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April 18, 2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Funding for Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention
The Missoula City Council is considering nearly $885,000 in federal housing funds and about $118,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for local projects. Key beneficiaries include the Poverello Center’s new veterans site, Partnership Health Center’s Navigation Center, and a downtown affordable housing renovation. Annually, Missoula receives U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds to support low- and moderate-income residents, enhance affordable housing, public improvements, and services, according to Kendra Lisum, a city grant administrator. The city is yet to receive this year’s federal allocation, a common delay, Lisum noted. Nine applications were submitted, with funding recommendations for seven projects.
“All these different organizations are trying to do whatever they can to help house or keep Missoulians housed,” said Council Member Mirtha Becerra. “They’re all worth investing in, but I think we have pretty limited resources. I hope there’s going to be a day when we can just say yes to all of them.”
The city plans to allocate $550,000 from Community Development Block Grants, such as $247,520 for the Poverello Center, and $74,755 for Missoula Parks and Recreation’s childcare program. Recommended funding includes $200,000 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for Homeword’s downtown mixed-use building rehabilitation. The city reserves $106,790 for grant administration.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund’s $118,605 will support the United Way of Missoula County’s Housing Solutions Fund. The city council will vote on May 5.
Public Hearing on Senior Residential Community
The Missoula City Council will hold a hearing on annexing 2100 Flynn Lane for a 170-unit senior residential community. Inland Group, a Spokane-based developer, plans a 55+ apartment building with amenities. The city recommends street improvements for Flynn Lane and a right-of-way dedication. The developer will contribute $178,500 for a density bonus. Inland Group aims to start construction this summer, targeting middle-class seniors seeking affordable retirement options.
Municipal Election Updates
Thirteen candidates have filed for Missoula’s 10 municipal seats. Candidate filing continues until June 16, with the primary on September 9 and the general election on November 4. Mayor Andrea Davis and several incumbents are running, while some seats remain unchallenged. Details and updates are available on the county’s election website.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula County Elections Office will mail ballots for the May 6 school and special district election. It’s an all-mail election with no polling places. Voters should check registration status and view sample ballots online. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency board approved $44,420 to support housing for homeless shelter residents. The city delayed its new zoning code release to summer for public engagement, with plans for introducing the zoning and development code together. The Mission Match-Up Volunteer Expo on Tuesday connects residents with local nonprofits. A tenant rights workshop on Saturday by the Missoula Tenants Union will provide organizing tips and resources.
Support for Moms
Two Men and a Truck is collecting donations for Mountain Home Montana in its “Movers for Moms” campaign, aiding young mothers with essentials like toiletries and gift cards. Collection points include Orange Street Food Farm and Hearts Afire Pottery. April’s “Pay It Forward Bingo” at Sunrise Saloon will benefit Mountain Home. “This is a great way to do that,” said director Troy Bawden.
Might Be Fun
The 56th annual Kyiyo Pow Wow at the University of Montana offers dancing and storytelling. The WildWalk Parade and WildFest kick off the 48th annual International Wildlife Film Festival celebrating wildlife conservation. Festival details and tickets are available online.
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