Council lets parking commission boundaries be changed by resolution to speed future adjustments

The Missoula City Council approved an ordinance amendment on May 5 that allows the City Council to change the Missoula Parking Commission's jurisdictional boundaries by resolution instead of by ordinance revision. The measure passed 9-2.

Why it matters: Under current municipal code, boundary changes require ordinance revisions with multiple readings, public hearings and a 30-day waiting period before taking effect. Staff and the parking commission said the change will permit faster implementation of parking-management adjustments while preserving a public engagement process led by the Parking Commission.

Staff presentation: Jody Pilgrim, director of the Missoula Parking Commission, told council the parking plan recommends a more adaptable parking program. Pilgrim described the commission's existing expansion process: utilization counts (including license-plate-recognition-based counts), mapping, public outreach, neighborhood and stakeholder meetings, and a public comment period. Pilgrim said a resolution-based approach would still include that public outreach and notice but could be implemented more quickly once the Parking Commission completes its review and community engagement.

Enforcement distinction: Pilgrim clarified that the Parking Commission's jurisdiction allows it to manage parking (including enforcing safety violations and operating permit programs) within its boundary; outside that boundary, parking enforcement remains a police responsibility. Pilgrim said the commission does not charge fees across its entire jurisdiction; some areas are managed for safety without a paid parking program.

Council debate and vote: Councilor Campbell and Councilor Nica/Vazika (two indicated "no" votes) raised concerns about speed and the potential for reduced public notice; proponents said the change removes duplicative procedural steps while retaining required public outreach conducted by the Parking Commission. The ordinance amendment passed 9-2; staff said the commission's planned first expansion outreach (Hip Strip / University/Riverfront neighborhood mapping) will proceed regardless of the code change.

Ending: The amendment intends to streamline municipal processes for parking management while leaving room for public engagement and commission-led study and outreach.