Latest Park County Community Foundation State of the County We Will Report Shows High Levels of Concern About Growth and Development
Latest Park County Community Foundation State of the County We Will Report Shows High Levels of Concern About Growth and Development
Online survey responses confirm public support for local planning, managing growth and development
On October 4, the Park County Community Foundation released their latest state of the county report on issues and attitudes in Park County, We Will Park County, to a large crowd at the Livingston Depot.The report includes important information about the pace of development, which exceeds the pace of population growth since much of the development is for part-time residents and tourists.Below is a table showing new residential development outside Livingston and Clyde Park: 
The report included the results of a (nonscientific) online survey conducted by the Foundation that confirmed County residents’ continuing anxiety about growth and development, results are consistent with 2022 scientific voter surveys.Here are key excerpts from the report.“The results of the survey are similar to what we’ve found over the past several years: affordability and growth are far and away the top concerns of Park County residents.”Page 4.
“The natural beauty of our county was no secret long before it was featured on a blockbuster television series. Our landscapes and natural amenities are what people like most about living in Park County. Thus, 94% agree that it’s important to preserve these natural resources for future generations—a similar finding to previous studies.”Page 8.
- 64% agree that there is a lack of planning for growth.
- For those who noted growth as one of the biggest challenges,
- 95% agree that it’s important to have growth challenges addressed locally.
- 89% consider themselves to be affected by the challenges related to growth.
- 65% believe that the growth challenges are not being successfully addressed.
- 51% are aware of local organizations/groups/coalitions/ individuals that are working to address the growth challenges.
Page 9.“With new people moving to Park County, the idea of retaining our small town and rural lifestyle can feel very challenging—both from an overall growth standpoint as well as a cultural standpoint.
- More than ⅓ believe that there are too many newcomers moving here.
- More than ½ believe that too much ranching and farming land is being subdivided.”
Page 10.
The community needs to address the fact that uncontrolled growth will change the county irreparably and they need to discuss and reach an agreement on what the limits of growth are." - Full time resident of 6-10 years, age 75-84.
Quote from online survey, page 8.These results are entirely consistent with the results from Friends of Park County 2022 scientific poll of County voters, and other polls, which are summarized in this video on our website.
Let the County Commissioners know you want action to address the impacts of growth and development:
The Foundation’s 2023 report emphasizes the importance of implementing the good part of the County’s 2017 Growth Policy along with updating it to address the County’s accelerating growth and development.Some people in Park County want to repeal our existing Growth Policy, so it is important to let the County Commissioners know that you support an updated and stronger Growth Policy that is promptly implemented, in order to meet the challenges posed by rapid development.DISTRICT 1- MIKE STORY
- Term: 2023-2026
- Phone: c. 406-223-1548
- Contact →
DISTRICT 3- CLINT TINSLEY
- Term: 2021-2024
- Phone: c. 406-224-3376 h. 406-222-0771
- Contact →
To contact the Commissioners collectively: Contact →.
- EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - CARLY AHERN
- OFFICE PHONE: 406-222-4106
- Contact →