Citizens For A Better Flathead

Citizens For A Better Flathead
P.O. Box 771, 35 4th St. West, Kalispell, MT 59903
t. 406.756.8993 f. 406 756-8991

Who We Are

Founded in 1992, Citizens for a Better Flathead (CBF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the qualities that make our valley a great place in which to live, work, invest and recreate. We recognize that our community's character and quality environment are two key forces that shape our economic prosperity today and in the future. CBF believes that by working together, we will find common ground and thus protect the values central to our basic freedoms and way of life.

We advocate and work for broad-based citizen involvement in local decisions and encourage comprehensive planning and partnerships with and among community leaders. Our primary goal is to promote patterns of growth that keep our community an attractive, friendly and affordable place to live and work. Through education, research, advocacy, policy development and networking, Citizens encourages vital community dialogue on growth issues in the Flathead Valley.

Mission Statement

To inform and empower citizens in cooperative community development that respects and encourages stewardship of the Flathead Valley's natural beauty and resources.

Our Principles

Stewardship - It is our responsibility together to care for the land, air, water, and character of the Flathead Valley for ourselves and for future generations.
Open Government - Fair and ethical decision making requires respect for process, transparency, inclusiveness, and well-informed participants.
Community - We must find ways to balance and bridge our differences in order to maintain the unique quality of life in the Flathead Valley.
Citizenship - It is our right and our responsibility to become informed and to participate in the decisions that affect our lives and our community.

A Rural Smart Growth Resource Center
CBF supports neighborhoods and individuals in their efforts to become involved in a variety of rural smart growth issues by providing information, research, workshops, organizing advice, and technical assistance. Rural smart growth issues encompass development not only within the traditional urban areas of the community, but also in the ecologically vital interface between public private and private lands and sensitive landscape resources.

A Watchdog for Fair and Open Government
Change happens decision by decision and often at a pace that is difficult to keep up with, let alone get involved in. We make it our full time job to track development proposals and policy changes and to keep you informed. We provide advocacy for fair, open, fact-based, and legally compliant decision making processes.

A Source of Leadership
CBF has been involved in every major land use decision in the valley for the past decade, calling for sound, cost effective planning and increasing awareness of viable choices that balance neighborhood property rights with private property rights. We are committed and actively involved in building relationships and partnerships necessary to nurture a shared vision for a prosperous future.