[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6096648,"mediaKeyId","2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454","parentId",2831169,"title","MRA board amends workforce-housing guidelines to remove deconstruction-only exception and allow later funding requests","audioSeconds",642,"startMs",1022000,"endMs",1664000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454&start=1022&end=1664","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454/thumbnail_1022000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6096648/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/MRA-board-amends-workforce-housing-guidelines-to-remove-deconstruction-only-exception-and-allow-later-funding-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096648-42e82cd462c54cb0882b7b5edd4394df/orig.mp4?Expires=1773588115&Signature=IJki5SwAWdrSTWZs9OV9q7FAviZMJgSva4yOS~dSCb42ZllgVuUMu1O15w2NYDFUlmCVwssTjgBoD2VLLdb4NlxN6sUMDhiq47yuUwda6qjvfLye9IX-C-5iNXv8bGBRqw2zXTgD~bKtp0iHmiz9ymjp3Y-KB8ZhmkHNfhVpMNBuylbr~e-xpIn4LJmlMN8OHqpqIPrkYWwdRYZ~gC042hPRdn6NxcfI1on-o9gSqhFcdh7FfSYqiCxwxPSnyFmfbup2KmN8kVBcCOf1w2K~imqYaZwHt5kiEtInfrncZrQYje~Fe-QqYiE7QRhnoZWBeOCPoprvXRngWuZoqjQStA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MT / Missoula City ","date","2025-03-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Missoula Redevelopment Agency board on March 27, 2025 unanimously approved two amendments to the agency’s pilot workforce-housing program guidelines. The changes (1) remove the exception that previously exempted deconstruction-only TIF requests from the requirement to make a payment equal to 10% of the MRA reimbursement to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and (2) allow applicants who receive TIF assistance for right-of-way work, building removal, utilities or façade improvements to return later to request workforce-housing program assistance for the same property.

Staff rationale: MRA staff told the board that truly deconstruction-only projects are rare and that most projects include some combination of deconstruction, foundation removal, grading or site-preparation costs. Tracking and segregating the deconstruction portion for accounting and for the 10% trust-fund payment would be administratively complex. Staff said most deconstruction elements in recent projects fell well below the $100,000 threshold that triggers the 10% payment and that the agency can continue to incentivize deconstruction through regular TIF mechanisms when appropriate.

Return-to-board clarification: staff also recommended explicitly allowing applicants to submit a subsequent workforce-housing funding request for the same property when initial approvals cover right-of-way, building removal, utilities or façade work. Staff framed that change as a response to the practical timelines developers face while studying the feasibility of including income-restricted units.

Board comments and conditions: board members said the changes were reasonable and expected as the pilot program matured. Several members emphasized that future requests for workforce-housing assistance would be evaluated against the workforce-housing guidelines and that any donation to the trust fund is final once remitted; the MRA does not control the trust fund itself.

Outcome: the board voted unanimously to adopt the two amendments. Staff said the change will provide clarity to applicants and may affect how projects such as the Levasseur Street proposal handle future workforce-housing requests.

Ending: Staff will update the workforce-housing program documents to reflect the amendments and continue outreach to developers and property owners about the pilot program.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Missoula City Redevelopment Agency Board March 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Missoula Redevelopment Agency board on March 27, 2025 unanimously approved two amendments to its pilot workforce-housing program guidelines.","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},6096653,"Missoula MRA approves TIF for Levasseur Street infrastructure, leaves open separate workforce-housing request",796,200000,996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454&start=200&end=996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454/thumbnail_200000.jpg","/articles/6096653/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-MRA-approves-TIF-for-Levasseur-Street-infrastructure-leaves-open-separate-workforce-housing-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096653-181a66f1163243d34ba33a3c2b3601fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773588115&Signature=UtuFoXxoQ-7CYCRZYNEDay4MM9FUwraVsB7oxpGTZVJqF3RPw3zxMO2n3alhkyEVxgeHZmZEHffW7eBywOYno1XT3xAN6RmB58KiYC-ziizmX~b~be0H-Gko6yXkjz2DlcmAPUKcAQ1N8qri3Z4pbCschQF~MtPHjwcCrAc9TwXkA-iSACHygK7TKjXTtYiNBe6U6FlXlBTTWS3r~oz5br6gYLYZvT9HaeZWoAnja~fhFOr3yKv~RG3H74KjrAafdKNTpJnQWO8G~CyjwO9W-kUb7ut7OrDL-tSogmspWwgUR91Hpbiwy6WDFpbkB1ltoPlT7GaA4RvxPeUnmEIhOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula Redevelopment Agency board on March 27, 2025 approved up to $605,040 in tax-increment financing (TIF) to pay for site preparation and public-right-of-way improvements for a proposed podium-style condominium project at 318 and 322 Levasseur Street, and affirmed that the developer may return with a separate TIF request seeking workforce-housing assistance for the same property.

The project as described to the board would include podium-style condominiums with unit sizes ranging roughly from 835 to 1,400 square feet and an average cost per unit the developer estimated at about $650,000. Staff said the bulk of the MRA request covers replacement of an existing water main with a new 8-inch line to serve the proposed development, nearby housing and to improve fire protection; other reimbursable items include alley and sidewalk work, electric main upgrades and downtown-design-compliant street lighting.

Why it matters: the water-main replacement and utilities work would serve multiple properties on the block, not just the development site, and staff estimated the TIF investment could be repaid in under seven years assuming roughly $90,000 in annual incremental tax revenue. Staff also said infrastructure construction could begin in April 2025, with project completion expected by December 2026.

Board discussion and deconstruction question: board members praised the parcel’s redevelopment potential but paused over whether deconstruction costs for both addresses were eligible. Staff told the board that an earlier 2022 “proceed without prejudice” action and the developer’s supporting letter focused on 322 Levasseur, while the current application included both 318 and 322. Developer representatives acknowledged the oversight and described the omission as “our mistake,” saying one building had been deconstructed after an occupant left and that prevailing wage had been paid for the work. Staff presented two cost scenarios: the recommended TIF cap excluding the disputed deconstruction item (up to $605,042 in staff materials) and a higher total ($657,677) if deconstruction were included.

Board action and conditions: the board approved the primary TIF request (motion recorded as up to $605,040) and also unanimously affirmed that Levasseur LLC may return with a separate workforce-housing TIF request for the same project location. Staff clarified that any future workforce-housing request would be considered only for items eligible under the MRA’s workforce-housing program guidelines and that any reimbursement would follow standard documentation requirements (proof of payment, certificate of occupancy and lien release/ordinance).

What the action does not do: the board did not retroactively confirm eligibility for deconstruction at both addresses. Board members said they wanted to remain consistent with prior practice and policy when it comes to eligibility, and one board member explicitly noted that staff’s hands were constrained by established practice.

Clarifying details and next steps: staff said construction of the public-right-of-way work was expected to begin in April 2025, with an estimated project completion in December 2026. The developers committed to either set aside 10% of units as workforce housing or donate an amount equal to 10% of the MRA investment to the city’s affordable housing trust fund; staff estimated the donation would equate to just over $60,000 under the current proposal. Reimbursement from the MRA will occur only after required documentation is provided to staff.

Votes at a glance: the motions to (1) approve TIF assistance for site prep and public-infrastructure improvements and (2) affirm that Levasseur LLC may return with a separate workforce-housing TIF request passed unanimously.

Ending: Developers and staff may return to the board with additional paperwork or a subsequent workforce-housing request; the deconstruction eligibility for the second address remains a staff/board implementation issue to be resolved through established policy and any future submittals.","The Missoula Redevelopment Agency board on March 27, 2025 approved up to $605,040 in tax-increment financing (TIF) to pay for site preparation and public-right-of-way improvements for a proposed podium-style condominium project at 318 and 322 Levasseur Street, and affirmed that the developer may return with a separate TIF request seeking workforce-housing assistance for the same property.",{"_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},6096637,"Director's report: MRA monitors property-tax bills, new auditor issues no findings; remittance processing underway",330,1815000,2145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454&start=1815&end=2145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454/thumbnail_1815000.jpg","/articles/6096637/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Directors-report-MRA-monitors-property-tax-bills-new-auditor-issues-no-findings-remittance-processing-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096637-7694372a75a8ef23ef2593cf9b860083/orig.mp4?Expires=1773588115&Signature=OLGEJn7l7FpL7JZ1JiRMxExgNg8~gU5~UOh9zzrSV9w5fp2-QVHXBjnmkL7qwukMAzqvRLmWd3Bt4zcyTEpYM9~rN~FbyZ3hIN9yZZvQ7nI6kUG9s0SAy2ZsX5s6ox1DwtIcSMMl3YZ7jdYv0F3uqtlzLRLDxxWU9gz-HyrBgO-sF5iGGW1AhWMZDIwfLKej0dbujARZOQYcinfQnPYuHUht84MD~fdKqSC3uXXIw26QNNM0tiv3AgVC5oKxTMMmiggaqh2syspwNbyQMOLRjTx7rQI3oQ1ELcscEvFh9KIAzru9fYROhpyTQuRWABblIBrEEqKGd19GKeugQO0BnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MRA staff delivered a comprehensive director’s report on March 27, 2025 covering ongoing state legislation, the annual audit, remittance processing and a brief construction update.

Legislation: staff summarized activity on several property-tax related bills, including discussion of Senate Bill 2 and other companion proposals that address taxable value caps and property tax relief. Staff said the League of Cities and Towns has worked with sponsors on a consolidated bill that could pull multiple property-tax changes together; the next substantive step for SB 2 was identified as the House Taxation Committee. Staff cautioned that the proposals remain in flux and described them as complex.

Audit and remittance: the board was told I Bailey (auditor, Denver) is the agency’s new auditor for the year and that a draft report would issue soon; staff said the preliminary audit contained no findings. Remittance and distribution agreements that were approved earlier have been reviewed by bond counsel (Dolcey Whitney) and were submitted to the city attorney’s office for final sign-off before payments are issued to affected tax jurisdictions.

Construction and projects: staff noted several local projects moving toward or into construction, including Vassar Street and other downtown infill and alley work; staff said these activities are a positive sign for development momentum in Missoula.

Board remarks: members cautioned that repeated remittances to the city are not indefinitely sustainable and requested future briefings quantifying the impact of remittances on MRA districts — for example, what the district would need to generate to deliver a given sum to the city.

Ending: staff said the auditor’s final report would be brought to the board when available and that remittance signatures and payments would proceed once legal sign-offs are complete.","In a director's report at the March 27 MRA meeting staff summarized ongoing legislative work on property-tax bills (including Senate Bill 2), reported that the new auditor I Bailey issued an audit with no findings, and said remittance agreements are with bond counsel and the city attorney for signature before distributions are made.",{"_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},6096643,"MRA reports strong public response to North Emerald Triangle planning; draft options workshop planned for June",88,1689000,1777000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454&start=1689&end=1777","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831169-f7c3c1d711884126c15447723a628454/thumbnail_1689000.jpg","/articles/6096643/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/MRA-reports-strong-public-response-to-North-Emerald-Triangle-planning-draft-options-workshop-planned-for-June","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096643-aaa4b7f0fdbb7c7eb6567dc4efde7455/orig.mp4?Expires=1773588115&Signature=NyU4qO9I9IJ9zHf3dQETtJdV~2TkL36mpXs8ugNZIE1b1GRnGDzY3ysRFTkw2eQEI6YyhUul24dCQEtifDiGQVRe-09392~PT4vlGngZ5a0fpgybhk0G3ttyF4zMmWWwOwN~NPl9V5XkKOiNlHX8n~UHKczARLMx2TRvlPvsglRfIe~k7pPPcioxTYK03w8iUDwqiVKgmm6qjsZOzTPcULLmKtsEhiV03N9V0D4RjUcQ0u73A7BcdNxPOus7PpvY8dU5HmvVsmfqnO90nSF3Wq4suB4AnABarxk8F6pP4fhYWIEOAGsOr7Vm4D2VEJiwxiCjzblQmIz0ebgQYdoceg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MRA staff reported on March 27, 2025 that the North Emerald Triangle planning project has had strong public participation during the discovery phase, including more than 400 responses to an online survey that remains open through the end of the month. Staff said consultants will translate the discovery-phase input into three highly visualized draft redevelopment scenarios and that a public engagement session centered on those draft options is targeting the first week of June 2025.

Staff thanked community partners and neighborhood groups for outreach and said the consultant team will next produce visual scenarios and feasibility analysis to inform the June workshop. Staff asked the public to monitor the city’s Engage Missoula site for updates and future workshops.

Ending: MRA staff said subsequent phases will include additional workshops and public outreach to refine options and gather more citywide input.","MRA staff said the North Emerald Triangle discovery phase drew robust public participation, with more than 400 online survey responses; staff and consultants will present three draft redevelopment scenarios at a public engagement session targeted for the first week of June.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MRA board amends workforce-housing guidelines to remove deconstruction-only exception and allow later funding requests

Missoula MRA approves TIF for Levasseur Street infrastructure, leaves open separate workforce-housing request

Director's report: MRA monitors property-tax bills, new auditor issues no findings; remittance processing underway

MRA reports strong public response to North Emerald Triangle planning; draft options workshop planned for June