Council renews Downtown Business Improvement District assessments for FY2026

The Missoula City Council on Aug. 25 adopted a resolution levying assessments of $475,462.21 for the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) for fiscal year 2026. The BID assessment funds services such as additional garbage collection, seasonal cleanup, snow removal and other maintenance intended to keep downtown public spaces tidy.

City Clerk Claire Trimble told council the BID was last renewed previously on a 10‑year cycle and that apportionments had been calculated according to statute. Trimble said the city and county also contribute their shares. Councilor questions focused on the original protest period and how property owners may object to assessments; Trimble said there had been an opportunity to protest historically and that a small number of property owners had protested when the district was created and subsequently when it was renewed.

Councilor Arlene Becerra moved the resolution; Councilor Vazika (Kelzer Vazika) said she would support the measure but encouraged property owners who object to use the statutory protest process. A member of the public who identified herself as Kyla Tripp commented online opposing the Paisley Park annexation item (a separate consent agenda item) and raised a separate concern about school capacity; the clerk and council discussed that the annexation and rezoning referral was on the consent agenda and would be heard later in the land‑use committee.

The BID resolution passed by roll call, 10-0. Trimble directed those wanting details to the Downtown Missoula Partnership’s annual report for a breakdown of BID services and expenditures.

Next steps: assessments will be sent to the county for collection on the tax rolls and the Downtown Missoula Partnership will continue to administer BID programs under contract.