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02/27/2026
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to [email protected].
Missoula City Council Focuses on Affordable Housing Trust Fund Sustainability
The Missoula City Council has greenlit an updated housing policy to bolster the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and enhance tenant protections. The 10-1 vote supports updating the 2019 strategy, “A Place to Call Home,” aiming to address housing issues and foster affordable homes, explained city housing policy specialist Parker Webb.
Progress since 2019 includes establishing the trust fund, offering incentives, and assessing housing needs annually. However, challenges persist as wages lag behind rising housing costs. The updated recommendations focus on budget-friendly measures to sustain housing efforts.
Webb emphasized finding a sustainable funding source for the trust fund, currently reliant on city allocations and land sales revenue. A $4 million boost from the Riverfront Triangle property sale is anticipated, but ongoing funding is crucial. Exploring other funding channels, like a voluntary fee similar to Whitefish’s 1% assessment or a ballot initiative, was suggested.
Key priorities also include tenant protection and anti-displacement initiatives, targeting Missoula’s significant renter population. Ideas include landlord education and uniting relevant organizations, though a tenant-right-to-counsel program lacks funding. Advancing city land redevelopment for affordable housing and exploring infill development are also recommended.
While some council members, like Bob Campbell, expressed concerns about potential taxpayer burdens, Kristen Jordan highlighted the long-term savings of supporting a social safety net.
By the Numbers
The 2025 median home price in Missoula stands at $550,000, a 2.2% drop from 2024, reveals the Five Valleys Housing Report by Missoula Organization of Realtors. Despite a two-year sales increase, supply remains inconsistent across neighborhoods. The Sxʷtpqyen/Mullan area saw the most sales and a price dip, due to oversupply from new construction. In contrast, Lewis and Clark and Lolo face undersupply issues.
Brint Wahlberg of Windermere Real Estate noted heightened buyer interest at affordable prices. Detailed insights are available here.
Public Notice
Missoula County commissioners will discuss a rezoning proposal for the Blackfoot Crossing property in Bonner. Owner Gregory Morse plans a mixed-use development on the 107-acre site, with commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. Previously zoned industrial, the proposal includes a travel plaza, housing, and trails connecting to local parks and neighborhoods.
Some parcels remain unchanged, and a new subdivision on 78 acres will include a public water and sewer system. Concerns about traffic and environmental impact were raised, but some residents support the development. Attend the meeting at 2 p.m., Thursday, in the Sophie Moiese Room or join online.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
Council Extends Icon Apartment Homes Plan Deadlines in Sxʷtpqyen neighborhood by three years. Initial approval was given in August 2023 for the 641-unit subdivision.
Western Excavating Awarded $989,715 to replace Lewis and Clark neighborhood water mains. Construction begins in April.
University of Montana Griz Esports Team hosts a fundraising esports marathon for Hawthorne Elementary School’s playground. Livestream on twitch.tv/umt_esports.
Free HPV Awareness Screening at Roxy Theater on March 4. Reserve seats at theroxytheater.org.
Heart Health Expo at Providence St. Patrick Hospital on Saturday. Attend lectures and screenings for a nominal fee.
Might be Fun
The 15th Winter BrewFest happens Saturday at Caras Park, featuring over 40 Montana-made craft beers, ciders, and seltzers. The event, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., includes local food trucks, axe throwing, and music by DJ TRX.
The free event offers tastings starting at $20, additional tokens are $2. Early arrival is recommended for the best selection.
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