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6/20/2025
Missoula’s Housing Sprint: Overcoming Challenges and Lessons Learned
Jane faced a $7,000 back rent barrier while seeking housing at an event at the Johnson Street shelter in April. Partnership Health Center support reduced this to $4,800, covered by housing sprint funds, as explained by the city’s houseless programs manager Emily Armstrong. Jane recently signed a lease, joining 17 others in securing housing before the shelter’s August closure. Nine found housing in Missoula, three moved elsewhere, four reunited with family or friends, and one entered a nursing facility.
For the 148 on the housing sprint list, 99 qualified for funding, having stayed at the shelter at least one night from Jan. 1 to March 31. Others can still access assistance at Monday and Wednesday events. So far, $35,750 has been spent on 63 individuals, covering needs like ID documents, arrears, and rental support. Armstrong encourages creative use of remaining funds and urges service providers to inform eligible individuals.
Challenges like limited housing for fixed incomes of $800 to $1,100, and barriers from Medicaid spend-down programs, are highlighted. The process underscored the need for better case management to address system gaps.
The Johnson Street shelter’s capacity will decrease, with a cap of 70 in July and 30 by August, to prevent abrupt displacements. A lottery system is in place, though no one has been turned away yet.
Public Notice
In mid-July, the Missoula City Council will review an appeal against the Historic Preservation Commission’s denial of a demolition permit for the Old Post Hospital at Fort Missoula. Developers Ken and Max Wolf planned townhomes and commercial spaces to fund the building’s rehabilitation, but the permit was denied. A hearing is scheduled for July 14 at 6 p.m. at 140 W. Pine St.
Missoula’s Midtown Transit Plans
The Transform Brooks-Connect Midtown study proposes a side-running bus lane for Brooks Street, enhancing pedestrian and road safety. A federal grant funded this study to improve the corridor between Mount Avenue and Reserve Street. It suggests a rapid bus route with 10 stops, prioritizing quick boarding and real-time arrival updates. Chris Proud of HRD highlights cost-effective benefits of this plan.
Improvements include sidewalk upgrades and landscaping for snow storage and pedestrian crossings. The project could cost $75 to $120 million, requiring federal funds. Smaller improvements may proceed as funding becomes available, Annette Marchesseault from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency stated.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula County commissioners have accepted the ACLU of Montana’s pro bono representation in the “bathroom bill” lawsuit. This decision is part of their stance against House Bill 121, which mandates public bathroom use by sex. The ACLU and Legal Voice represent the plaintiffs. The county will only cover unlikely sanctions or fees.
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved $107,225 in tax increment financing for a $4.7 million apartment project by Adam Hertz. The TIF will cover demolition and preparation costs. Apartments range from 540 to 1,100 square feet, with rents from $1,300 to $2,300. Construction wraps up in June 2026.
The Missoula City Council plans to adopt the new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Trails 2040 Master Plan on Monday. The plan, based on public input, prioritizes parks, sustainable amenities, and urban forest investments.
Missoula Pride parade and celebration prompt downtown street closures from Friday afternoon through Saturday night. The parade starts at noon Saturday, with a block party until 10:30 p.m. Event details are available online.
A free wildfire and heat preparation workshop is scheduled for June 27, hosted by Climate Smart Missoula and local agencies. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. at the G.W. Marks Exploration Center. RSVP online.
Upcoming Events in Missoula
The Missoula Marathon takes place June 27-29, organized by Run Wild Missoula. A runners expo at Caras Park features vendors and food trucks on Friday and Saturday. A free beer run is set for Friday evening.
The Tony Banovich 5k and kids’ marathon occur Saturday morning. Sunday features the marathon and half-marathon, starting in Frenchtown and ending downtown. Course maps are available online. Residents are encouraged to cheer on runners, but drivers should avoid key roads during peak race times. Registration is open online. Prices increase after June 22.
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