During a recent city commission meeting in Livingston, business owners expressed significant concerns regarding the lack of communication and engagement from city officials about ongoing housing and economic development plans. Several speakers highlighted that many local business and building owners were unaware of the proposed plans, primarily due to insufficient outreach efforts. One business owner noted that while some emails were sent, they often ended up in spam folders, leading to a disconnect between the city and the business community.

The discussions revealed a strong desire for a balanced approach to urban planning that includes both housing and economic development. Business owners emphasized that while the need for affordable housing is critical, there should also be a focus on supporting local businesses. One speaker pointed out that the current plans heavily favored housing initiatives, with little information provided on how these developments would impact local businesses. They noted that the downtown area has a near-zero vacancy rate for commercial spaces, indicating a demand for retail and office space rather than additional housing.

Another speaker, representing the Park County Housing Coalition, acknowledged the importance of preserving existing housing while also advocating for new developments that support economic mobility. They praised the planning team's efforts but urged for a more comprehensive strategy that includes economic considerations alongside housing.

City officials responded to these concerns by acknowledging the importance of creating an attractive downtown environment to foster business growth. They noted that while there is a healthy flow of commercial transactions and new businesses opening, there is still a need for greater economic diversity and support for existing businesses.

The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing dialogue between city officials and the business community to ensure that future plans adequately address the needs of both housing and economic development. The commission expressed a commitment to exploring ways to enhance communication and collaboration moving forward.