During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding community decay and blight in Kalispell, particularly on the south side of the city. Council members expressed alarm over deteriorating conditions, including broken windows, damaged doors, and overall neglect of properties that are impacting local residents and businesses.

One council member emphasized the urgent need for a work session to address these issues, describing the current state of the area as \"atrocious\" and a liability for the community. They highlighted the emotional toll on residents living amidst such decay and called for stronger public ordinances to ensure property owners maintain their properties. The council member noted that many promises made regarding property upkeep have gone unfulfilled, leading to a sense of frustration among community members.

In response to the blight concerns, discussions also touched on the status of building permits in the area, which are currently under review but have not yet been issued. The council acknowledged the need for accountability from property owners and suggested that a focused approach might be more effective than broad ordinances aimed at addressing multiple properties.

Additionally, the meeting included a discussion on housing affordability, with one member referencing economic principles regarding budgeting for housing costs. They cautioned against government interventions like rent control, which could distort the housing market. The council member expressed a desire to explore innovative solutions for housing development while remaining wary of overly restrictive regulations.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of short-term rentals in Kalispell, with council members noting that they currently represent less than 1% of available housing in the area, suggesting that the local situation is being managed effectively compared to broader regional challenges.

Overall, the discussions underscored a pressing need for action on community blight and a careful approach to housing policy in Kalispell.