Economic Development

A stable, well-educated workforce, an outstanding location, cutting-edge internet connectivity and an unsurpassed quality of life combine to make Whitefish the ideal spot for business success, both now and in the future!

Add to that a new wave of major private and public investment – and a number of Chamber initiatives designed to strengthen and grow the local economy – and we think you’ll agree ... Whitefish, Montana is where your business ought to be!

While residential development has leveled-off a bit in recent years, it’s still quite active. Construction on the 210-unit Alpine 93/40 apartment complex at the intersection of Highways 93 and 40 is well under way, while two other apartment projects totaling nearly 190 units – one on Baker Ave. and the other north of the railroad viaduct – are nearing completion.

Commercial development (and planned development) in Whitefish is just as active, particularly in the downtown core, where new development (and re-development) continues at a steady pace. The trend toward three-story, mixed-use buildings shows no signs of stopping, with dozens of new businesses opening up in ground-floor spaces below two stories of short-term vacation rental units.

Downtown Whitefish’s first new hotel in 10 years is set to open in early 2026 in the Railroad District – just west of Baker Avenue.  The Larch House is a 36-unit luxury boutique hotel, with accompanying restaurant, bar and spa.  

Just south of the downtown core, the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel – formerly the Pine Lodge – completed a comprehensive renovation and expansion earlier this year, breathing new life into a longtime favorite.  The Grouse Mountain Lodge also launched a major renovation project last fall, including the addition of an 8,250-square-foot pavilion designed to host weddings, conventions, conferences and other special events.

Up on Big Mountain, one of the first new condo projects in years – Powder Peak – broke ground last summer at the base of Chairs 1, 2 and 4.  Phase I is already well under way for the 3-and 4-bedroom ski-in, ski-out residences.  And down at Smith Fields, North Valley Music School’s new 8,100-square-foot foot facility opened late last summer, replacing the school’s 100-year-old former home with a state-of-the-art building boasting 15 private studios, and a recital space that seats 100. 

There’s no doubt about it... it’s an exciting time for Whitefish! And the Chamber is focused on three separate-but-equal strategies for enhancing the Whitefish economy:

• Helping existing businesses get the help they need to survive, grow, and thrive;
• Welcoming new companies to Whitefish that will complement the existing business community; and
• Identifying and implementing programs, projects, and events that enhance the Whitefish visitor experience, and help grow sustainable tourism in the shoulder and winter seasons.

In addition, the Chamber promotes our community on a local, regional, statewide and global basis, in an effort to:

• Attract new business and investment to Whitefish;
• Create new, high-paying jobs through business relocation, new business start-ups, and the expansion of existing companies;
• Promote the Whitefish area’s assets to prospective employers, investors, and residents; and
• Improve our community by encouraging planned economic development, strong civic leadership, better education, and increased cultural and recreational opportunities

At its annual Retreat & Planning Conference in May, the Chamber Board restated its commitment to working collaboratively with a host of different groups and agencies who share common interests and constituents, including: 

• The Whitefish City Council
• Montana West Economic Development
• Montana Department of Commerce
• Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Glacier AERO
• Flathead County Economic Development Authority 
• Big Mountain Commercial Association
• Housing Whitefish 
• Glacier Park International Airport 
• Montana Department of Labor & Industry
• Six other local Chambers of Commerce; and
• The Flathead County Commission 

The Chamber partners with a handful of other local and regional organizations to provide a full menu of economic development and business assistance services to local employers... and to those considering Whitefish as a home for their new—or relocating—business.

Our partners include: