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01/09/2026
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to [email protected].
Annexation Step for Missoula Development at Former Wood Products Site
The city of Missoula is moving to annex over 90 acres of the Roseburg Forest Products site, now housing a film studio, aiming for future development. Council Member Amber Sherrill expressed optimism about the economic and housing prospects.
After the Oregon-based company closed its Missoula plant in May 2024, Story House, Inc. bought 47 acres. Roseburg retained much of the property to aid development, said Roseburg’s Ellen Porter. The annexation process paused in January 2025 due to tax legislation concerns.
In September, WGM Group requested to resume annexation, with changes including a two-phase approach. WGM CEO Jeff Smith stated infrastructure challenges and funding gaps exist, but annexation would enable tax increment financing for projects.
City planner Dave DeGrandpre noted limited infrastructure on the site, with existing buildings relying on wells and wastewater systems. City utilities could extend to support development. Staff recommended conditions for annexing the 235 acres, including infrastructure easements.
The first annexation phase covers 93 acres, including the Story House site. The city council’s vote is scheduled for Monday. Roseburg plans to annex the remaining 142 acres post city’s master plan update. The plan, led by Annie Gorski of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, will outline infrastructure strategies, beginning next month and concluding in October.
By the Numbers
December 2025 was Missoula’s warmest on record, with temperatures 9.6 degrees above average, according to the National Weather Service. A subtropical moisture plume led to increased precipitation — 284% of the norm — with over 3 inches primarily rain.
Joe Messina, a Missoula meteorologist, noted the predominance of rain over snow poses issues for irrigation and snowpack storage. As of November’s end, most western and central Montana basins reported below-average snowpack levels.
Missoula is expecting warmer and drier weather following this week’s storm system. Predictions indicate possible normal temperatures and precipitation in the next three to four weeks.
Public Notice
Missoula announces potential downtown traffic disruptions due to geotechnical investigations for the Downtown Safety, Access and Mobility (SAM) project. Work occurs Monday through Friday, affecting several street sections. Drivers should exercise caution around ongoing work.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
Missoula County commissioners approved a $10,000 grant for an emergency shelter, partnering with churches to provide overflow space during extreme cold. Churches will host when it “feels like” 10 degrees or below, with staff hired for nightly operations.
City Council approved allocating additional federal grants for affordable housing projects. The amendment includes $50,000 for Lenox Flats rehabilitation and $350,000 for acquiring a six-unit building on East Spruce Street, ensuring long-term affordability.
A radio tower proposal in South Hills is delayed due to safety concerns. The 80-foot tower faced community opposition and the need for more information, with a vote postponed to late January or February.
Missoula’s daily credit rate for incarceration increased 47%. The new rate of $203 reflects 2025’s cost increases, with compensation for holding state inmates significantly lower, sparking financial concerns for the county.
Christmas tree recycling is available through Jan. 15. Residents can drop off trees at specified locations, ensuring all decorations are removed beforehand.
Photo Op
Mayor Andrea Davis was sworn in for her first full term on January 5. Davis, succeeding the late John Engen, also swore in six new city council members elected in November, marking new leadership for Missoula.
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