Forsyth, MT

Forsyth had an unprecedented 252 complete community surveys. What they like about Forsyth is the small town with easy access around town & to the Interstate, the friendly people and low crime rate. Strengths are it’s schools, medical care and retirement villa and its location by the Yellowstone and proximity to Billings. They would like to improve the streets, clean up the blight and junk vehicles, have more activities for youth and add more businesses. Of the issues that came out of study circles, these 252 said infrasturcture was the most important issue to address - streets were frequently mentioned. A close second was expanding available services- more businesses with services not presently offered. Community beautification, recreational opportunities including using the Yellowstone plus marketing the community assets and communication rounded out the field. The steering committee will be working on these and communicating and collaborating with the city, county and area organizations to help make them happen.

After over three hundred community members completed the community vision survey, the Forsyth Horizons Steering Committee got to work pouring over all the information gathered to draft numerous potential vision statements community members could choose from.  Monday November 5th community members did just that.  The chosen vision is the same the city administration created numerous years ago during a similar community development project.  The Horizons Planning Committee will be working to put this vision into practice in upcoming community events.

Forsyth’s vision is to be…A vibrant well-kept community that supports family values; fulfills economic, educational and social needs and provides a “hometown” quality of life.

Montana’s back up computer system is looking for a new home, and Forsyth just may be the spot for it.  The lobbying effort to secure the back up system has been in the works for sometime.  Horizons Steering Committee member Arvin Post took the lead on this effort and is working with City and County officials as well as our State Legislator, Lane Larson to insure our community is a viable option.  A community hearing is planned for Tuesday January 8th at 5 PM, location TBA.  All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Study Circles Key Themes are listed as a page on the sidebar. The Key Themes originated from the discussion and dialogue within the 12 Study Circles the Forsyth Horizons Program hosted back in the beginning of 2006. Over 120 community members participated and gave input about ways we can work together to make Forsyth a thriving community. Many of the short term projects listed under each theme have been implemented or are being considered. When you have a chance, please take a look at what your community is talking about!

Over 300 residents recently completed the Visioning Community Survey conducted by volunteers with the Horizons Program. Through this effort we reached our quota of receiving input from 15% of the community. GREAT JOB FORSYTH RESIDENTS!
THANK YOU to the volunteers who helped make this effort possible!! Kim & Tom Falcon, Jane Klapmeier, Toni Lawhon, Pat Herold, Kam Schwagler, Andrea Holman, Jean Dahlman, Mindy Hubbard, Ellen Coker, Karen Thompson, Lynn Tompkins, Linda Hubbard, Becky Heberle, Likely Snook, Nancy Kent, Linda Wolf-Bowen, Dan Murnion, Joe Wilson, Dan Watson, Sherri Rhodes, Heather Johnstone, Tracy Whitehead, Gary Bumgarner and Marvin Quinlan.

A complete listing of survey responses & results are available at the Extension Office for anyone who would like a copy.