Will building new homes harm our open space and wildlife?

That’s an important question—and one many Missoulians share. Protecting our open lands, rivers, and wildlife is a big part of why we plan carefully for growth. The good news is that building more homes inside the city actually helps protect those natural areas.

• It reduces pressure to build outward into wildlands, farmland, and open space.
• It supports walkability and shorter commutes, which helps limit traffic and pollution.
• It uses existing roads, water lines, and utilities instead of extending services into new, undeveloped areas.

By growing inward—within our existing neighborhoods—we protect the landscapes, wildlife, and open spaces that make Missoula such a special place to live.