FHEA Summary Handout

Communities in Northcentral Montana (NCM) coordinated to conduct a region-wide visioning and planning project informed by stakeholder input, data and scenario planning, and the region’s first Fair Housing and Equity Assessment (FHEA). Stakeholders in NCM have emphasized the region’s need for housing and the FHEA demonstrates that many residents do not enjoy equal access to affordable, quality housing. This handout summarizes FHEA findings, recommendations, and policies. The FHEA will serve as an informative tool for community development in regional, rural and tribal settings.

Food Security Survey

Food security is defined as the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. The following questionnaires are about the food eaten in your community, local food markets, and school food programs.  Please complete the  Food Security Assessment – Community  if you work in the non-profit sector or are a professional in the food service, community health or food bank community. If you are a small scale farmer or producer, please complete the Food Security Assessment – Farmer.  Email completed surveys to the email listed below. 

Advancing Community Priorities

Guest speakers, David Jaber from the Oyate Omniciye regional sustainability planning effort of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (Pine Ridge Reservation) and Carrie Runser-Turner from the GroWNC regional planning project in Western North Carolina, provide examples of how their tribal and rural communities were able to advance their priorities through local, regional planning efforts. In addition, Jennie Rodgers, communications specialist with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation, discusses how our local communities can ensure that their priorities are incorporated into the regional plan for Northcentral MT.

Improving Streets and Trails

Opportunity Link and partners held a technical assistance workshop to provide communities with information and resources on improving the safety and accessibility of city streets and recreational trails. Topics covered included health and the built environment, planning for improved street and trail networks, bicycle tourism, building trails on a local level, and funding for projects. The Street and Trail Resource Packet contains handouts and contact information for technical assistance providers, bicycle tourism opportunities, Montana Department of Transportation resources, and funding source options. Below are some links for additional information: