Missoula 2045 growth plan scheduled for final votes

The long-term framework document for growth within the city of Missoula is set for final votes in the next month, which would solidify the valley's new land use plan for the next decade.

The Our Missoula Growth Policy Update and Code Reform plan has been under development for the last two years and residents are encouraged to comment on the plan as the final touches are made.

The land use plan calls for 22,000 new homes in Missoula by 2045 to keep up with population growth. The new zoning would allow for more land uses in neighborhoods, like duplexes and multi-use buildings .

"The Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan builds on the foundation of the current Our Missoula 2035 Growth Policy, which establishes Missoula's policy to focus growth inward toward existing services and amenities and away from costly sprawl," the city said in a press release Friday. "The proposed Plan outlines a vision for Missoula that can meet community needs and desires; support housing supply; attract new businesses; protect the environment; and plan infrastructure effectively."

Missoula's Consolidated Planning Board is set for final consideration of the plan on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Sophie Moise Room of the Missoula County Courthouse.

Missoula's City Council will consider the final draft on Monday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 140 W. Pine Street. Both meetings will offer in-person and online public comment.

The city said in a press release that printed versions of the adoption draft of the plan are available at the Community Planning, Development, & Innovation Department at Missoula City Hall upon request.

The new land use plan is also meant to incorporate new state law over land use and planning. The new state rules shifted how the public interacts with land decisions, moving more of the public engagement toward planning documents, rather than site-specific developments.

"This shift means that opportunities for public participation during City planning processes are paramount to ensuring that community voices are represented in the City's land use policies, regulations and the resulting built environment," the release said.

Comments on the proposed land use plan will be accepted before and during the public hearings. The city asks residents to visit its Engage Missoula website for more details and to submit comment.

Griffen Smith is the local government reporter for the Missoulian.

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