Crossroads: A discussion with Park County Planning Director Mike Inman (and other updates)
This month, we are pleased to feature a constant presence in Park County community planning issues: Mike Inman. Inman, who was born in Great Falls, calls himself a “Montana mutt,” due to the amount of moving around his family did. He says he’s “lived in most parts of the state at one point or another.”
In 2006, Inman finally settled down in Livingston, a place he originally thought “must be the worst place to live given the insane wind.”
Now, he calls Livingston the best place to live.
Over the past 15 years, Inman has been working for the Park County Planning Office, trying to keep Park County one of Montana’s best places.
In 2017, the Montana Association of Planners (MAP) presented Inman with the Outstanding Planner of the Year award.
Park County Commissioner Bill Berg says Inman’s commitment to his job and community “runs deep” and “Mike’s education, experience and passion for the area and for planning serve us all very well.”
With a bachelor’s degree in Rural Sociology from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Montana State, Inman has done his best over the past decade and a half ensuring planning in Park County follows best practices in the profession. And for anyone who has watched Inman in action, his attention to detail and process are evident. Because of this, Inman ensures that planning in Park County matches, as much as possible, the interests of a very diverse citizenry.
We spoke with Inman recently and here is what he had to say:
How has Park County changed in the 15 years you’ve been here?
I started working for the Park County Planning Department in 2006, and a lot has changed over the years. When I started, Park County was trying to update the Growth Policy, which proved to be a very contentious issue. Most meetings included yelling, intimidation, hostility towards staff and a general sense of craziness. Shoving would take place, Sheriff’s Deputies were present at times, and anyone who wanted “planning” were considered unwelcome. After the 2008 recession knocked development on its heels, planning started to progress in a more civilized manner.
The County Commissioners approved a very comprehensive Growth Policy update in 2016-2017, which included a call for more involvement by the County in land-use issues and decisions. Our Planning Board has been working towards, and openly discussing, zoning in public meetings, which was unheard of when I started in 2006. My co-worker, Lawson Moorman, and I now find ourselves caught between groups who want considerably more planning, and those who don’t want government involvement in any land-use decisions.
Have attitudes changed as well?
I would say attitudes towards planning have progressed over time. Most folks we talk to recognize the need for planning, and the implications of not doing anything. There seems to be a renewed sense of urgency given the uptick in development, and the increase in tourism to this area. On the flip side, there has also been an uptick in anti-government sentiment given the COVID-19 outbreak, and the recent increase in political divisions at the national level.
What does the planning department do on a day-to-day basis? What does a day in the life of Park County Planning Director look like?
Outside of reviewing permits for Subdivisions, Floodplain Development, Zoning Compliance, Buildings for Lease or Rent, Exemptions, etc., our main daily function is to respond to written/oral inquiries around land use and development. We talk to all sorts of folks about all sorts of proposals and help them navigate the very complex statutory/regulatory environment at the State and local level, so they can understand how to proceed with their proposed project.
We also prepare for, and administer numerous meetings with boards, agencies and other groups throughout the County. We often travel throughout Park County to review potential development projects, deal with enforcement complaints, and to engage with community members in their communities.
What conflicts have occurred during your tenure here?
All the conflicts have occurred.
Mike with his wife, Lauren, and children, Maya and Crosby.
How do you track the changes happening in our community?
We try to analyze demographic changes and figure out exactly where growth is occurring, as well as identify the different types of growth occurring throughout the county. This isn’t always easy given the lack of regulations and permitting in Park County. We are often unaware of development in remote parts of the county but try to keep conversations open with individuals, groups, and other agencies to figure out what's happening on the ground.
We participate in a variety of community planning efforts, growth-related discussions and working groups, and expand into the regional and state-wide conversations around planning. We are also able to review the various types of permits we administer which helps us track certain land-use projects.
What are some of the greatest threats to Park County’s future from your perspective?
Change is always perceived as the greatest threat to Park County. Most people want things to stay the way they are or revert to “better” times. It’s difficult to identify the greatest threat to Park County without first identifying Park County’s greatest attributes. Some think this is the natural amenities that are subject to impacts related to new growth and development. Some think it is our great communities, which are subject to impacts resulting from changing demographics and increases in housing costs, cost of living, etc.
Others think the greatest threat to Park County is a loss of individualism and freedom to do whatever anyone wants to do, which is subject to impacts by more regulation and permitting.
I personally see the greatest threat to Park County as the growing division in our community due to political, ideological, and personal differences and perceived grievances. I see folks focusing more on the “us” vs “them” approach, which makes working together to solve complex land-use issues even more difficult. Combine that with what’s happening at the State Legislature, and it’s a recipe for some very difficult “planning” in Park County.
What role does the Planning Board play in helping plan Park County? The Commissioners?
The Planning Board is critical in our ongoing planning efforts — they represent average citizens and help bring a variety of perspectives to all planning related discussions. This helps develop well thought-out proposals and recommendations for the public and the County Commission to consider.
The Commission sets the direction and provides overall guidance to the Board (and Staff) to better target areas of interest or concern by the citizenry. Without good direction, and without a diverse set of perspectives, planning issues would operate in a silo and would be subject to great scrutiny by the public.
Park County Stepping Up Wildland-Urban Interface Education & Planning
We’re nearing the end of a summer many of us are glad to put behind us. Summer 2021 has been defined by record-breaking temperatures, non-stop haze and smoke, and the American Fork Fire burning in the background.
The rain and cooler temperatures of recent weeks have been welcome, but we know too well that we’re not yet done with the fire season. Many of our major local fires have happened this time of year.
The Fridley Fire of 2001, which took the lives of three firefighters, started in late August, as did the 2012 Pine Creek Fire, which destroyed five homes. Last year’s Bridger Foothills Fire, which destroyed 30 homes, took off on September 4.
We’re excited that the County Planning Department is teaming up with Headwaters Economics and AMB West to further explore the issue of planning in the wildland-urban interface. These organizations are putting their collective heads together to figure out how Park County can more wisely prepare for wildfires.
Headwater Economics, agrees that land use planning can offer a range of solutions in helping mitigate loss of homes and even loss of lives. Check out their extensive wildfire video collection here.
We’ll keep you posted as plans move forward.
Busy September Schedule for Conflict Mitigation
At their August 19th meeting, the County Planning Board discussed upcoming public meetings on the proposed Conflict Mitigation Regulations. You can learn more about the regulations here.
The board agreed they would hold public listening sessions in different parts of the county. The following meetings have been scheduled:
Wednesday, September 8, 9 a.m. — Val’s Deli, Wilsall
Thursday, September 9, 9 a.m. — Wildflour Bakery, Emigrant
Friday, September 10, 9 a.m. — Wonderland Cafe, Gardiner
The Planning Board is also holding two subcommittee meetings of three planning board members each to further discuss areas of focus for conflict mitigation regulations.
The additional meetings are scheduled as follows:
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m., Livingston Fairgrounds — subcommittee meeting will focus on definitions for residential and agriculture.
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m., Livingston Fairgrounds — subcommittee meeting to discuss administration/enforcement part of proposed regulation.
PCEC Interns present...
People Centered Design Case Studies — inspiration and recommendations for Livingston
Park County deserves healthy, safe, and connected communities for all residents and guests. Our interns this summer have been researching towns across the country, looking for planning elements that lead to more liveable cities and more connected communities. The presentation will demonstrate Livingston’s strengths in active transportation, but also highlight where we can improve, speaking specifically about walkability & bikeability, livability, accessibility, and city & street design.
The presentation and discussion will take place Monday, September 13th, at 5 p.m. in the Park High School Library. You may attend in person or on Zoom. Masks are required for all guests in the school. We hope you can join us!
Here is the link to the Facebook event.
Here is the link to register for the zoom meeting.