A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula's Housing Needs

Share A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula's Housing Needs on Facebook Share A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula's Housing Needs on Twitter Share A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula's Housing Needs on Linkedin Email A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula's Housing Needs link
A Place to Call Home housing policy cover art; city scene with parks and playground

Missoula's City Council adopted "A Place to Call Home" in June of 2019. This citywide housing policy proposes over two dozen individual strategies to address increasing housing costs in Missoula. As the City works through implementation of these specific policies and programs, we want to keep in touch with the community and continually get your feedback. Leave your thoughts on this page about housing in Missoula, respond to quick polls, and check back for updates on the policy implementation.

Background

In the past several years, Missoula has seen remarkable growth in its economy and population. This growth and vitality, however, has brought challenges. Home prices have steadily increased in recent years, outpacing wage growth and causing many Missoulians to find it challenging to afford safe and healthy homes. From young families to retirees, more than half of Missoulians can’t afford to participate in the increasingly expensive housing market.

Missoula's citywide housing policy proposes a fundamental shift in how housing is prioritized within the City of Missoula, as well as a commitment to long-term funding of housing initiatives. Collectively, the recommendations contained in the policy compose a thorough strategy that will support the market while ensuring long-term affordability and preservation. The housing policy recognizes that neighborhoods have unique needs and that as we grow as a community we must develop thoughtfully, in a way that is sustainable and equitable, while maintaining community quality. Throughout this growth, no neighborhood should be asked to experience radical change. Consequently, no neighborhood should be exempt from change either.


Missoula's City Council adopted "A Place to Call Home" in June of 2019. This citywide housing policy proposes over two dozen individual strategies to address increasing housing costs in Missoula. As the City works through implementation of these specific policies and programs, we want to keep in touch with the community and continually get your feedback. Leave your thoughts on this page about housing in Missoula, respond to quick polls, and check back for updates on the policy implementation.

Background

In the past several years, Missoula has seen remarkable growth in its economy and population. This growth and vitality, however, has brought challenges. Home prices have steadily increased in recent years, outpacing wage growth and causing many Missoulians to find it challenging to afford safe and healthy homes. From young families to retirees, more than half of Missoulians can’t afford to participate in the increasingly expensive housing market.

Missoula's citywide housing policy proposes a fundamental shift in how housing is prioritized within the City of Missoula, as well as a commitment to long-term funding of housing initiatives. Collectively, the recommendations contained in the policy compose a thorough strategy that will support the market while ensuring long-term affordability and preservation. The housing policy recognizes that neighborhoods have unique needs and that as we grow as a community we must develop thoughtfully, in a way that is sustainable and equitable, while maintaining community quality. Throughout this growth, no neighborhood should be asked to experience radical change. Consequently, no neighborhood should be exempt from change either.


  • Learn with us! Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords and Property Managers

    Share Learn with us! Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords and Property Managers on Facebook Share Learn with us! Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords and Property Managers on Twitter Share Learn with us! Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords and Property Managers on Linkedin Email Learn with us! Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords and Property Managers link
    supporting image

    Join us to learn more about your responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act!

    In partnership with the City of Missoula and HUD, Kate Boyd from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will teach the foundations of Fair Housing for landlords and property managers on Tuesday, March 5 from 5:30-7:30pm.

    You can expect to learn:

    • Details of the Fair Housing Act
    • About reasonable accommodations and modifications
    • Best practices for providing housing that is free from discrimination

    The workshop will be held at the Fairgrounds-Home Arts Building, 1101 South Avenue W. Parking is available on site.

    We hope you can join us for this important workshop! To effectively plan for handouts and refreshments, please register by Friday, March 1. Contact Emily Harris-Shears, harris-shearse@ci.missoula.mt.us or 406.552.6394 with questions.

  • Join us! Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants!

    Share Join us! Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants! on Facebook Share Join us! Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants! on Twitter Share Join us! Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants! on Linkedin Email Join us! Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants! link
    supporting image

    Join us to learn more about your rights under the Fair Housing Act!

    In partnership with the Missoula Tenants Union, the City of Missoula and HUD, Kate Boyd from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will teach the foundations of Fair Housing for tenants on Thursday, March 14 from 5:30-7:30pm.

    You can expect to learn:

    • Your rights under the Fair Housing Act
    • How to recognize discrimination
    • What to do if you’ve experienced discrimination


    The workshop will be held at Goodworks Place, 129 Alder St. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood and not metered after 5pm.

    We hope you can join us for this important workshop! To effectively plan for handouts and refreshments, please register by Tuesday, March 12th. Contact Emily Harris-Shears, harris-shearse@ci.missoula.mt.us or 406.552.6394 with questions.


  • Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by November 30th!

    Share Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by November 30th! on Facebook Share Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by November 30th! on Twitter Share Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by November 30th! on Linkedin Email Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by November 30th! link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
    supporting image

    The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee and the Community Development Division of Community Planning, Development & Innovation are seeking input on the draft Annual Allocation Plan. The Allocation Plan, informed by the Annual Landscape Assessment is developed by the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee and approved by the mayor each year to set priorities and goals for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund investment. The Allocation Plan informs competitive award cycles and the reserve balance. Please share your feedback by Thursday, November 30th, 2023.

    The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee will review all public comment received and finalize the Annual Allocation Plan at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 from 6-8pm in the Jack Reidy Room in Council Chambers (140 W Pine St. Missoula, MT 59802) and on Teams. Meetings are public and can be streamed from the City's website. Members of the public are invited to attend and share public comment during the meeting, in addition to sharing written comment prior to the meeting.

    If you plan to attend the December 5th meeting and need an accommodation to participate, please contact Emily Harris-Shears, 406.552.6394 or harris-shearse@ci.missoula.mt.us.

  • Public Comment Opportunity! Share Your Feedback on the PRO Housing Grant Application

    Share Public Comment Opportunity! Share Your Feedback on the PRO Housing Grant Application on Facebook Share Public Comment Opportunity! Share Your Feedback on the PRO Housing Grant Application on Twitter Share Public Comment Opportunity! Share Your Feedback on the PRO Housing Grant Application on Linkedin Email Public Comment Opportunity! Share Your Feedback on the PRO Housing Grant Application link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
    supporting image

    We want to hear from you!

    The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has an open grant funding opportunity, Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing). HUD is seeking proposals that identify sound approaches to knock down housing barriers. The City of Missoula is applying for $10,000,000 to focus on activities that prevent housing displacement and strengthen housing access for Missoulians that experience systemic racism.

    City staff will present at the October 4th Housing, Redevelopment & Community Programs committee to request that City Council sets a public hearing for Monday, October 23 at 6pm.

    Community members can participate in several ways:

    Review the application!

    1. Attend the committee meeting (10/4 at 1pm) or public hearing (10/23 at 6pm) to provide public comment

    2. Share comments/feedback directly in this post

    3. Email comments to Emily Harris-Shears, harris-shearse@ci.missoula.mt.us by 10/24/2023

    4. Call Emily Harris-Shears, 406.552.6394 with comments by 10/24/202

    10/23 Update!

    A new version of the PRO Housing Application is available to review. The document is linked on the righthand side under documents and linked here: https://www.engagemissoula.com/6082/widgets/19891/documents/48016.


  • Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee!

    Share Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! on Facebook Share Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! on Twitter Share Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! on Linkedin Email Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
    supporting image

    The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee (AHROC) is recruiting a voting member with lived expertise. For this role, lived expertise is defined as someone who is currently receiving support in accessing or maintaining their housing and/or has received support in the last two years. It is the determination of the applicant if they meet the criteria. This role is for a term effective upon appointment through May 31, 2024.

    The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee was created in 2020 to advise on, support and recommend key strategies, including the implementation of the City’s adopted housing policy, A Place to Call Home. One project the AHROC works closely with is the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. While the committee does not oversee all award making of the fund, they advise on priorities and uses of funds through the annual Allocation Plan and Reserve Balance administration. Additionally, the committee supports reaching local housing goals through policy advisement to city staff and Council.

    The AHROC has general meetings every other month (2023: February, April, June, August, October, December) on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm. Committee members participate in working groups during months that do not have general meetings.

    Applications are due March 17, 2023 by 5pm.

    Committee information & application link: https://bm-public-missoula.escribemeetings.com/

    Contact Emily Harris-Shears, Harris-shearse@ci.missoula.mt.us or 406.552.6394 with questions!

  • Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan 2023

    Share Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan 2023 on Facebook Share Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan 2023 on Twitter Share Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan 2023 on Linkedin Email Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan 2023 link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The annual Allocation Plan for Program Year 2023 has been approved by Mayor Hess. The Allocation Plan, informed by the Annual Landscape Assessment, is developed by the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee and approved by the mayor each year to set priorities and goals for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund investment. The Allocation Plan informs competitive award cycles and the reserve balance.

  • Unified Application Workshop Materials Posted

    Share Unified Application Workshop Materials Posted on Facebook Share Unified Application Workshop Materials Posted on Twitter Share Unified Application Workshop Materials Posted on Linkedin Email Unified Application Workshop Materials Posted link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Unified Application Round Materials for Program Year 2023 and Workshop Details are Posted


    Materials and information for the Unified Application Round are now posted. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and HOME American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP), and Affordable Housing Trust Fund investments are available for award. Applicants can apply for individual or multiple funding sources during this competitive application round. Note: mandatory pre-applications are due January 23, 2023.


    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds are made available to the City of Missoula on an annual basis from the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created in July of 2020 as Missoula’s local source of funding to meet the city’s urgent housing needs. The City’s CDBG, HOME, and AHTF Programs are administered by the Community Development division (CD) of the Community Planning, Development, and Innovation department.


    APPLICATION WORKSHOP

    Please join us if you are interested in applying for Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and/or Affordable Housing Trust Fund investments for Program Year 2023. Staff will outline funding opportunities and the application process.


    DATE: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
    TIME: 2:00 to 3:30pm

    LOCATION: Microsoft Teams Meeting

    Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

    Click here to join the meeting

    Meeting ID: 294 679 543 790
    Passcode: QtrL2P

    Download Teams | Join on the web

    Join with a video conferencing device

    185201675@t.plcm.vc

    Video Conference ID: 112 650 063 1

    Alternate VTC instructions


    Find application materials and more information about the Unified Application here.


    Please reach out to Emily Harris Shears (Harris-ShearsE@ci.missoula.mt.us), Aubrey Godbey (godbeya@ci.missoula.mt.us), Kendra Lisum (lisumk@ci.missoula.mt.us), or Karen Gasvoda (gasvodak@ci.missoula.mt.us) with any questions.

  • Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by December 6th!

    Share Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by December 6th! on Facebook Share Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by December 6th! on Twitter Share Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by December 6th! on Linkedin Email Inform the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan by December 6th! link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee and the Community Development Division of Community Planning, Development & Innovation are asking for input on the draft Annual Allocation Plan. The Allocation Plan, informed by the Annual Landscape Assessment, is developed by the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee and approved by the mayor each year to set priorities and goals for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund investment. The Allocation Plan informs competitive award cycles and the reserve balance. Please share your feedback by Tuesday, December 6th, 2022.

    The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee(External link) will review all public comment received and finalize the Annual Allocation Plan at their monthly meeting on December 14, 2022 from 6-8pm on Teams. Meetings(External link) are public and can be streamed on the City’s website.

  • Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee!

    Share Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! on Facebook Share Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! on Twitter Share Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! on Linkedin Email Join the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee! link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    There are two openings on the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee. One for a member with lived experience and the other for a member with experience in Housing/Real Estate.

    The oversight committee’s work is broad and centers around informing implementation of the City’s adopted housing policy, A Place to Call Home. This includes setting the annual allocation plan and reviewing policies and procedures for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The oversight committee governs the reserve fund, set aside for urgent projects that arise outside of planned competitive funding cycle. The oversight committee does not participate in decision making for the competitive grant making cycle.

    The oversight committee is moving in an exciting direction, setting their focus and identifying their influence for impact for the next few years. Members will participate in a planning retreat in October, which will serve as a great time for new members to get oriented and get to know their committee colleagues. In the upcoming retreat, members will identify the frequency and length of meetings they’d like to continue with.

    Application information can be found here: http://ci.missoula.mt.us/426/Vacancies

    Applications are due by 5pm on Monday, September 26.

  • We Want to Hear from You!

    Share We Want to Hear from You! on Facebook Share We Want to Hear from You! on Twitter Share We Want to Hear from You! on Linkedin Email We Want to Hear from You! link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The Community Development Division of Community Planning, Development & Innovation is asking for input on the 2022 Administrative Policies for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Each year the policies and procedures are reviewed and updated as needed. Your feedback is key to strengthening the version that will go to the Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee later this summer for final approval. The Administrative Policies impact who can apply for funds, what projects are supported, and who benefits from the Trust Fund. Please share your feedback on the policies by Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Page last updated: 21 Feb 2024, 10:48 AM