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06/05/2026
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send news tips to [email protected].
Missoula finalizes $4M Riverfront Triangle sale
Missoula has completed the sale of the Riverfront Triangle, west of downtown along the Clark Fork River, to Averill Hospitality for a new $100M hotel and conference center.
Averill Hospitality plans a 180-bed hotel and 15,000-square-foot conference center on the site, including a public plaza and riverfront trail extension.
Mayor Andrea Davis stated, “After years of effort, we are thrilled to see the private sector create a new destination in the heart of Missoula.”
Averill’s $4M purchase will support Missoula’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The company will contribute 1% of room and board revenues, generating an estimated $300,000 annually for ten years or until $3M is raised.
The initial $1.7M payment from Averill will fund site infrastructure, with $350,000 going to the trust fund by September. Tax increment financing funds will reimburse Averill monthly for constructing public infrastructure, totaling about $14 million.
During a City Council meeting, Davis highlighted increased interest from developers for adjacent land, stating, “We’ll see a lot more activity happening soon.”
Construction is set to begin following a year-long design phase.
By the Numbers
Missoula County reported a voter turnout rate of 39% in Tuesday’s primary election, compared to the statewide turnout of 37.65%. Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman noted turnout was similar to the 2024 primary.
Most voters utilized absentee ballots, with only 6% voting at polling places. Seaman observed a trend toward mail-in voting over in-person voting at polling sites.
There were 574 rejected ballots, with 44% due to missing birth years and 29% from mismatched signatures. Seaman expects similar rejection rates in the November general election.
Primary election results determined candidates for Montana’s congressional and state legislative seats in the November election.
Monica Tranel secured House District 92’s Democratic primary. Ben Davis won the Democratic primary for House District 93, while Robin Kendall triumphed for House District 94.
Election results remain preliminary until the mid-June canvass.
Public Notice
Missoula will host an open house for the draft master plan of the North Reserve-Scott Street Urban Renewal District. The updated plan includes annexed areas and reflects current needs.
Feedback from an earlier open house and surveys has been incorporated. Deputy Director Annie Gorski cited transportation and safety improvements as key concerns.
The workshop is scheduled for June 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Child Start Inc., Headstart, with childcare and refreshments available.
Climate Smart Missoula will hold a 2026 wildfire and smoke outlook forum on June 9, covering fire predictions, climate trends, and preparedness strategies. The event will be simulcast and available on Zoom online registration.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula City Council advanced the purchase of 28 acres near the airport for future trails. The council will vote on using $130,000 from the 2018 Open Space Bond Fund for the acquisition.
Missoula County approved an exemption for certain storage structures from building permit requirements. Structures like sheds and garages still require other permits.
The Missoula City Council approved vaultless green burials within the city cemetery, pending documentation and biodegradable materials. Unauthorized drones in the cemetery are banned.
Mountain Line was awarded the best transit system of its size by the Community Transportation Association of America, highlighting zero-fare service and fleet electrification.
Missoula Food Bank will offer free summer meals for children starting June 12. Full location schedules are available on the food bank’s website.
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