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10/03/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Travois Village’s Supermajority Union Demands New Lease
After facing a $200 rent hike in 2023 when a Texas company acquired Travois Village mobile home park, Erik Brilz decided to take a stand when Oak Wood Properties proposed an additional $150 increase this year. Teaming with the Missoula Tenants Union, Brilz helped establish a tenants union, resulting in the proposed rent hike dropping to $50. “It was a simple question of if I’m going to watch them do this to my neighbors,” Brilz expressed.
Tuesday saw the gathering of Travois Village residents celebrating the formation of a supermajority tenant union, representing 71% of the occupied units. The residents’ initiative came after witnessing lot rent rise from $395 to $645, excluding mortgages or other expenses. Linda Wolf, a community resident since 1976, highlighted the economic strain on residents, many of whom are elderly or have low incomes.
Oak Wood has been issuing multiple lease offers, pressuring residents to sign by offering a $500 lottery. The union’s proposed lease includes capping lot rent at $580, limiting annual increases and ensuring tenant rights like first refusal if the park is sold. Oak Wood’s current lease offers the company the first right to purchase mobile homes. The union has asked for a response by Oct. 6.
Resident Shane McLaughlin described the rent hikes as “a slap in the face.” He joined the union to combat the uncertainty his family faced. Sanders of the Missoula Tenants Union encouraged community members facing similar issues to organize and engage with neighbors.
Public Notice
The city will host an open house on the Downtown Safety, Access, and Mobility (SAM) project on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Missoula Public Library. The project plans to transform streets into two-way paths, create protected bike lanes, and upgrade traffic signals downtown. This initiative is supported by a $24.5 million federal grant awarded in June 2023.
Missoula residents are invited to the open house to review the new zoning map and development regulations on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. These updates follow the adoption of the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan aiming for increased housing density. The event is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with city staff presentations, along with food and children’s activities.
By the Numbers
Missoula County will allocate $1.26 million in grants to support programs for children, families, seniors, and rural communities this fiscal year. In 2026, 16 organizations will receive $895,000 from the Community Assistance Fund to aid at-risk populations like the elderly and the homeless. Grant recipients include the Poverello Center and Missoula Food Bank.
Additionally, eight programs will share $368,920 from the Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy to reduce the impact and costs of substance abuse. Organizations receiving grants include EmpowerMT and Mountain Home Montana. A complete list of grant recipients is available online.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula County commissioners are progressing with plans for a downpayment assistance program and a county land policy to address housing goals. The 2022 Housing Action Plan prioritized affordable homeownership assistance and leveraging county-owned land. Commissioner Josh Slotnick noted the challenge of finding revenue for the program, as the state’s option has a restrictive appreciation cap.
The city and Missoula County recently removed some impact fees due to new state laws, affecting parks, general services, and administration fees. Senate Bill 133 dictates the change, while the city continues to assess the financial impact. An impact fee study is ongoing, with recommendations due in early 2026.
Municipal candidate forums will be held in October by the city and the League of Women Voters of Missoula. The forums precede the Nov. 4 election and will be available on the Missoula Community Access Television website. Recordings for previous events are accessible on YouTube.
Missoula Public Health is organizing immunization clinics countywide this month. A detailed list of locations and times is available on the department’s website. Vaccines are provided free for those without insurance, supported by The Caring Foundation of Montana.
Seeley-Swan group Rural Voices will discuss rural healthcare impacts on Monday, Oct. 6. The meeting will cover changes to the Seeley Lake Medical Center and health premiums. Experts from various health organizations will be present to address inquiries.
Might be Fun
Join Arts Missoula and Bayern Brewing for Germanfest on Saturday at Caras Park. From noon to 5 p.m., enjoy live music, German cuisine, and activities like ax-throwing and beer pong. The event is free and promotes the sister city relationship with Neckargemünd, Germany. Participants in the steinholding competition can advance to the state championship. Register online or at the event.
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