dwellings a year could become .55% growth rate with about 4 new dwelling a year.

    CH asked 29 days ago

    Zoning may limit development in some locations, but ultimately, growth and development are the product of a complex set of factors: a property owner's intent to develop their property, available labor, the cost of materials, financing, and market conditions. The relationship between zoning regulations and growth rates is a complex one. Zoning does limit development in some areas, but we also see that the highest and fastest rates of growth in Missoula County are in locations that are zoned. 

  • Share How many nonprofit organizations that routinely provide affordable housing in Missoula County also have board members on town councils and/or planning boards helping to steer public opinion? on Facebook Share How many nonprofit organizations that routinely provide affordable housing in Missoula County also have board members on town councils and/or planning boards helping to steer public opinion? on Twitter Share How many nonprofit organizations that routinely provide affordable housing in Missoula County also have board members on town councils and/or planning boards helping to steer public opinion? on Linkedin Email How many nonprofit organizations that routinely provide affordable housing in Missoula County also have board members on town councils and/or planning boards helping to steer public opinion? link

    How many nonprofit organizations that routinely provide affordable housing in Missoula County also have board members on town councils and/or planning boards helping to steer public opinion?

    CH asked 29 days ago

    Planning Board members are appointed by the Missoula Board of County Commissioners to help provide information and guidance to county staff and the commissioners on important decisions like open lands, planning, food policy, elections, parks, trails and much more. The boards and committees may be joint with the City of Missoula.

    Community Councils acts as liaisons to the County Commissioners and bring information from citizens and residents of their areas to the attention of the Commissioners. Community Councils may also provide additional information deemed useful, beneficial and helpful to the Commissioners in making decisions which affect the community. Community council members are elected to their seats by filing as a candidate in the special district elections. 

    All of the various boards and their members can be viewed using the following website. You can review members here: https://boards.missoulacounty.us/

    It is also important to note that both the Planning Board and Community Councils are advisory boards only that make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. 

Page last updated: 18 Aug 2025, 08:15 AM