A housing development proposed by the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, annexed and zoned by the CityCommission at CityCommission2026-07-21.
Each carried 4-1, with Commissioner McKenney? dissenting.
As presented by Strategic Development Officer Brock Cherry: the site lies immediately west of the Valley View neighborhood and south of the Wilcox Subdivision. The proposal is a mixed residential neighborhood of 115 dwelling units — 65 single-family homes and duplex units and two apartment buildings totalling 50 apartments — with parks, open space, recreational amenities and supporting infrastructure. All housing is to be administered by the Little Shell Tribe as rental or lease housing intended for tribal members.
The property is contiguous to existing City limits and surrounded on multiple sides by urban development, so municipal utilities, transportation facilities and emergency services can be extended efficiently.
The project drew public comment through the PlanningAdvisoryBoard and Commission process. At CityCommission2026-06-16 a resident of Avenue B NW spoke against it under petitions and communications, questioning the City's participation in an agreement for housing intended for tribal members only and raising concerns about eligibility for occupancy.
Ordinance 3284 was accepted on first reading at CityCommission2026-06-16 and took effect August 20, 2026.
Minutes, July 21, 2026: https://greatfallsmt.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07212026-507 Ordinances: https://greatfallsmt.gov/260/Ordinances