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11/14/2024
“Missoula This Week” is reported by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
City Council discusses new revolving loan fund for workforce housing
The Missoula Economic Partnership is tackling the city’s housing challenges by launching the Missoula Housing Impact Fund, a revolving loan fund aimed at affordable workforce housing projects. This initiative is in partnership with NeighborWorks Montana. Grant Kier, the partnership’s CEO, emphasized the crisis’s impact on workforce retention during a city council meeting. The fund’s $5 million kickstart came from a long-time Missoula family’s anonymous donation. First Security Bank also invested $3 million.
NeighborWorks Montana will manage the fund, with plans to allow community investments. An advisory committee, including city and county representatives, will oversee the fund. Kier outlined plans for low-interest loans for housing construction or renovation, aiming to address financial hurdles and offering flexible loan terms. The city needs up to 27,500 housing units to meet demand, and the fund aims to prevent further delays in construction.
When asked about down-payment assistance, Kier said the fund won’t offer it, citing cost concerns. However, NeighborWorks Montana offers separate assistance programs. Mayor Andrea Davis noted a steep rise in down-payment assistance requests over the years. Davis highlighted the synergy between the new loan fund and the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, suggesting a collaborative approach between the private sector and government to resolve the housing shortage.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula City Council approved the purchase of the 13.5-acre Southgate Crossing property for $5.9 million, aiming to stimulate redevelopment near Southgate Mall. Council members Bob Campbell and Sandra Vasecka opposed the move, citing a previous business purchase attempt. However, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency clarified its longstanding agreement with the landowners. The plan includes public engagement next year for redevelopment.
The Missoula Consolidated Planning Board endorsed the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan, urging the City Council to consider public comments. Addressing housing supply, the plan received mixed reactions from the public. A City Council public hearing is scheduled for December 9.
The City Council approved $530,000 from Open Space Bond funds for a new park on Scott and Rodgers Streets. The park, replacing White Pine Park, will serve growing neighborhoods, with future sales funding its development.
Missoula County’s 2024 general election results were certified following a canvass ensuring ballot accuracy, led by county officials.
The Salish Kootenai Housing Authority’s Nk̓ᵂúwilš program, meaning “to become one” in Salish, seeks non-Native support for tribal housing needs. Aiming to raise $24,000 by December 31, the program assists Indigenous families in purchasing homes. Interested individuals can RSVP for an informational event in Missoula or learn more online.
By the Numbers
Approximately 5,200 city-owned trees with hazardous limbs are being addressed by forestry crews. About 430 trees will be removed. Details on each affected tree are available on the project dashboard. Contractors Cedar Grove Tree Services and Greenbelt Turf Management have secured contracts for removing hazardous trees and limbs. Temporary work zones will enforce parking restrictions, with completion expected in three to six months.
Thanksgiving Goings On
The Missoula Food Bank and Community Center distributes turkeys and holiday supplies from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 1720 Wyoming St. A Vetsgiving dinner hosted by the Veteran Support Network and Missoula Housing Authority offers free meals to veterans and families on Tuesday at American Legion Post 27. The Western Montana Community Center’s Queergiving dinner on Thursday at Burns Street Center welcomes all with a potluck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, Run Wild Missoula’s Turkey Day 8k and 3k Family Fun Run registrations are open, encouraging participants to donate to the Missoula Food Bank.
Might be Fun
Tickets for the two-day Zootown Music Festival go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday on the event’s website. Held at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, the event features Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, and more. The festival, produced by Always On, Knitting Factory Presents, and Shore Sound Entertainment, offers guided excursions in collaboration with GuideTime. Packages for tickets, accommodations, and activities are available at zootownfestival.com.
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