Commissioners' Public Meeting April 23, 2026

The Missoula County Commissioners' Public Meeting on April 23, 2026, included extensive discussions on a proposed growth policy amendment and rezoning for an 83-acre property near Highway 93 South. The proposal sought to remove the property from a citizen-initiated zoning district and rezone portions to commercial center, agricultural reserve, working lands, and open resource and recreation designations. The applicant presented plans for a mixed-use development including mini-warehouse storage and workshop spaces, emphasizing environmental constraints such as flood plains, groundwater levels, and a capped landfill on the site. County staff and public commenters raised concerns about traffic safety on Highway 93, infrastructure limitations including wastewater management, and potential incompatible commercial uses allowed under the commercial center zoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning and growth policy amendment despite staff recommendations for denial, citing the mismatch between current zoning and site conditions and the potential for controlled development. The Board of County Commissioners was set to consider the recommendation subsequently. Additionally, the meeting covered a community development survey related to federal grant opportunities (HOME and CDBG) for housing and infrastructure projects, with public comments supporting applications for wastewater system improvements and affordable housing developments. Discussions also addressed the financial and legal implications of tax increment financing districts for infrastructure funding.