Boulder, MT

Workforce (Affordable) Housing:

Affordable quality workforce housing is in short supply in Boulder and was identified as a critical area of need during the Study Circles process. Work is being done to look at various housing options such as Habitat for Humanity and self help home program through the National Affordable Housing Network. Click on either link to see what the hosues could look like.

Property in the Whitehall area is being identified for possible purchase that would allow self help homes to be built that will help fill the need. Tara Mastel and Tom Harrington are the points of contact for more information, at 287-3282, or better yet, post a comment here on the blog!

Horizon members are working on specific strategies to implement ideas and make dreams for the future become a reality!

STRUCTURAL CHANGE:

1. Area of Boulder Citizen Development Committee activated.

2. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with city/county government, area committees, and organizations on vision statement.

3. MOU with city/county government, area committees, and organizations on action plan, stressing that it is a “living document” subject to change with growth.

4. Set up a nonprofit status for Boulder Development Committee and other interested local organizations/committees.

5. Continue to reach out to low income individuals and families by offering free educational opportunities and community social events.

The following Strategic Action items were developed as a result of the Horizon’s Visioning and have been either implemented or are in the process of being developed.

Five Strategic Actions
1. Create a Citizen Development Board
2. Develop a Community Resource Guide
3. Continue to offer and promote Leadership Training and other Educational Classes
4. Offer and promote Parenting Classes
5. Provide a free Community Health & Dental Fair

The next Citizen Development Board meeting is at the United Methodist Fellowship Hall at 7 pm on Jan. 8 The Public is invited.

1. List three things you are satisfied within this community.
* Peaceful, friendly and healthy atmosphere for individuals and businesses.
* Surrounded by scenic landscape
* Quaintness of the town
* Great variety of businesses
* Community Resources Available
* Lots of Opportunities for Jobs and volunteers
* New Housing Options
* Small town atmosphere–low population
* Low crime rate–safe
* Drinking water
* Friendly people

2. What three things in this community would you change?
* More health care and Other Resources Needed
* Youth programs and Resources for all Ages
* Housing availability, living conditions, affordability
* Additional communications about Boulder and what is available
* Additional businesses to provide missing services
* Government plan for future growth
* Continue general improvement of Boulder appearance
* More Jobs and Living Wage for Employment
* Develop and improve parks
* Drug and Alcohol Prevention
* Consumer dependence on Helena/Butte business
(Promote shopping locally)

3. What one project ……should (community) undertake to promote a thriving community?
* Community/Education Center with resources for all ages
* Central Development Committee
* Continue all aspects of housing development
* Wind Energy project
* Living Wage Jobs
* Improved communications across the board: businesses, government, individuals
* Encourage “unique” businesses to develop in the area
i.e. Saturn Car Dealership, Organic Growers, Cottage Industries
* Skate Park, Youth Center
* Walking, Hiking, Biking Trails throughout the area
* Services for the Elderly, i.e. townhouses, home health care, assisted living opportunities
* Educational opportunities for adult education, job training, budgeting

4. ….most important to improve quality of life in Boulder.
* Affordable Housing
* Livable Wage Jobs
* Improved Economy
* Education

5. Describe Your Vision or Hope for the Future for this Community.
* Preserve natural surroundings/Retain small town atmosphere
* Develop and encourage new businesses: Dairy Queen, Tire Fix-It Shop,
Pharmacy/Drug Store, Bakery
* More support for local businesses/promote cottage industries
* A community where everyone’s basic needs are met: food, shelter, safe environment
* Build on sense of pride in our community, agricultural resources, and natural surroundings
* Remain agricultural in essence, preserving a compatible mixture of small town services, wildlife, and a sensible plan for development
* A community that values all ages and encourages public involvement
* A community culture that provides a senior friendly environment and encourages youth involvement

Boulder is a strong community committed to planned growth that enhances new economic diversity while preserving our natural beauty, clean environment, and small town friendly atmosphere. Boulder is a family friendly town with an emphasis and focus towards promoting safe and healthy living and creative new learning opportunities.

Boulder has a diverse economy that builds on its natural resources and heritage while safeguarding our traditional agricultural culture. We continue to support and encourage local business and artisans while promoting value-added products.