21. Keeping Homeownership Within Reach

21. Keeping Homeownership Within Reach

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526059/fan_mail/new] Owning a home in the Flathead Valley has become increasingly out of reach for many working families, but there are practical solutions. This episode features Kim Morisaki, Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, explaining how community land trusts make homeownership more affordable by separating the cost of the home from the land. Kim breaks down who qualifies, how shared-equity homeownership works, and how homeowners can still build wealth while ensuring homes remain affordable for future generations. The conversation also explores the broader housing challenges facing the Flathead Valley, from the shortage of workforce housing to the rising cost of land and the need for smarter growth. Kim shares how the land trust is preserving affordable homes across Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, while offering thoughtful insight into the choices communities will need to make to keep the valley livable for the people who call it home. Link - Northwest Montana Community Land Trust [https://www.nwmtclt.org/] If you care about affordable housing, first-time homebuyer options, and real solutions that can scale, listen now, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one housing idea you want the Flathead Valley to try next? Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: * Glacier Investment Management [https://www.glacierinvestment.com/] * Whitefish Financial Services [https://whitefishfinancial.com/] Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com [https://heartoftheflathead.com/] and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com [https://www.lbrbm.com/]. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.  Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

20. The Business of Building Community

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526059/fan_mail/new] Kalispell is growing quickly, and with that growth comes important questions about housing, workforce challenges, economic development, and preserving the qualities that make the community special. In this episode, Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce [https://kalispellchamber.com/], shares her journey to the Flathead Valley and explains how the Chamber’s work extends far beyond supporting local businesses. From workforce development and housing affordability to childcare access and regional collaboration, Lorraine offers a practical look at the issues shaping the future of Kalispell. The conversation also explores downtown revitalization efforts, including the Downtown Forward Coalition, the vision for a more active and vibrant downtown, and the potential impact of opportunity zone designation on redevelopment. Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or resident invested in the future of the Flathead Valley, this episode provides valuable insight into how growth, collaboration, and thoughtful planning can help Kalispell thrive while maintaining its unique character. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend or neighbor, and leave a review to help more people discover conversations about the future of the Flathead Valley. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: * Glacier Investment Management [https://www.glacierinvestment.com/] * Whitefish Financial Services [https://whitefishfinancial.com/] Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com [https://heartoftheflathead.com/] and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com [https://www.lbrbm.com/]. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.  Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

19. An Unexpected Path, A Place to Belong

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526059/fan_mail/new] The Flathead Valley is known for its mountains, lakes, and wide-open spaces, but the relationships people build here are what truly make it home. In this episode, David Wigginton sits down with Brenna Stanfield, interim parish pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, for a conversation about community, belonging, and the role faith organizations can play in helping people connect in a fast-changing valley. Brenna shares her journey from the Midwest to Montana, her calling to ministry, and the lessons she's learned balancing family, faith, and leadership. The conversation also explores how First Presbyterian Church serves the broader Kalispell community through outreach programs, local partnerships, and a commitment to welcoming people where they are. From supporting families in need to opening its doors to community groups, Brenna offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to build a stronger, more connected community—one relationship at a time. Link: First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell [https://www.fpckalispell.org/] If you care about the future of the Flathead Valley, the importance of community, or the ways people find purpose and belonging, this is a conversation worth hearing. Subscribe, share, and join Heart of the Flathead for another inspiring local story. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: * Glacier Investment Management [https://www.glacierinvestment.com/] * Whitefish Financial Services [https://whitefishfinancial.com/] Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com [https://heartoftheflathead.com/] and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com [https://www.lbrbm.com/]. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.  Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

18. Preserving one of Kalispell’s Crown Jewels

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526059/fan_mail/new] The Conrad Mansion may look like a snapshot of 1895, but preserving one of Montana’s most important historic homes is a constant challenge. In this episode, Executive Director Brit Clark shares what it takes to protect a house where more than 90% of the furnishings and artifacts remain original to the Conrad family, while making the experience more accessible and engaging for today’s visitors. We explore the legacy of Charles and Lettie Conrad, the mansion’s role in Kalispell’s history, and the events that keep it connected to the community. Brit also offers an inside look at nonprofit leadership, fundraising, maintenance, and the ongoing work required to keep this 129-year-old landmark open for future generations. Links: The Conrad Mansion Website [https://conradmansion.com/] Subscribe for more stories from the Heart of the Flathead, share this with a friend who loves local history, and leave a review with your favorite Kalispell landmark or memory. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: * Glacier Investment Management [https://www.glacierinvestment.com/] * Whitefish Financial Services [https://whitefishfinancial.com/] Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com [https://heartoftheflathead.com/] and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com [https://www.lbrbm.com/]. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.  Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

17. School Levies: Funding Gaps, Voter Fatigue, and What Works

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526059/fan_mail/new] A community can deeply value its schools and still face constant funding shortfalls—that tension drives this conversation with Jinn Merriman, attorney at McGarvey Law and trustee for Kalispell Public Schools. Jinn breaks down how Montana’s public school funding system works, where the state covers about 80% of costs and local communities must approve levies to fund the remaining gap. We unpack what that means for taxpayers, why these votes are often misunderstood, and how funding decisions actually reach the ballot. The conversation centers on One Brave Pack, a community-led effort to educate voters after the district itself is restricted from advocacy. Jen shares how Kalispell passed its first high school levy in 18 years, what shifted in messaging, and why students and local businesses played a critical role. We also zoom out to the bigger issue: a system that forces repeated elections that don’t keep up with inflation, creating voter fatigue and instability. Along the way, we highlight innovative programs within Kalispell schools that connect students to real-world career pathways. If this helped you understand how school levies work, share it with a neighbor, subscribe for more conversations from the Flathead Valley, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: * Glacier Investment Management [https://www.glacierinvestment.com/] * Whitefish Financial Services [https://whitefishfinancial.com/] Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com [https://heartoftheflathead.com/] and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com [https://www.lbrbm.com/]. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.  Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.