[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6642895,"mediaKeyId","2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689","parentId",2532801,"title","Missoula officials monitor state bills affecting fees, impact fees and local authority","audioSeconds",132,"startMs",3624000,"endMs",3756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689&start=3624&end=3756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689/thumbnail_3624000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6642895/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-officials-monitor-state-bills-affecting-fees-impact-fees-and-local-authority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642895-50406256742248a9c178147495da1abf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191782&Signature=obUM0uLd20MqstxoyT-G0TYf18jd8AqGA9Koanxx0TosVbKHQq6tfCevBdm3lhZ5eiTHlfF~sAHxGxP76DRM0uNdjB6Gyo2KnPyN2~VoxuaMjzdyUfVEcD1hxmOS4RExLByQrdtMI4gcqTMThDCGB8zAYZGcm5oj2OIDh6Xs4APACSB83kTmlaaX6KQas3HGwrxBoH333ZvvxGXVY7h6OpkpqzDMAWrsOmLoSADpH9HX-DxotHU5Fk8sE1ZXcdJudDJeMGrJnXfuXi4Xi3i1eY5O0tuvAvaDwoiddMGQFr4ovAN154waHOQ5u7MckRmW3RC5okj3N8YQx6kJMvkKQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Missoula, NY","date","2025-03-11T03:29:33.623Z","article","Dale Bickel, Missoula’s chief administrative officer, briefed the council on recent activity at the Montana Legislature and highlighted measures with potential implications for local government finance and authority.

Bickel said several bills that would have changed how local ballot initiatives and lobbying are regulated (HB 204, SB 254 and related measures) failed in recent proceedings. He identified two bills transmitted from the Senate to the House that the city is monitoring: SB 420 (which would limit fees municipalities can charge for certain park activities) and SB 133 (an impact‑fee bill that would eliminate park and general services impact fees). Bickel said those bills, if enacted, would shift costs to local taxpayers by reducing the ability to collect fees from users or new development.

“SB 420 . . . means that the taxpayers will have to subsidize activities more than our fee‑associated activities,” Bickel said. “SB 133 . . . will eliminate our park and general services impact fees. And again, one of those things is that they will be paid by our general taxpayers rather than the new development that costs those.”

Council members voiced concern about limits on municipal authority to charge fees for high‑utilization park activities and the long‑term implications for facility maintenance, tournament hosting and related economic benefits. Councilor Anderson and Councilor Jones both thanked staff for tracking the legislation and said they were concerned about the bills’ potential to erode local decision making and shift costs.

Bickel said a more comprehensive update will be provided at a future council meeting when staff can offer fuller reporting on the city’s legislative priorities and status.

Ending

Council directed staff to continue monitoring the bills and to report back with a fuller update at a later meeting; several councilors emphasized the need to protect local fee authority and impact‑fee revenues.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Missoula City Council Meeting Mar 10 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Chief administrative officer Dale Bickel provided a brief March 10 update on recent Montana legislative action affecting local governments, highlighting several bills that failed and others that could limit local fees or impact‑fee authority; councilors expressed concern about bills that would shift costs to local taxpayers.","taxTitle","Missoula, Missoula County, Montana","taxId",4050,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6642902,"Council approves consent agenda including $875,621.39 in claims and major public works contracts",118,3243000,3361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689&start=3243&end=3361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689/thumbnail_3243000.jpg","/articles/6642902/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-approves-consent-agenda-including-87562139-in-claims-and-major-public-works-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642902-a2fac87369d7e91ce4579ad6921f1107/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191782&Signature=NaBZa74tmj2vtfo2wmYWNg-xeYWzvzARnGq2xsY90rgT7sw5D3LGVwN4rbyIC9qrZOxIAeZLn9IkzlyBxbOaOU0m1ypx5f~6hR75B4f7emtDTd9QDeyIfb5XTPiNCh~CEDQtYyyebBY674VWl~iZNYF9tnr8u2EUjMo81ZvRo1V2KtMXU3obrHbPIKIgJVQd6BtAgnYfIy3pgHf7wRDNFQN96ybEZUpKj6RpjRotnJhfrC3aaIyZ6dvrnOVmAdNfqEzKXPdefAunppxahcXLQ6zWXkw2nfNt2qAwJhWxMTeObsuhsfQoEgaaBIf9n-he6qVzpBAEjnIGIO1gpz99CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Missoula City Council unanimously approved its March 10 consent agenda by voice vote.

The consent agenda included three items that passed without roll‑call vote:

- Approval of accounts payable (checks dated March 11, 2025) in the amount of $875,621.39.
- Award of the Milton Howell Phillips water main replacement project bid to RLC Enterprise at a cost not to exceed $1,162,587.73 and authorization to return associated bonds.
- Approval and authorization for the mayor to sign Professional Services Amendment No. 2 with DOWL for the Grama Creek realignment project at a cost not to exceed $99,690.

There were no requests to remove any consent items for separate consideration, and no public comment on the consent items was recorded.

Ending

The three consent items were approved by unanimous voice vote; contract awards and amendment authorizations may proceed consistent with the city’s procurement and contracting rules.","Missoula City Council approved the March 10 consent agenda by unanimous voice vote. Items included payment of $875,621.39 in claims, award of Milton Howell Phillips water‑main replacement bid to RLC Enterprise (not to exceed $1,162,587.73) and a professional‑services amendment for the Grama Creek realignment project (not to exceed $99,690).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6642905,"Council approves West End Homes phases 2 and 3; 41‑lot subdivision moves toward final plat",725,2497000,3222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689&start=2497&end=3222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689/thumbnail_2497000.jpg","/articles/6642905/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-approves-West-End-Homes-phases-2-and-3-41lot-subdivision-moves-toward-final-plat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642905-1da9560566b6a37fc8e7e60b676e9504/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191782&Signature=ZJoJnN0r7EtL97ujwYDacnQhw7sCgJSiH~1oqkmZAdWOxU4HULjBISQHe67p6N7v6aPNI6Zlympfe00PySYm5HTC0zMSlFGrWRg3d0QWUPfnv7fyVRQV9mwvDMkUBfVY7TRsdxx3dFLzxmC58Nmf-M5qQAjcM11qpNM0Cy~QGogYAParraxaZV-coCer2FkyDQWjN92H9skvLK5eM1bwJegwCimDFA4nEnSIGORV51PQ2ioXghcptiS~jiYR3aIgUNm5MP1Qc3uFcGp8fSQzm-Qiohs55Ok5M6SKiSbOVaAdpeqOOxwhbYv76Llc-PTCZ~V05TIVI3RXxcVQ3nkTRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council voted 12‑0 on March 10 to approve the phase development review for West End Homes Subdivision Phases 2 and 3, a residential subdivision located northwest of Flynn Lane and England Boulevard.

Tara Porcari of the city’s Community Development Division told the council there was no new information or changes since phase 1 and that phases 2 and 3 remain largely consistent with the approved master plan. Phase 2 includes 23 lots and a 1.28‑acre park in the subdivision’s northwest corner; phase 3 includes 18 lots. Staff said the area is governed by the form‑based code and not Title 20 zoning.

Councilor Nugent moved approval based on the staff report’s findings of fact and conclusions of law; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote of 12 in favor, none opposed.

Because phase development review is mandated by state law as part of the subdivision approval process, staff noted that the review’s scope is limited to whether any changed circumstances or new information would require new conditions or revisions to previously agreed conditions. Staff reported no such circumstances for phases 2 and 3 and said no agency or public comments had been received on the submittal.

Next steps: the applicant may file for final plat approval once conditions (if any) from the phase development review are satisfied. Staff’s 30‑day review window for the phase development review deadline falls on March 12; council action on March 10 met that timeline.

Ending

With the phase development review approved, the developer may pursue final plat approval consistent with the staff‑recommended conditions and the previously approved preliminary plat.","Missoula City Council approved the phase development review for West End Homes Subdivision Phases 2 and 3, covering 41 lots and associated parkland; the roll‑call vote was 12‑0 in favor and staff reported no new impacts since phase 1.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6642907,"Missoula staff seek 12‑month extension of interim zoning ordinance tied to 2023 state law changes; public hearing held",335,1488000,1823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689&start=1488&end=1823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689/thumbnail_1488000.jpg","/articles/6642907/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-staff-seek-12month-extension-of-interim-zoning-ordinance-tied-to-2023-state-law-changes-public-hearing-held","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642907-82586f661c78738c105a52bce6e8b109/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191782&Signature=SAqodS6UpDn5F00dEF9anEh~4Q2rGMb6oqVbeoklsCjtmsNoua4QEsfqlNSUPILd1PFPK4CRdFib9q4pEZUYkwXjrms1MEwXH2naigtUQ7s~jym6SDSFQnU4SAhFdNzfsFpsa~Oh8k4IFGJbtbsbuusdrYrltQVhTAE09n~ZjP-87I6xHDjvmgqPm5lDl~NMNSE-cLCA1GacTcvADVjrJZUO9JlBMMJqZE-ZI6wC5Jw~adVdEvdve3zUaKYTFwF6Pq1ntizr3416oW0Bbenl4jHVs-hxiE3VX5kfCAOGkvn~fFKy6JF5atclBCqpFkf9XuqLgONiys5OjzF3gZ0tlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff presented a request on March 10 to extend Missoula’s interim urgency zoning ordinance 3,723 for an additional 12 months so the city can align local zoning with legislative changes adopted in 2023.

Jen Gress of the city’s Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) summarized the ordinance history and rationale, describing the ordinance as an interim measure first adopted in October 2023 to incorporate state statutory changes that affected multiple sections of the zoning code. Gress said the ordinance implements legislative changes intended to respond to the affordable housing crisis and that the second reading is scheduled for March 24; the ordinance extension requires a two‑thirds vote to adopt.

Gress listed code changes that the interim ordinance previously implemented: allowing certain microbrewery retail sales colocations; raising residential day‑care size limits; adding definitions and zoning treatments for data centers and digital asset mining; limited temporary overnight stays at places of worship; changes to parking requirements in some commercial districts; repeal of certain townhome park/trail requirements; and removal of design standards not tied to public health and safety, among other items. She cited Montana Code Annotated section 76‑2‑306 as the statutory basis for interim urgency zoning ordinances.

During the public hearing Sage Bennett commented on broader city policy, urging the council to consider housing and shelter matters; the hearing was limited to the zoning ordinance and participants were reminded of the ordinance’s statutory basis. David Gray, an online commenter and architect, urged removing design and glazing requirements he said raise construction costs and utility bills and make housing less affordable.

Council members asked for the staff presentation to be circulated to council before the second reading; staff agreed to distribute the presentation. The council opened and closed the public hearing and placed the ordinance extension on the consent agenda for final action at the March 24 council meeting; no final vote was taken on March 10.

Ending

Staff will provide the second reading on the consent agenda March 24. Council members and the public will have an opportunity to review the staff presentation and the ordinance text ahead of that consent vote.","City planning staff presented a request to extend interim urgency zoning ordinance 3,723 for 12 months to align local code with multiple 2023 state legislative land‑use changes; the council opened a public hearing, took public comment and set second reading for March 24 on the consent agenda.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6642909,"Missoula to phase down Johnson Street shelter; mayor outlines housing-focused 'sprint' and April–Aug transition",832,588000,1420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689&start=588&end=1420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532801-1c41bab0e14848bfef39bb06fe06c689/thumbnail_588000.jpg","/articles/6642909/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-to-phase-down-Johnson-Street-shelter-mayor-outlines-housing-focused-sprint-and-AprilAug-transition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642909-75f6f92e1aab99ff4f5910cba6912f2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191782&Signature=LYyb98JNqTrS38NsGMyAW-HXAOq23THLsrdQScMwXi9apmYrZC3~PZ-0pTgVVCZW2sAYlK5D2s94xdosIj35tg-PM2bxHk5TC3WVQhnC2FP9dcZNHE6bmNzFLQYxoFj48seFKQWhkNxxMWVT5uAQQh7ZEL0SdUbuPq1TQBTElvVOQT7S7YWAPfev84Z~QhI93x0CGyhak-BQfnzE~s9QC0kaTr9OZINd1MuQnN-VvPyGn8uSvAWL-46Vuh5JTbJMd-IqWsaXQlJk3OP~u8yCgC73~5b9ZttuP5ufH8CpDIhGkadGrTm9V78A-8mlPiYREUzf8zEbpMHy6fCTThxCtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Andrea Davis announced Monday that the city of Missoula will begin a phased wind-down of operations at the Johnson Street emergency shelter and shift limited city resources toward a housing-focused effort the city is calling a housing sprint.

Davis said the phase-down period will run April 1 through Aug. 31, 2025, and the city’s current contract with the Poverello Center that operates Johnson Street runs through Aug. 31. She told the council the city now faces an estimated $4 million shortfall in its general fund, and that federal one-time dollars that helped pay shelter operations are no longer available.

“The phase wind down of the Johnson Street shelter will be April 1 through August 31,” Mayor Andrea Davis said.

The housing sprint will be led by the city’s houseless programs department in close daily coordination with service providers and community partners, Davis said. The effort will prioritize securing permanent rental housing, reunifications with family or friends, treatment or recovery housing and other individualized housing solutions. Flexible funds will be used to hold units open, pay security deposits, address rent or utility arrears and cover transportation where needed.

The city plans a $400,000 flexible housing fund to assist the sprint; Davis said that figure was informed by prior pilots and national practice, including the city’s “House for the Holidays’’ pilot, which housed 12 of 15 veterans. Davis cited a national-learning figure of roughly $2,000 per person on average to secure housing, while noting individual needs varied widely: “some of them needed $0, and 1 person, for example, needed 9,000.”

Davis said the United Way has established a flexible fund to receive donations for the housing sprint and that the United Way’s fund was stood up at the end of the prior week. She encouraged financial contributions, outreach to landlords and volunteer engagement with networks such as the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative’s Housing Advocate Network, which scheduled an orientation for new volunteers on March 12.

Davis emphasized that emergency shelter will continue to play an important role during extreme conditions and noted that the Poverello Center, the YWCA (family housing at Meadowlark) and Hope Rescue Mission’s temporary safe outdoor space will continue providing services. The mayor described the sprint as housing-focused and operationally supported by frequent coordination (a “pseudo incident command structure”) among city staff and providers.

Public commenters and several council members pressed for clarity, funding, and safeguards. Sage Bennett, a resident who spoke during multiple public-comment periods, expressed concern that the city was shifting responsibility to service providers and urged alternatives such as reallocating enforcement funding toward housing supports. Chloe Carlson, a resident who said she uses injectable medication, asked how the sprint would serve people living outdoors and requested continued harm-reduction resources such as sharps disposal.

Several council members said they were nervous but hopeful about the approach. Councilor Cheryl Jordan and Councilor Sarah Anderson (among others) thanked staff, service providers and the United Way for their roles and urged community participation: donate to the United Way housing solutions fund, volunteer with the Housing Advocate Network, or offer units as landlords.

The mayor said staff will return with a council update at the March 26 housing and redevelopment committee meeting that will include further detail on staffing, enforcement transitions and program operations.

City staff and the mayor described the decision as driven by the end of one-time federal funding that had supported shelter operations and by fiscal constraints in the FY2026 outlook. The mayor also said the council previously passed a resolution concerning deconstruction of certain Johnson Street buildings and related sites, and that the new approach seeks to prioritize housing outcomes over expanding congregate shelter beds.

Next steps announced: the phased wind-down period (April 1–Aug. 31), ongoing daily coordination with providers, a March 26 committee update, and an invitation for landlords and volunteers to connect through the mayor’s office or city houseless services staff. Davis said she was meeting with Chamber of Commerce leadership to discuss private-sector support and that more budget items tied to housing-first strategies would appear in the FY2026 budget process.

Ending

The city’s plan shifts resources from operating the Johnson Street emergency shelter to an intensive housing placement effort over a fixed transition period. City staff will present additional details and staffing changes to the housing and redevelopment committee on March 26; the United Way is managing a donated flexible fund for the housing sprint.","Mayor Andrea Davis announced a phased wind-down of the Johnson Street emergency shelter and a housing-focused effort—called a housing sprint—to place shelter guests into permanent or other housing solutions between April 1 and Aug. 31, 2025. The city cited a projected $4 million general fund shortfall and an end to federal one-time funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Missoula officials monitor state bills affecting fees, impact fees and local authority

Council approves consent agenda including $875,621.39 in claims and major public works contracts

Council approves West End Homes phases 2 and 3; 41‑lot subdivision moves toward final plat

Missoula staff seek 12‑month extension of interim zoning ordinance tied to 2023 state law changes; public hearing held

Missoula to phase down Johnson Street shelter; mayor outlines housing-focused 'sprint' and April–Aug transition