Council rejects resolution to keep Johnson Street shelter open; debate centers on funding and alternatives

The Missoula City Council on May 5 rejected a resolution (2-9) that would have directed the administration to continue funding full capacity at the Johnson Street emergency shelter for fiscal year 2026 and to backfill any shortfall in the community's "housing sprint." The motion's supporters, Councilors Kristen Jordan and Daniel Carlino, framed the referral as an effort to preserve shelter capacity while the city and community implement the housing-sprint strategy; opponents said the city lacks available general-fund resources and emphasized the administration's broader strategy.

Why it matters: The decision affects where people experiencing homelessness can access emergency shelter in Missoula and sparked a lengthy council debate about whether to reallocate existing municipal resources, the effectiveness of current houselessness staff and programs, and the balance between enforcement and service.

What sponsors proposed: Councilors Jordan and Carlino asked the city to retain the Johnson Street shelter's full capacity; to direct the mayor to include continued shelter funding in…