What's Happening?
The first phase of the Alpine 93/40 apartment community in South Whitefish, Montana, is nearing completion, with 12 income-restricted workforce rental units expected to become available for move-in by early to mid-November. This development, approved
by the Whitefish city council in November 2023, will eventually include 210 homes across two phases, with 21 dedicated workforce rental units. The initial 12 units comprise four one-bedroom apartments projected to lease for approximately $1,330 per month and eight two-bedroom apartments at around $1,600 per month, both including utilities. These units are part of the City of Whitefish’s Legacy Homes Program, an incentive-based inclusionary zoning initiative where developers provide 10% of units for moderate-income individuals in exchange for certain incentives. Housing Whitefish will manage income screening and the waitlist, while the Whitefish Housing Authority will oversee deed restrictions and program compliance.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for addressing the housing affordability crisis in Whitefish, particularly for the local workforce. The provision of income-restricted rental units helps ensure that individuals working in the area can afford to live there, fostering a more stable and accessible labor market. The Legacy Homes Program, which allows developers to build more units with less parking in exchange for affordable housing, serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. By creating permanently affordable rental units without public subsidy dollars, the program demonstrates a sustainable approach to workforce housing. This development supports local businesses by retaining employees who might otherwise be priced out of the area and contributes to the overall economic stability and social equity of Whitefish.
What's Next?
Rental applications for the Alpine 93/40 apartments are anticipated to be available by early to mid-October. Households interested in the workforce rental units are encouraged to complete a pre-eligibility form through housingwhitefish.org/rental-units to expedite the income qualification process. While Housing Whitefish handles income verification, property managers will conduct their own screenings, including credit, criminal background, and eviction history. The full Alpine 93/40 development, once completed, will bring the total number of deed-restricted rental units under the Legacy Homes Program to 40. The ongoing success of this program could influence future development strategies in Whitefish and potentially inspire similar initiatives in other U.S. cities grappling with workforce housing shortages.
Beyond the Headlines
The Alpine 93/40 project highlights a growing trend in U.S. urban planning where local governments and developers collaborate to create affordable housing solutions. The 'inclusionary zoning' model, as seen in Whitefish's Legacy Homes Program, represents a shift towards integrating affordable units directly into market-rate developments, rather than segregating them. This approach can help mitigate socio-economic disparities and foster more diverse communities. The emphasis on 'permanently affordable' units also addresses the long-term sustainability of such programs, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond initial occupancy. This model could serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to balance economic growth with social responsibility, particularly in popular tourist destinations or areas with high demand for housing.
