Community and Economic Development

The Community and Economic Development Department implements strategic initiatives that enhance economic growth and housing opportunities throughout Missoula County as well as guides land development/redevelopment efforts for County properties. The department has two primary focus areas: Community development and housing.

Community Development

The Community Development team administers tax increment financing for Missoula County’s five Development Districts and serves as staff for the Missoula Development Authority. In addition, the team manages special projects on Missoula County properties and serves as a technical resource for economic development activities throughout the County.

Housing

Missoula County is facing a housing affordability challenge. Home prices and rents have increased dramatically more than incomes, and rental vacancy rates have decreased to record lows. Underlying high housing costs is an undersupply of housing units in Missoula County. 

Missoula County’s housing program works to implement the Missoula County Housing Action Plan: Breaking Ground.

The programs initiatives currently include:

• Assembling the county’s toolkit—including zoning, infrastructure, and use of county lands—to increase the housing supply.
• Collaborating with the City of Missoula, housing nonprofits, and the development community to advance housing solutions.

Staff 

Development Districts

Missoula County has five development districts: the Bonner Mill TEDD, the Bonner West Log Yard TEDD, the Wye TEDDs, and the Missoula Development Park.