Stay informed on Missoula city government, public school meetings, local business updates, and entertainment events with the free Missoula This Week newsletter.
9/12/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Mayor, other incumbents advance in election
Tuesday’s municipal primary election determined the candidates for Missoula’s mayor and three city council seats, with incumbents advancing to the November general election. Mayor Andrea Davis, seeking her first full term, will compete against Shawn Knopp after receiving 66% of the votes, compared to Knopp’s 26.5%. Brandi Atanasoff also ran, earning 1,042 votes. Davis became mayor in 2023 following Mayor John Engen’s passing. Knopp, a Montana Glass employee, has previously run for mayor, while Atanasoff is a public relations consultant. Ward 6 candidates Sandra Vasecka and Sean McCoy will face off again, with McCoy leading with 55% of the votes. Results are pending until the Sept. 18 canvass.
Ponton and Dawson will advance in Ward 2, with Ponton receiving 31.5% and Dawson 18.7%. Ward 3 incumbent Carlino will compete with Savage, who recently moved to Ward 3 and led with 47.8%. In Ward 6, McCoy and Vasecka will have a rematch. McCoy leads with 55% of the votes. The city council will soon fill Savage’s vacant Ward 1 seat.
Citywide voters decided the mayoral race, with ward residents voting for their council members. The turnout was 32.25%, below 2023’s 46.43%. Missoula County Election Administrator Bradley Seaman emphasized the importance of voter participation, noting nearly 5,000 ballots were cast on Election Day. Meanwhile, Ward 1, Ward 4, Ward 5, and Ward 6 races proceed to general elections with fewer than three candidates. Elizabeth Craske, Lucas Moody, incumbent Mike Nugent, and others will compete for various seats.
Following Up
Missoula’s housing sprint, tied to the Johnson Street homeless shelter’s closure, aims to house 60 individuals, supported by a $1.1 million opioid settlement grant. Mayor Andrea Davis emphasized housing retention through case management. The city received a $250,000 one-time grant for the housing sprint. Additional funds are planned for future housing programs, enabling staff to adopt a housing-focused model. The city closed the Johnson Street shelter after transitioning 55 people to permanent housing.
The housing sprint fund, totaling $164,148, covered various expenses, including rent and utility debts. Since the housing sprint, permanent housing placements through Missoula’s coordinated entry system have increased. Sam Hilliard noted that placements have averaged 23 per month from April to August, up from previous years.
By the Numbers
Missoula Housing Authority faces a demand for vouchers, with 1,100 vouchers across programs. A HUD study resulted in higher voucher payment standards, aiding affordability. Currently, 928 of 1,042 housing choice vouchers are in use, including all 66 for disabled individuals. The housing authority seeks to increase occupancy by quickly making open units available. They also ended a large waiting list to hasten applications.
Public Notice
The Missoula City Council will review the Historic Preservation Commission’s decision to deny a demolition permit for Fort Missoula’s Old Post Hospital. Developers argue no damage since 2018; the commission cites neglect as grounds for denial. Public attendance is encouraged for the rescheduled meeting. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency hosts a workshop on redevelopment plans for the area north of Montana Rail Link Park, including housing and commercial space.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
1. The Missoula City Council calls for transparency in Forest Service reorganization to maintain federal jobs locally. 2. The Missoula County Public Schools board approved teacher wage increases in their 2025-2027 agreement. 3. A new development at the old Lolo School includes 56 homes, commercial space, and parkland. 4. A weekend Mountain Line bus route to Marshall Mountain begins Saturday. 5. The Sunset Hill Road bridge is closed for safety, with replacement plans underway.
Might be Fun
The Missoula Family YMCA celebrates its renovated campus with a community block party on Sept. 18. The event features music, food trucks, and a cornhole tournament. The YMCA completed its “Here for Good” capital project, which included multiple facility enhancements.
—
Read More Montana News
