Growth happens, but good growth takes planning. The Growth Policy is a community-driven plan for Richland County, Sidney, and Fairview. This plan is more than a requirement; it is a smart tool built from the voices of the people who continue to build Richland County, Sidney, and Fairview.

It’s one roadmap for the county and our communities - built with your input.

Richland County, the City of Sidney, and the Town of Fairview are collaborating on a unified Growth Policy. This long-range plan will guide decisions about land use, infrastructure, development, and public services over the next twenty years.

The plan reflects local values, supports practical growth, and protects what matters most: working lands, infrastructure, small-town character, and quality of life.

This plan:

• Guides how we grow and develop, based on what matters to local residents
• Reviews housing, infrastructure, community, and economic needs—and recommends solutions
• Provides an implementation plan with clear steps to move from vision to action
• Creates a playbook for decision-making to support daily decisions and long-term goals

📌 Required under Montana law (MCA 76-1-601), the Growth Policy guides decisions about subdivisions, land use, and public services, and aligns community goals with legal and procedural frameworks.

Who’s involved in shaping this plan—and what are they looking at along the way?

The Growth Policy is a collaborative effort between Richland County, the City of Sidney, and the Town of Fairview, working together to create one shared roadmap for the region’s future. This effort is guided by people who know the area and care deeply about its long-term success.

Who's Involved

This joint planning process is being led by staff from Richland County, Sidney, and Fairview, in partnership with Interstate Engineering, a firm with long-standing ties to the area and deep expertise in planning, engineering, and community engagement.

Together, this team is developing a plan that is rooted in local values, informed by technical knowledge, and shaped by public input.

What We're Analyzing

To ensure the Growth Policy reflects real needs and opportunities, the planning team is reviewing:

• Population and housing trends
• Infrastructure systems (roads, water, broadband, sewer)
• Community services and amenities
• Economic and job data
• Land use patterns and zoning
• Farmland, open space, and natural resources

This foundation, combined with insights from residents, will guide the plan’s priorities and actions.