Missoula Newsletter: Affordable Housing, AI Summit, and Local Events

August 28, 2026

Stay informed with the Missoula This Week newsletter, bringing you the latest on city governance, school meetings, business updates, and upcoming events in Missoula.

08/28/2026

Welcome to Friday’s edition of Missoula This Week. Here’s what’s on the agenda.

The focus is on efforts to maintain and expand affordable housing, updates on Missoula County’s data center zoning, and financial outcomes from the Western Montana Fair.

Weather Update ☀️ The weekend starts with a hot Friday, transitioning to rain and potential thunderstorms Saturday. Sunday cools down with highs around 70 degrees, requiring a jacket for early mornings and nights as temperatures dip to the 40s.

Missoula Aims to Boost Affordable Housing Supply

Nonprofits manage much of Missoula’s affordable housing, though some properties face expiring affordability restrictions. The Wildflower Apartments, a 96-unit complex built in 1993 with low-income housing tax credits, offers an example. The Missoula Housing Authority purchased it in 2017 to prevent market-rate conversion.

Last year, the authority secured a $30 million project for rehabilitation funded by new tax credits. They requested a property tax exemption for community need, with the decision pending state approval. Developer Mike Bouchee emphasized the exemption’s importance for financing the project, which will take 1.5 years while relocating residents at no cost.

City Council member Gwen Jones praised developers for preserving affordable housing, highlighting the importance of forward progress. Parker Webb, the city’s housing policy specialist, monitors affordability periods and aligns efforts with the city’s updated housing strategy.

City staff plan to present zoning incentive proposals to support affordable housing developments by early winter. Eran Pehan, of the Community Planning Department, mentioned focusing on regulatory standards to enhance low-income housing development.

Data Center Zoning Review

Missoula County commissioners will review a study concerning a temporary data center moratorium. The moratorium, established on July 8, halts new data center development for up to a year pending regulatory updates. A study by the county staff will assess impacts on public health and resources, aiming to draft regulations before the moratorium ends.

Public review and comment opportunities will be available in November. Final adoption will coincide with the moratorium’s expiration, although an extension is possible.

Montana AI Summit at UM

The University of Montana hosts the inaugural Montana AI Summit, examining artificial intelligence’s impact on state industries. The free conference offers discussions and workshops on AI in business and government. “Montana’s economy is already adapting to AI,” said Zach Rossmiller, UM’s chief information officer. The full schedule is available online.

Public Notices

Free Wildfire-Prepared Homes Workshops

🗓️ Aug. 31 & Sept. 2
📍 Seeley Lake, Missoula
The Missoula County Wildfire Mitigation Program offers workshops on home protection from wildfires. Free property risk assessments are available.

International Overdose Awareness Day

🗓️ Aug. 31
📍 Missoula Public Library, Silver Park
Overdose prevention training includes naloxone administration. A remembrance event will honor loved ones.

Reserve Street Scott Master Plan Open House

🗓️ Sept. 1
📍 Hilton Garden Inn
Residents can review and comment on the urban renewal district master plan. A virtual workshop survey begins Sept. 1.

Girls in Aviation Day

🗓️ Sept. 19
📍 Neptune Aviation Services
The event introduces girls to aviation careers with activities and a scenic flight contest. RSVP by Sept. 7.

By the Numbers

The Western Montana Fair saw a 5% attendance increase, with 4-H livestock sales reaching a record $944,650, up $115,000 from last year. Food vendor sales surpassed $1 million. However, carnival sales dipped by 4.6% to $877,370, possibly due to smoke, heat, or confidence issues.