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6 days ago

Missoula County adopts carbon neutrality plan for county operations The Missoula County Board of Commissioners approved a county government operations carbon neutrality plan, describing it as an aspirational menu of strategies across buildings, fleet and commutes; signatures will be added to the commission letter as recorded.

Missoula County has officially adopted a groundbreaking carbon neutrality plan, setting a bold and aspirational path for sustainable government operations.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityInitiatives #CitizenPortal #ClimateAction #SustainableGovernance

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1 month ago

County attorney notifies commission of EW Media records suit; settlement approved tied to MDT letter and inspections Missoula County's attorney notified commissioners that EW Media LLC filed a records-request lawsuit; the county will seek court review. Separately, commissioners approved a settlement with Carlton Protective Trust that requires county support to MDT on safety concerns and inspections of Western Materials' permits.

Missoula County is facing a records-request lawsuit from EW Media LLC while simultaneously approving a settlement that raises safety concerns on Highway 93.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernance #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Missoula Public Library director highlights culture‑house model, bookmobile and relaxed card rules Missoula Public Library director Slaven Lee described the library’s Swedish "culture house" model, partnerships with nonprofits and a bookmobile that logged roughly 4,000 visits in its first year. He also outlined new, more flexible library‑card policies and concerns about ebook licensing costs.

Missoula Public Library is breaking new ground as North America's first "culture house," combining resources with nonprofits and launching a bookmobile that reached 4,000 visits in its debut year!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #DigitalLiteracy #CitizenPortal #CommunityAccess

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1 month ago

Missoula planners promote neighborhood-oriented growth, Brooks corridor upgrades and Highway 200 improvements On the Missoula County podcast, transportation planner Erin Wilson outlined efforts to foster neighborhood services ("15-minute" concepts), the Midtown "Transform Brooks" master plan, Highway 200 upgrades and a pending grant application of about $30 million, while stressing incremental changes, winter maintenance and public engagement.

Transportation planner Erin Wilson reveals ambitious plans for Missoula's future, aiming to create safer, more accessible "15-minute" neighborhoods while upgrading vital corridors.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NeighborhoodDevelopment

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1 month ago

Missoula MPO wins federal grant to study safety on Reserve Street; study due within a year Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization officials say a federally funded safety study of the Reserve Street corridor (Brooks to I‑90) will begin this summer, produce a prioritized action plan in 9–12 months and identify short‑term pedestrian improvements and longer-term projects.

A major safety overhaul is on the horizon for Reserve Street, with a new federal grant funding a study that promises to reshape this vital corridor.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TransportationPlanning

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1 month ago

Commissioners approve nearly $7.9M TIF reimbursement for Grant Creek Crossing; environmental and traffic concerns raised The board approved use of tax-increment financing to reimburse public infrastructure for the Grant Creek Crossing targeted economic district after a presentation of project scope and revenue projections; environmental groups and neighbors urged stronger stormwater protections and more public engagement.

Missoula County has greenlit a $7.9M TIF reimbursement for infrastructure improvements in Grant Creek Crossing, but local residents are raising concerns about environmental impacts and traffic safety.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalSustainability

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1 month ago

Missoula County seeks $121,430 MGIA grant to finish ‘Matt Missoula’ property‑mapping project County staff told commissioners they will seek a $121,430 MGIA grant to fund a two‑year temporary GIS position to complete the ‘Matt Missoula’ project; the board authorized the chair to sign the application and staff said the Clerk and Treasurer’s Office will provide $155,862.96 in in‑kind staff time.

Missoula County is taking a big step towards transparency by applying for a $121,430 grant to enhance property mapping and public access to historical records!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #GISInnovation #TransparencyInGovernment

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1 month ago

County staff ask chair to sign letter asking EPA to assess WIFIA loan eligibility for local water/wastewater project A county staffer asked the chair to sign a letter of interest to the EPA to determine whether a proposed water or wastewater project would be eligible for the WIFIA loan program; staff described the step as exploratory and said EPA typically responds in about 60–90 days.

Missoula County is taking a crucial step toward securing funding for vital water and wastewater projects by reaching out to the EPA for potential loan eligibility under the WIFIA program.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #MissoulaCountyWater #WaterInfrastructure

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2 months ago

Community councils report development disputes, water-quality outreach, and local wins in round-robin updates Bonner Milltown reported a rezoning approval for the Blackfoot Crossing development and community opposition to a proposed gravel pit; Clinton described water-quality outreach and E. coli testing; East Missoula secured a zoning change for the Aspire subdivision and is preparing for a fire levy; Lolo celebrated a new ice rink funded earlier by a rural grant.

Missoula County's community councils are tackling everything from controversial zoning changes to exciting new local projects—find out what’s brewing in your neighborhood!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityDevelopment #EnvironmentalQuality #LocalGovernance

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2 months ago

Missoula County ordinance changes community council seats to commissioner appointments; staff outlines implementation and new administrative procedures County staff said an ordinance adopted earlier this month makes community council positions commissioner-appointed (not elected). Staff described next steps: letters of interest to the Commissioner's Office (bcc@missoulacounty.us), outreach for budget invoicing, creation of official council email accounts, and planned handbook and website updates.

Missoula County is shaking up its community councils by making positions commissioner-appointed, transforming how local governance operates!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityGovernance #LocalAccountability #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Missoula County approves $21,000 engineering agreement to pursue repairs to Sunset Hill Bridge The board approved a $21,000 professional services agreement with DJ&A for design and oversight of a repair to Sunset Hill Bridge after MDT ordered the bridge closed for safety; staff estimated the contractor repair at about $40,000 and noted MDT must inspect and approve reopening.

Missoula County has taken action to repair the Sunset Hill Bridge after safety concerns forced its closure, approving a $21,000 engineering agreement to ensure the structure's integrity.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityDevelopment #InfrastructureRepair #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

West Missoula resident urges commissioners to fund comprehensive aquifer study, warns of data-center water use Peggy Miller, a West Missoula herbalist, told the county commissioners a comprehensive USGS-style aquifer study is needed to find vulnerable spots and urged officials to review potential water use by data centers, which she said can consume water equivalent to 50,000–100,000 homes.

A West Missoula herbalist is sounding the alarm on local aquifers and the staggering water demands of data centers, urging county officials to take action before it's too late.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #WaterSustainability #AquiferProtection #CitizenPortal #DataCenterImpact

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2 months ago

Missoula commissioners signal intent to adopt Swan Valley neighborhood plan, add floodplain and fire-resiliency edits The Missoula County Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 29 to adopt a resolution of intent to adopt the Swan Valley neighborhood plan as an amendment to the county growth policy, directing staff to include floodplain-based land-use designations and edits to the plan's fire-resiliency strategies; formal adoption is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Missoula County is on the brink of adopting a pivotal neighborhood plan that could reshape the Swan Valley, focusing on floodplain safety and fire resilience, but community voices are divided!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityPlanning #FloodplainManagement #FireResilience

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2 months ago

Missoula County appoints members to new Consolidated Land Use Board, names conservation district rep Commissioners appointed multiple applicants to the newly created Missoula Consolidated Land Use Board, designated alternates pending a decision from the CSKT tribal government, and approved a conservation district representative nomination.

Missoula County is shaking things up with the launch of its new Consolidated Land Use Board, featuring a diverse lineup of appointees and pending decisions from the CSKT tribe!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityInvolvement #LandUsePlanning #TribalGovernance #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Missoula County delays approval of updated community council bylaws after members ask for review Commissioners agreed to postpone a vote on updated community council bylaws for two weeks after several council members asked for more time to review the changes and discuss them at local town halls.

Missoula County commissioners have hit the pause button on new community council bylaws, giving residents more time to voice their opinions and review critical changes.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityParticipation #LocalGovernance #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Commissioners adopt Y Infrastructure Plan as growth‑policy implementation step Missoula County formally adopted the Y Infrastructure Plan as an official county policy document to guide infrastructure planning and funding for the Y growth area, and staff recommended a groundwater study to confirm physical water availability before major development proceeds.

Missoula County has officially adopted the Y Infrastructure Plan, paving the way for smart growth and essential infrastructure investments in a rapidly developing area.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityDevelopment #WaterResources #CitizenPortal #GrowthPlanning

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3 months ago

Missoula County adopts Lolo sewer and water impact fees to fund capacity upgrades Missoula County commissioners approved new impact fees for Lolo after a consultant study estimated per‑unit costs of roughly $9,629 for water and $7,888 for sewer (about $17,000 combined), a step intended to fund planned capital projects and allow new connections once infrastructure is upgraded.

Missoula County is tackling its housing crisis head-on by adopting new sewer and water impact fees, paving the way for essential infrastructure upgrades and new connections!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #HousingCrisis #PublicEngagement #MissoulaCountyWaterSewer #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Missoula officials, public-health staff weigh air-quality trade-offs of prescribed burns and rising wildfire smoke On a Missoula County Commissioners episode, Missoula Public Health staff explained how winter inversions trap local emissions, why wildfire smoke is the dominant current threat to public health, and how burn permits, HEPA filters and interagency coordination are used to manage smoke impacts.

Missoula County officials uncover the alarming truth about air quality: winter inversions trap pollution, while rising wildfire smoke poses serious public health threats.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #AirQuality #WildfireSmoke #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

CSKT expands food sovereignty: gardens, elder soup program and planned USDA meat-processing facility Jordan Thompson described CSKT’s food sovereignty efforts — a food sovereignty center at the former Kicking Horse Job Corps site, a community garden network, partnerships with Western Montana Growers Co-op, an elder soup program delivering 200+ meals twice weekly, and a USDA-certified meat processing facility planned near Ronan aimed for spring 2026.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are transforming food security and sovereignty with innovative programs, including a new meat-processing facility and a community garden network that supports local families and elders.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #MissoulaCountyFoodSovereignty

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3 months ago

CSKT acting executive officer outlines tribal history, governance and federal legal framework Jordan Thompson, acting tribal executive officer for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, told Missoula County Commissioners about CSKT governance, the Hellgate Treaty and federal Indian law, the allotment era's lasting effects, and the tribe's evolution into self-determination and business enterprise.

Jordan Thompson sheds light on the complex evolution of tribal governance, the impacts of historical treaties, and how the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are navigating self-determination in today’s world.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #SelfDetermination #FederalIndianLaw

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3 months ago

Missoula County tells Riverside applicant unzoned status is not approval for a gravel pit, asks for full application materials County staff read a follow-up letter to Mr. Fisher of Riverside regarding a land-use/zoning compliance application submitted 09/19/2025, reminding the applicant that the property's current unzoned status does not equal approval and requesting a formal zoning compliance form and operational/site details per Montana Code Annotated.

Missoula County commissioners have made it clear: the unzoned status of Riverside's proposed gravel pit site does NOT mean approval—full documentation is required!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #MissoulaCountyGravelPit #EnvironmentalRegulations #LandUsePlanning #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Frenchtown residents urge county to scrutinize proposed Town Pump development over traffic, water and safety Multiple Frenchtown residents told commissioners they oppose a proposed Town Pump development near the Frenchtown I‑90 interchange, citing traffic-safety incidents, lack of a publicly available MDT draft traffic study, groundwater and irrigation worries, and strained fire/EMS capacity.

Frenchtown residents are rallying against a proposed Town Pump development, raising urgent concerns over traffic safety, environmental impact, and local resources.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #TrafficSafety #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalProtection #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Missoula County asks federal delegation to rehome rescinded Highway 200 grant, will pursue alternative funding County staff will ask the federal delegation to reassign a rescinded Neighborhood Access Grant for Highway 200/East Missoula to another federal program and will evaluate newly released funding opportunities to pursue phased project funding.

Missoula County is taking proactive steps to secure funding for the vital Highway 200 project by asking federal officials to reassign a rescinded grant while exploring new funding opportunities.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityDevelopment #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding

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4 months ago

County says it was served with wrongful-death lawsuit tied to an in-custody death; plans to defend County counsel informed commissioners that Missoula County was served with a wrongful-death complaint naming the county and three staff members; the autopsy cited a ruptured bag of methamphetamine and the county intends to defend and will file an answer within 21 days.

Missoula County is facing a wrongful-death lawsuit after a tragic incident involving an in-custody death linked to a ruptured bag of methamphetamine.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #PublicSafety #MissoulaCountyLaw #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform #CivicAccountability

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4 months ago

County approves FY26 John Engen Building abatement, ADA and backbone planning with brownfields support The commissioners approved FY2026 operations, hazardous‑materials abatement and ADA entrance work for the John Engen Local Government Building and agreed to a brownfields abatement agreement to use city and state funds to cover abatement costs.

Missoula County is investing $2.8 million into upgrading the historic John Engen Local Government Building, focusing on hazardous materials removal and improved accessibility.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #AccessibilityImprovements #EnvironmentalRehabilitation #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

County advances community council ordinance to standardize boundaries, appointments and records Missoula County held the first hearing on an ordinance to replace disparate resolutions governing community councils with a standardized ordinance; commissioners voted to move the ordinance to a second hearing on Jan. 8, 2026.

Missoula County is on the brink of a major overhaul for community councils, aiming to standardize how they operate and align with state law—what does this mean for your community?

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CommunityGovernance #PublicParticipation #LocalAccountability #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Frenchtown residents urge county to block or rezone proposed Town Pump development, seek independent traffic study Residents from Frenchtown told the Missoula County commissioners they gathered thousands of petition signatures opposing a proposed Town Pump development at the Frenchtown exit and asked the county for zoning help and an independent traffic study citing safety and water concerns.

Frenchtown residents are rallying against a controversial Town Pump development, citing serious concerns over traffic safety and environmental impact.

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #TrafficSafety #WaterProtection #MissoulaCountyCommunity #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Missoula County commissioners: two-thirds of spending comes with strings; much of property-tax revenue is statutorily obligated The commissioners said roughly two-thirds of county spending is from grants and fees that carry legal or contractual restrictions, while much property-tax revenue is allocated to state-mandated services; they urged voters or grants for new discretionary programs.

Missoula County commissioners reveal a surprising truth: two-thirds of our budget comes with strings attached, leaving little room for new initiatives!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #FiscalTransparency #CommunityInvolvement

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4 months ago

How tax increment financing and TEDs work in Missoula County, according to commissioners Commissioners explained Targeted Economic Development districts (TEDs) and tax increment financing (TIF) are intended to fund public infrastructure that outlasts single businesses; they contrasted TEDs with city urban renewal districts and described the Missoula Development Authority's advisory role.

Curious about how Missoula County is using tax increment financing to boost long-term economic development?

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #InfrastructureInvestment #TaxIncrementFinancing #CitizenPortal #MissoulaCountyEconomicDevelopment #GovernanceTransparency

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4 months ago

Missoula County approves consent agenda, postpones item 8; highlights CDBG septic grant applications Missoula County commissioners approved the consent agenda while postponing item 8 and discussed applying for federal CDBG funds to help low-income residents replace failing septic systems in rural areas; staff said public feedback was mostly supportive.

Missoula County is gearing up to tackle the urgent need for septic replacements in rural areas with a groundbreaking federal funding application aimed at supporting low-income residents!

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#MissoulaCounty #MT #CitizenPortal #LowIncomeSupport #CommunityDevelopment #RuralAssistance