Developer told to reassess Blackfoot Crossing financing after county adjusts zoning; TIF district still active

Missoula County’s community and economic development director, Andrew Hagemeyer, told the Bonner Milltown Community Council on April 13 that the Blackfoot Crossing developer remains committed to the project but must rethink financing after county commissioners adopted a zoning adjustment of roughly 20 acres at the developers’ request.

Hagemeyer said the developer earlier expected a specific tenant and associated infrastructure-financing commitments that are no longer part of the plan; without that tenant, the developer must identify alternate funding sources. “The developer is still planning to move forward with the project,” Hagemeyer said, but added that the immediate project timeline and tenant mix are uncertain.

Tax-increment-financing and timeline Hagemeyer said the TIF district that could help fund infrastructure is still legally in place and would be the vehicle to finance necessary public works if development yields sufficient increment. He noted the current district is scheduled to expire in November 2029; he also said the developer had not submitted an application to the county to access tax-increment funds as of the meeting.

What residents can expect If the developer pursues TIF-backed infrastructure, a public process will follow; Hagemeyer said any use of tax-increment financing would include community notice and participation. The county will publish required legal notices and hold hearings related to any proposed bonding or other financing steps.

Next steps Because the county approved a resolution of intent on zoning and a 30-day comment period will follow for that zoning action, Hagemeyer said additional hearings on formal adoption could occur; staff mentioned a future commissioners’ hearing (a July date was referenced for further zoning action). For now, the project remains active but in flux while the developer reworks financing assumptions.