That's why Karma Wangchuk headed for Missoula to finish his Massachusetts Institute of Technology studies in urban planning. For the last month, he's been shadowing city government officials as they've sorted out subdivisions, wildlife conflicts and city infrastructure challenges.
There are, of course, a few differences. Instead of black bears and whitetail deer getting into backyards, it's wild boars and elephants. And developers defer to government planners, although they may appeal to the king if they dispute a decision.
Bhutan, bordered by India and Tibet, has about 600,000 people. Its capital, Thimphu, is slightly smaller than Missoula, with a similar ring of mountains constraining its growth. Watching Missoula's struggles to manage high-density housing and preserve agricultural land, Wangchuk said, was like watching his home grow in fast-forward.
To counter that, Wangchuk said, his countrymen have adopted a four-pillared test for all major decisions. An action must create sustainable benefits for the economy, the culture, the environment and the government. In Bhutan, it's known as “gross national happiness.”
For example, a recent proposal to aggressively log the nation's extensive forests was defeated because its economic benefits couldn't match its environmental impact. But hydropower plants found more acceptance because they improved local agriculture and helped the country become a net exporter of electricity to the region.
In a lunch gathering Wednesday, Wangchuk offered some constructive criticism to members of the Office of Planning and Grants and Mayor John Engen.
“Having your council meetings very open and transparent is important,” he said. “Due process is important. But it seems too much procedure ignores the outcomes. You end up updating plans that were never implemented.”
On the other hand, Wangchuk appreciated the trusting nature Missoulians displayed in the way they respected pedestrians on the street and prohibited weapons from City Hall with just a sign.
“In Boston, getting into City Hall is no different than going to an airport with all the security,” he said. “That tells you of the values the community has.”
Wangchuk's visit to Missoula may be more than simply academic. He currently serves as the deputy chief town planner of Thimphu. When he returns home after one more semester at MIT, he said, he plans to run for mayor.
Reporter Rob Chaney can be reached at 523-5382 or at rchaney@missoulian.com.
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