Thompson Falls Embraces Opportunities to Attract Young Families

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As Thompson Falls, Montana sees an increase in its average resident age, the community is taking steps to attract young families and retain young adults. Initiatives like the expansion of community trails and the local FFA program are providing new opportunities for recreation, education, and employment that could help reverse the town's aging population trend.

Why it matters

Thompson Falls is facing the challenge of an aging population and declining school enrollment, which can have long-term impacts on the community's vitality and economic future. By proactively creating new opportunities for young people, the town hopes to draw in more families and keep young adults from moving away after college.

The details

The Thompson Falls Community Trails group is working on an eastward expansion project to create a safe, accessible pedestrian path connecting downtown with businesses on the east end of town. This trail will offer residents and visitors a way to experience the town's natural beauty while also providing an alternative transportation option. Additionally, the town's only FFA chapter is teaching valuable agricultural and career skills to local students, helping preserve the area's rural way of life even as farms give way to subdivisions.

• The Thompson Falls City Council received an update on the community trails project at a meeting last week.
• The District FFA competition in Hot Springs took place this week, showcasing the work of the county's lone FFA chapter.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Thompson Falls City Council will decide on next steps for the community trails project in the coming weeks, while the local FFA chapter will continue its educational programming throughout the school year.