Subscribe to the free Missoula This Week newsletter for updates on Missoula city governance, school meetings, business highlights, and entertainment events. Stay informed and engaged with the community’s pulse.
7/11/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Homeless Shelters Seek State Support Amid Increased Need
Montana has experienced the second-largest rise in homelessness between 2007 and 2023, prompting shelter leaders to urge state funding for services, according to a federal report. In 2022, the Poverello Center initiated the Montana Coalition to Solve Homelessness, aiming for state funding through recent legislative sessions with varied success.
In 2023, legislation allocated $5 million in one-time grants for shelter projects, marking the first state funding for homeless shelters, noted Ella Smith, coalition facilitator. However, current legislative sessions saw no shelter funding bills passed or surviving governor vetoes.
The coalition prioritized House Bill 310, intended to fund shelter expansion, but it was unsuccessful. Other supported bills for rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing also failed, despite promising flexible funding to meet community needs.
Senate Bill 537 proposed $2 million for homeless shelter case management services, funded by marijuana sales, yet was vetoed by Gov. Greg Gianforte. Jill Bonny of the Poverello Center advocated for House Bill 274 to enable Medicaid billing for medical respite programs but saw it stall in the Senate.
Public Notice
Missoula County Office of Emergency Management urges residents to enroll in emergency notifications before wildfire season. Residents can register with Smart911 online or via the app to receive location-specific alerts during emergencies. While alerts are sent automatically to landlines, cellphone users must opt in.
Adriane Beck, OEM Director, clarified, “Those alerts fall under the federal Wireless Emergency Alert system, which Missoula County OEM can initiate, but only under extreme circumstances.” Signing up for Smart911 alerts is crucial for preparedness.
Residents can also create a Smart911 safety profile, providing critical information for first responders, such as medical conditions and household details, ensuring better emergency responses.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved agreements with Averill Hospitality for developing the Riverfront Triangle property. The City Council will review agreements on July 16 and vote on July 21. The project, announced in late June, includes a 180-room hotel, meeting space, restaurants, shops, and public areas. Tax increment financing will reimburse Averill for infrastructure expenses estimated at $14 million, directed into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Missoula County commissioners addressed rent increases at local mobile home parks. Oak Wood Properties reduced rent hikes at Travois Village following public outcry, but commissioners requested further rent management to prevent tenant displacement.
A new traffic light is being installed at Orange Street and Cregg Lane intersection. The project aims for completion by September’s end, improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Construction is active Monday to Friday, with occasional lane closures.
The University of Montana’s river shuttle service has resumed and will operate through Aug. 10. Sponsored by Mountain Line, the service runs Thursday to Sunday, with departures from the UM Campus Recreation Center. Shuttles, requiring deflated tubes, aim to increase daily user capacity.
Climate Smart Missoula’s Wildfire Smoke Ready Week starts this Saturday. Events at local farmers markets, Out to Lunch, and the public library will disseminate smoke preparedness information. Attendees can win a HEPA air cleaner, with rebates available through NorthWestern Energy.
By the Numbers
Missoula’s fireworks report line received 167 calls from June 28 to July 5, with 138 additional calls made to 911. Fireworks are mostly banned within city limits, except for permitted displays and novelty items.
Might be Fun
The Missoula PaddleHeads baseball team is hosting a “housing night” on Thursday, July 17, at Ogren Park Allegiance Field to support local housing organizations. Half of ticket sales through this link will benefit Homeword, Missoula Housing Authority, and other groups. General admission is $5, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and first pitch at 7:05 p.m.
Homeword is organizing a raffle for an e-bike, donated by Park Side Credit Union, with proceeds aiding housing organizations. Raffle tickets are available at Homeword’s website.
—
Read More Montana News
