Subscribe to the free Missoula This Week newsletter for updates on Missoula city governance, school meetings, business news, and upcoming events.
07/24/2026
Written by Katie Fairbanks, “Missoula This Week” reports on local news. For tips, email her at [email protected].
Missoula This Week aims to keep residents informed about local happenings, ranging from government to community events.
To improve our newsletter, we seek your input through a quick survey on topics you find useful and want to see more often.
Your feedback is crucial to shaping future editions of Missoula This Week.
Local Clean Energy Goals Advancing with New Program
Missoula is advancing its green power program for 100% clean electricity. This program, a green tariff, allows NorthWestern Energy customers to subscribe to Montana’s renewable energy.
The upcoming agreement approval is the final step before submitting to the Montana Public Service Commission.
Mayor Andrea Davis expressed excitement at moving closer to sustainable energy options.
The City Council preliminarily approved the agreement on roles and responsibilities, with a joint meeting and vote on Monday.
Since 2019, Missoula has aimed for 100% clean electricity by 2030, with the green power program expected to bring the area 10% closer to that target. This initiative, worked on since 2018, is crucial for meeting energy goals.
Green tariff programs are widespread, with 30 states having them in 2023, emphasizing their effectiveness.
New energy resources, capped at 50 megawatts, will be developed for the program. NorthWestern will own and operate these resources.
Subscribers will pay a share of the renewable resource’s cost, receiving power credit in return. Program rates are not yet determined.
The self-sufficient program aims to offer customer options without cost shifts, according to NorthWestern’s director of regulatory affairs.
The proposal will be filed by Sept. 15 for PSC review, impacting future community decisions on energy program participation.
City Council members support advancing this program, noting its potential for offering choice and sustainability without mandates.
Public Notice
Missoula County will present the fiscal year 2027 budget at a public meeting on July 30. Attend in person or virtually via the meeting agenda.
Last year, property taxes rose by 8% to cover wage increases and other costs. This year, the commissioners preliminarily approved $867,400 of $1.4 million in ongoing requests. The final budget hearing and vote are on Sept. 3.
3 Questions For
Kallie Moore, manager of the University of Montana’s fossil collection, will feature in the PBS series “Eons: Life and Death on Pangea.” The show, airing on the PBS Eons YouTube channel, explores life on Earth during the Permian period and airs new episodes every Saturday.
MTFP: What is the new series about?
Moore: The series centers on the Permian Period, detailing the evolution, extinction, and recovery of life on Earth. It highlights terrestrial life growth and diversification.
MTFP: What can we learn from events so long ago?
Moore: Studying past extinctions like the Permian informs current climate challenges. Ancient volcanic eruptions and modern fossil fuel use show parallels, emphasizing the need for change.
MTFP: Why share this information broadly?
Moore: Engaging with Earth’s history can inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of evolution and our planet’s past, offering a perspective beyond the present moment.
Might be Fun
Join the “Free the Northside” Block Party on July 26 to celebrate Missoula’s history with music, food, and storytelling.
The IndigiPalooza MT festival, focusing on Indigenous arts and storytelling, returns from July 31 to Aug. 2. Featuring speakers and artists like Robin Wall Kimmerer, the event explores Indigenous resilience over 250+ years. Register for events here. View the full schedule on the festival’s website.
—
Read More Montana News
