In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on innovative strategies for addressing affordable housing in Missoula. Jill Dunn, the business and project manager at the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, shared insights into the agency's successful land banking strategy, which allows the city to acquire and hold land for future development. This approach enables the city to either sell the land or partner with developers, providing flexibility in meeting community housing needs as outlined in the downtown master plan.

Dunn emphasized the importance of having readily available land for developers, particularly in light of the challenges posed by tight grant timelines. By securing land in advance, the city can facilitate smoother transactions for both nonprofit and for-profit developers, ultimately expediting the housing development process.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the significance of preserving existing housing stock. Dunn noted that the Missoula Redevelopment Agency has initiated programs to support the rehabilitation of older buildings, ensuring they meet current health and safety standards. This preservation effort is crucial, as many naturally occurring affordable housing units are simply older properties in need of repair.

The agency's grant program, while modest at up to $5,000, aims to assist in facade repairs and life safety updates for commercial and multifamily structures. This initiative could be expanded to further support housing preservation efforts in the downtown area.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the concept of live-work spaces as a potential enhancement to downtown vitality, reflecting community feedback on the downtown master plan. The integration of such spaces could contribute to a more dynamic urban environment, aligning with the city's broader goals for development and community engagement.