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Council confirms Natasha Prinzing Jones to Missoula Redevelopment Agency amid transparency concerns
Summary
The Missoula City Council voted 8–2 (with two absences) April 14 to confirm the mayor's reappointment of Natasha Prinzing Jones to the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) for a four-year term after discussion about oversight and transparency of the agency's budget.
The Missoula City Council on April 14 confirmed the reappointment of Natasha Prinzing Jones to the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) Board of Directors for a term beginning May 1, 2025, and expiring April 30, 2029.
Councilor Sheryl moved to confirm the mayor's appointment, citing Prinzing Jones's work on the agency and contributions to legal matters tied to an acquisition involving the water company. "She was critical in the acquisition as part of her legal team," Councilor Sheryl said, and said she would support the reappointment.
Council discussion included concerns about the MRA's structure and oversight. Councilor Jordan said her opposition was not personal to Prinzing Jones but stemmed from process concerns: "With the big budget that it has, that it needs more oversight … having terms that are not subject to voter approval, and also having a budget that's not subject to council approval is really problematic for me." Councilor Campbell also expressed concerns about transparency and oversight given the agency's budget but said keeping seats vacant would not advance change and stated he would support the reappointment.
Roll-call voting recorded eight votes in favor, two opposed and two absences; the council clerk announced the motion passed. After the confirmation, Mayor Andrea Davis thanked Prinzing Jones for her continued service.
Why this matters: The Missoula Redevelopment Agency manages tax-increment and redevelopment projects that can involve significant city-related spending and land-use decisions. Council members publicly raised governance and oversight questions in the discussion before the vote.
What's next: Prinzing Jones's term on the MRA will continue through April 30, 2029. Council members said they expect to raise broader oversight and budget questions about the agency in future meetings and budget discussions.
Formal action: - Motion: Confirm the mayor's appointment of Natasha Prinzing Jones to the Missoula Redevelopment Agency for the term 05/01/2025–04/30/2029. - Outcome: Approved (8 yes, 2 no, 2 absent).
