Elect Wes Walker for Kalispell CITY COUNCIL wARD 1
Working toward a more livable Kalispell.
Develop and implement an Affordable Housing Plan that ensures affordability is an integral part of community growth.
Encourage responsible
and sustainable growth while limiting urban sprawl.
Balance Growth and Livability through mixed-use, pedestrian, and bicycle-friendly development with accessibility to parks and trails.
Promote and incentivize water conservation efforts and raise developer impact fees to match the citizen’s rate increases.
About walker
Wes Walker is a proud father and dedicated husband, deeply rooted in the heart of the Flathead Valley. Alongside his wife, Cate, a talented Landscape Architect, they run a thriving small business that contributes to the local economy. Having experienced life in both bustling metropolitan areas and serene rural communities, Wes possesses a unique and well-rounded perspective on what makes a community truly livable. This experience, combined with his genuine appreciation for the diverse lifestyles within the Flathead Valley, fuels his passion for ensuring its continued growth and prosperity.
A proud alumnus of Purdue University, Wes holds a degree in Computer Information Technology. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he excels as a Senior Cyber Security Analyst and IT Specialist. His dedication to continuous learning is evident as he has recently completed a master’s degree in Information Security Engineering from the renowned SANS Institute. Wes’s unique blend of technical acumen and business insight positions him as a thoughtful leader, adept at steering the community through the complexities of the modern era.
In recent years, Wes’s interest in city planning and improvement has grown exponentially, driven by his vision for Kalispell’s vast potential. Wes is committed to representing Kalispell residents and driving positive, sustainable growth throughout the city.
Wes’s love for the Flathead Valley, its breathtaking beauty, and the boundless opportunities it offers is deeply personal. His family is a testament to this. For Wes, it’s not just about leading; it’s about ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
A Brighter Future for Flathead Valley.
Wes envisions Kalispell becoming increasingly self-sufficient by adopting the Strong Towns model of community development. This approach prioritizes incremental growth, ensuring investments in infrastructure and public services are economically sustainable, responsive to local needs, and resilient to future challenges. By emphasizing small-scale projects that strengthen neighborhoods from within, Wes believes Kalispell can reduce dependency on external funding sources and enhance its financial stability.
Moreover, Wes advocates for policies that foster local entrepreneurship, housing diversity, and vibrant, walkable communities. He seeks to encourage mixed-use developments and pedestrian-friendly designs, which not only improve residents’ quality of life but also stimulate local economies and increase property values sustainably. Through these targeted, thoughtful strategies, Wes aims to create a resilient, economically self-reliant Kalispell prepared to thrive for generations.
POSITIONS
Wes strongly supports creating safe and efficient transportation networks in Kalispell by advocating for traditional street design principles that prioritize the needs of all street users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transit riders. He believes streets should be welcoming public spaces that enhance community connectivity, safety, and accessibility. By implementing designs such as narrower driving lanes, street trees, clearly marked crosswalks, and bicycle lanes, Wes seeks to create streets that naturally reduce vehicle speeds and promote safer interactions among all users.
Additionally, Wes emphasizes that thoughtfully designed streets foster vibrant local economies and healthier communities by encouraging walkability and bikeability. He supports incremental changes aimed at transforming existing roadways into safer and more accessible spaces that meet the evolving needs of Kalispell’s residents. By applying proven traditional street design principles, Wes aims to ensure Kalispell’s streets support the city’s growth sustainably while enhancing quality of life and community vitality.
Wes is committed to addressing homelessness in Kalispell by fostering strong partnerships among city officials, local nonprofits, and community organizations. He believes in leveraging collective expertise and resources to deliver compassionate, effective solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term stability for the unhoused. Through coordinated community efforts, Wes seeks to implement strategies that not only provide essential shelter and services but also pathways to permanent housing.
In addition, Wes advocates for the adoption of a comprehensive affordable housing plan, recognizing that stable housing is fundamental to reducing homelessness. He aims to encourage diverse housing options that cater to different income levels and household needs, promoting inclusive neighborhoods that allow residents to thrive. By prioritizing affordability and accessibility in housing developments, Wes is determined to build a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive Kalispell community.
