HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-24 - Economic Vitality Board - Agendas & Packet Materials supplemental materials
PREPARED FOR: CREATED
City of Missoula 3/29/2024
Community Planning, Development, and Innovation (CPDI)
435 Ryman Street
Missoula, MT 59802
ci.missoula.mt.us
406-552-6630
City of Missoula
2024-28 Consolidated
Plan and 2024-25
Annual Action Plan —
Public Comment Draft
CITY OF MISSOULA
2024-28 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND
2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 1
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Executive Summary
ES-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Missoula receives U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds annually
to address housing and community needs. As a requirement of receiving the funding, the City must
prepare a Consolidated Plan and an Annual Action Plan. Missoula became an Entitlement City for CDBG
in 1999 and a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) for HOME in 2003, designations that mean that HUD
provides funding for those programs directly to the City and does not require the City to compete for
the funds with other state jurisdictions. Missoula is one of three cities in Montana that are a CDBG
Entitlement City and HOME Participating Jurisdiction, alongside Billings and Great Falls. Missoula County
still competes on a statewide basis for HOME and CDBG funds.
As it has historically done, the City will continue to deploy its CDBG and HOME resources with other
local, state, and private resources to increase affordable housing options, support vulnerable
Missoulians, and address critical community needs.
In addition to a variety of quantitative data sources analyzed to understand community needs and the
Missoula housing market, the City implemented a robust community engagement strategy to inform the
development of the Consolidated Plan strategies and goals.
2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment
Overview
For the 2024-2028 Program Years, the City has identified four (4) goals and corresponding outcomes
through extensive community outreach, data analysis, and alignment with other municipal and county
planning efforts.
Goal #1 – Housing Options
The City will aim to leverage, incentivize, and fund efforts that support the development, preservation,
and rehabilitation of affordable housing options in Missoula for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-
income households, particularly projects that emphasize serving residents with accessibility limitations,
are located near transit corridors and other community services, and that include sustainable and
climate-resilient approaches and practices in their efforts.
Goal #2 – Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 2
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
This goal will aim to provide housing stability for unhoused residents and residents at-risk of becoming
unhoused through the provision of emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing options,
as well as targeted and comprehensive service provision. Funding will be prioritized for capital and/or
public services projects that increase the efficiency of service delivery, continue to build systemic
capacity in the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, and projects and/or programs that implement a
Housing First approach.
Goal #3 – Community Services
This targeted approach aims to address pressing community needs that have been identified as having
significant impacts on the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. The City will
strategically target projects, programs, and other efforts that increase access to community services,
such as, but not limited to, affordable childcare, increased access to mental health care and chemical
dependency services, and employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income Missoulians. The
City will continue to engage the community over the next five years to ensure that funding is directed at
community services that address the greatest needs voiced by Missoula residents.
Goal #4 - Planning and Administration
The City will plan annually to ensure it is successfully meeting the first three goals identified in this plan.
Ensuring that planning for our HUD-funded programs align and complement other community planning
efforts and the City’s housing policy are top priorities over the next five years. Additionally, we will work
to establish additional, flexible funding sources to support our housing and community development
goals.
3. Evaluation of past performance
The City of Missoula has completed nearly 25 years of administration of the CDBG Entitlement program
and nearly 20 years of the HOME program. In 2020 the City established the Department of Community
Planning, Development & Innovation and the Community Development division of that department,
where our administration of HUD programs lives. The division has worked steadily since that time to
build up programmatic and grant administration capacity, streamline city processes, and improve
coordination of grants staff across departments. The City of Missoula’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan
explicitly calls out the development and advancement of city grants infrastructure for which the CPDI
Grants Program team is instrumental.
The Missoula community continues to struggle with both a high cost of living and high housing costs.
These challenges are much the same as they were five years ago – but many are even more amplified
due to the global pandemic and its economic impacts. As a result of these challenges, the Community
Development Division has steadily shifted the focus of these federal grants programs to be more
targeted on making an impact on the number and quality of affordable homes in Missoula and working
to end homelessness in the community. This has meant focusing Annual Action Plans and Consolidated
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 3
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Plans on fewer goals. This strategy intends to more highly leverage these federal grants programs and
make a greater impact in the areas that the community sees the most need. This Consolidated Plan is a
continuation of that more focused strategy. Over the next five years, we hope to ensure that adequate
resources are available to our unhoused residents and alleviate the pressures on the housing market to
ensure that all Missoulians can afford and sustain their homes.
4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process
The City of Missoula’s primary goal for community participation is to ensure that a broad and diverse
representation of residents are afforded the opportunity to provide their input on the development of
the plan. Additionally, the City engaged with several housing, economic, and other service agencies,
organizations, and experts to gather current information on the needs and priorities of low- to
moderate-income Missoulians. Specifically, the City:
• Presented to the Missoula City Council twice over the course of the development of the plan’s
development. These meetings are open to the public and were held on December 11, 2023 and
April 22, 2024.
• Consulted with approximately 40 stakeholders representing over 25 organizations to gain insight
into the housing and service needs of low- to moderate-income Missoulians and other special
needs populations, as well as information related to the city’s broader housing needs and
conditions of the current housing market.
• Administered a housing and community survey that asked residents and stakeholders to identify
Missoulians with the greatest housing challenges, unmet housing, community development,
economic development needs, and which outcomes should be prioritized by the City with the
federal funding it receives from HUD. In total, 729 individuals responded to the survey.
• Held five resident groups with approximately 50 residents to better understand their housing
and service challenges and needs and their ideas about how the City could better meet their
needs.
• Concurrently developed the Equity Plan, which is a fair housing plan that identifies housing
barriers and challenges experienced by protected class populations and articulates how the City
will address those challenges. This plan was also informed by information collected throughout
the community engagement process.
• Created and routinely updated the “Fair Housing & HUD Housing Goals” webpage on its Engage
Missoula website, the City’s online engagement platform. The webpage provided updates on
both the Consolidated Plan and Equity Plan throughout the development of the plans, as well as
the opportunity for residents to subscribe to an email list for project updates.
5. Summary of public comments
TBD—A summary of public comments and the City’s response to them will be available in the
Appendices after the public comment period has ended.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 4
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
A summary of comments or views will be made available after the public comment period has ended.
7. Summary
A tight rental market and increasing median home prices continue to impact Missoulians’ ability to find
an affordable place to live. The Community Planning, Development & Innovation department continues
to build upon past efforts that have positioned the City to leverage resources and partnerships to
address the community’s affordable housing crisis. The Consolidated Plan complements and reinforces
the City’s Housing Policy and other strategic housing efforts that aim to help Missoula’s most vulnerable
populations meet their housing and service needs.
II. THE PROCESS
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 5
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
The Process
PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)
1. Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those
responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those
responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
Lead Agency MISSOULA
CDBG Administrator MISSOULA Missoula Community Planning,
Development, and Innovation
Department
HOPWA Administrator N/A N/A
HOME Administrator MISSOULA Missoula Community Planning,
Development, and Innovation
Department
HOPWA-C Administrator N/A N/A
Table 1– Responsible Agencies
Narrative
The City of Missoula Department of Community Planning, Development, and Innovation administers the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs for
the City of Missoula, Montana. The City has administered the CDBG Entitlement Program since 1999 and
the HOME program since 2003.
CDBG and HOME funds are awarded to the City from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development (HUD) annual budget on a Federal Fiscal Year (FFY). The FFY24 runs from October 1, 2023
through September 30, 2024. Program Years (PY) are adopted by each local jurisdiction and are often
different from the FFY. The City of Missoula Program Year 2024 runs July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
For information about Missoula’s 2024-2028 Consolidated Plan for HUD-Funded Programs:
Go To: https://ci.missoula.mt.us/3071/HUD-Grants
Call: 406-552-6630
Mail/Visit: Community Planning, Development & Innovation, 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 6
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
PR-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.110, 91.200(b), 91.300(b), 91.215(l) and
91.315(l)
1. Introduction
The City’s Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) staff collaborated with several city
departments throughout the development of the Consolidated Plan to ensure that the goals and
strategies complemented and aligned other city efforts. Additionally, the City consulted with the
Missoula Housing Authority, affordable housing developers and housing service providers, real estate
professionals, Missoula County staff, social service providers, economic development professionals, and
community residents to reflect the most current housing and service needs of Missoula’s most
vulnerable residents. The City appreciates the time and support of all partner agencies and departments
in the creation of this plan.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health
and service agencies (91.215(I)).
Community Planning, Development and Innovation (CPDI) staff regularly attend meetings within both
City and County government and participate actively in the meetings and events sponsored by our
nonprofit and for-profit partners. CPDI staff have been working to build these relationships since 2016
when the office opened. An important aspect of that relationship has been coordinating efforts within
the areas of housing, public improvements, economic development and public services. CPDI staff also
coordinate and administer Missoula’s At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC) as well as the Coordinated Entry
System.
CPDI maintains an email and mailing list of individuals and entities that are interested in the planning
process and the award and administration of the City’s HOME and CDBG programs, and other
community development activities. This list includes representatives of Missoula’s Public Housing
Agency, nonprofit, and for-profit assisted housing providers, and representatives of the community’s
private and governmental health, mental health, and service agencies; many are listed in the table
below. Regular updates and information action items are sent to the lists, especially at times when
public comment is being solicited. CD also distributes information via the At-Risk Housing Coalition
frequently.
CPDI Staff are represented on a number of community advisory boards or committees, including:
• The Strategic Alliance for Improved Behavioral Health
• The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
• Invest Health
• Downtown Business Advisory Committee
• At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 7
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness
The Missoula Continuum of Care Coalition is titled the At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC). ARHC is an
ongoing formal task force comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies and
governmental departments. ARHC was formed in 1993 to initiate a community-wide effort to prevent
and address homelessness. In 2004, ARHC formalized as a coalition requiring membership and
adherence to agreements and protocols. ARHC works on issues surrounding low-income housing and
homelessness in Missoula and coordinates the local effort to plan and provide comprehensive services
through a continuum of care.
ARHC meets bi-monthly and sub-committees meet both monthly and bi-monthly. Members perform the
Annual Homeless Point-in-Time Survey and Housing Inventory. They plan, review and endorse local
projects for HUD Continuum of Care funding and represent Missoula on the Montana Continuum of Care
Board of Directors. Members of ARHC committees also work on distinct projects, such as the annual
Project Community Connect, annual Point-in-Time Survey and Housing Inventory, Missoula’s
Coordinated Entry System, and program planning and coordination.
ARHC membership includes representation from local government (City and County), health care,
mental health and substance abuse service providers, law enforcement/corrections agencies, affordable
housing developers, the Missoula Housing Authority, the district homeless school liaison, victim service
providers, street outreach teams, veteran service providers, homeless shelter director and staff
members, leadership of a local interfaith collaborative, faith-based service providers and university
students (e.g., social work, psychology, public administration).
In 2017 the Coordinated Entry System introduced a By-Name List intended to give the Continuum of
Care a robust set of data points that can be used in addition to the annual Point in Time Count. This
formed the basis for the Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) which operates today with
approximately 40 participating agencies. City of Missoula Houseless Programs is the lead agency that
administers MCES and oversees system development and monitoring. Partners within MCES work
diligently to collect regular, real-time data on those accessing MCES to provide an accurate picture of
homelessness in Missoula year-round.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate
outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS.
The District XI Human Resource Council (HRC) is the local recipient of Emergency Solution Grant (ESG)
funds. Starting in February 2017, the Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) was developed, a
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 8
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
collaboration between Missoula’s CoC, the At-Risk Housing Coalition, and Reaching Home, Missoula’s
10-year plan to end homelessness. ESG funds are prioritized via the MCES Prioritization Policy, which
was crafted by partnering organizations and technical assistance from Our Path Home in Boise, Idaho. In
2019, MCES leaders across organizations committed to prioritizing all CoC resources for the most
vulnerable households first, including ESG. Said Prioritization was approved by the At-Risk Housing
Coalition’s Executive Committee. Targeted outreach and connection to ESG-eligible households occurs
weekly in MCES Case Conferencing, a meeting of over a dozen different programs and organizations to
creatively problem-solve systemic barriers to housing for households on Missoula’s By-Name List.
Outcomes from ESG referrals are collaboratively reflected in HMIS, both under the ESG program
enrollment and MCES enrollment.
The Missoula CoC is an active participant in the State CoC and works closely with the State to develop
performance standards, evaluate program outcomes, and to develop policies and procedures for the
administration of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Highlights of the oversight
and collaborative implementation activities are:
• The Montana CoC is in the early phases of exploring an update to Coalition governance
structures, with the goal of reviewing and updating current governance policies to match
changes in best practice and Coalition governance process.
• The Montana CoC is also exploring conducting a review of the “Access” component of the
Coordinated Entry System to understand accessibility across the state, seeking to identify and
resolve any barriers or challenges to that element of the process.
• MT CoC is creating a redistribution policy to create a formal process to redistribute and allocate
funds that are not fully expended by CoC-funded projects to other projects across the state with
needs and uses for those funds.
• Performance standards are provided by both the HEARTH Act and HUD, and the MT CoC
incorporates them into grantee scoring criteria and performance review processes.
• The MT CoC Board reviews scoring measures each year to stay current with federal changes and
provides recommended performance measures to the CoC membership at its annual
membership meeting for final approval.
• CoC membership adopts scoring measures.
• Performance data tables are constructed from HMIS by CoC staff and reported by program type
to the following grantees: permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, Emergency
Solutions Grant, and Reallocation-Rapid Rehousing. Grantees participate in performance review
sessions to evaluate progress and, if standards are not being met, each group is responsible for
developing remediation activities. Each program group provides input or recommendations on
future performance measures to the MT CoC Board.
• Staff (DPHHS & CoC) and user groups provide input to the Board. MT CoC staff and the Montana
Department of Public Health and Human Services-ESG program managers also provide input to
the MT CoC Board.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 9
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
The Board considers changes and makes recommendations to the membership. The Montana CoC Board
is responsible for providing, governing and operating a HMIS.
A Policies and Procedures Manual was developed by the HMIS grantee and vendor using HUD provided
documents and future HMIS users in focus groups and beta testing and is reviewed annually to ensure
compliance with national HMIS standards. In 2023, members of Missoula’s Coordinated Entry Oversight
Committee completed a comprehensive review and revision of Missoula’s Coordinated Entry Policy &
Procedures, resulting in a document with clarified and updated policies, and significantly more user
accessibility. Annual reviews occur every year through a subcommittee of the Oversight Committee and
are approved by the At-Risk Housing Coalition’s Executive Committee.
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process
and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other
entities.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 10
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table 2– Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
1 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula County — Office of Emergency
Management
Agency/Group/Organization Type Agency — Emergency Management
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the County’s Office of
Emergency Management provided input
during a stakeholder interview on September
12, 2023.
2 Agency/Group/Organization City of Missoula Community Planning,
Development, and Innovation Department
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services — Homeless
Services—Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the City’s Community
Planning, Development, and Innovation
department provided input during a
stakeholder interview on September 12, 2023.
3 Agency/Group/Organization Mountain Home Montana
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Children
Services—Victims of Domestic Violence
Services—Health
Services—Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Mountain Home
Montana provided input during stakeholder
meetings on September 12, 2023 and
September 21, 2023.
4 Agency/Group/Organization Providence Health & Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Health
Services—Children
Services—Elderly Persons
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 11
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Providence Health &
Services provided input during a stakeholder
interview on September 13, 2023.
5 Agency/Group/Organization First United Methodist Church
Agency/Group/Organization Type Civic Leaders
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from First United Methodist
Church provided input during a stakeholder
interview on September 13, 2023.
6 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula County Community Development
Department
Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government—County
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Three representatives from Missoula County’s
Community Development Department
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on September 13, September 14, September
19, and September 20, 21, 2023.
7 Agency/Group/Organization International Rescue Committee Missoula
Agency/Group/Organization Type Other
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from International Rescue
Committee Missoula provided input during a
stakeholder interview on September 13, 2023.
Agency/Group/Organization Missoula in Motion
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 12
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
8 Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government — local
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Missoula in Motion
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on September 14, 2023.
9 Agency/Group/Organization VA Missoula
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Veterans
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Homelessness Needs—Veterans
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the VA in Missoula
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on September 20, 2023.
10 Agency/Group/Organization North Missoula Community Development
Corporation
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from North Missoula
Community Development Corporation
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on September 20, 2023.
11 Agency/Group/Organization Habitat for Humanity Missoula
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Habitat for Humanity
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on September 20, 2023.
Agency/Group/Organization Homeword
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 13
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
12 Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services—Housing
Services—Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Homeword provided
input during a stakeholder interview on
September 20, 2023.
13 Agency/Group/Organization Internet Connect
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Broadband Internet Service
Providers
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Internet Connect
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on October 3, 2023.
14 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula Aging Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Elderly Persons
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Missoula Aging Services
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on September 21, 2023.
15 Agency/Group/Organization Partnership Health Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Health
Services—Children
Services—Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 14
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Partnership Health
Center provided input during a stakeholder
interview on September 21, 2023.
16 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula Housing Authority
Agency/Group/Organization Type Public Housing Authority
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Public Housing Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Missoula Housing
Authority provided input during a stakeholder
interview on September 25, 2023.
15 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula County Community Justice
Department
Agency/Group/Organization Type Publicly Funded Institution/System of Care
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Missoula County
Community Justice Department provided input
during a stakeholder interview on September
27, 2023.
16 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula Organization of Realtors
Agency/Group/Organization Type Business Leaders
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Several representatives of the Missoula
Organization of Realtors’ Housing Attainability
Task Force provided input during a meeting on
October 5, 2023.
17 Agency/Group/Organization Montana Fair Housing
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Fair Housing
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 15
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Montana Fair Housing
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on October 5, 2023.
18 Agency/Group/Organization Volunteers of America Northern Rockies
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Veterans
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Two representatives of Volunteers of America
Northern Rockies provided input during a
stakeholder interview on October 16, 2023.
19 Agency/Group/Organization Fort Lewis Family Resource Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Children
Services—Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Homeless Needs—Families with Children
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Fort Lewis Family
Resource Center provided input during a
stakeholder interview on October 17, 2023.
20 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula County Floodplain Administration
Program
Agency/Group/Organization Type Agency—Managing Flood Prone Areas
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Missoula County’s
Floodplain Administration program provided
input during a stakeholder interview on
October 18, 2023.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 16
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
21 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula Food Bank
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Children
Services—Elderly Persons
Services—Persons with Disabilities
Services—Persons with HIV/AIDS
Services—Health
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Missoula Food Bank
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on October 23, 2023.
22 Agency/Group/Organization Opportunity Resources, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Housing
Services—Persons with Disabilities
Services—Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from Opportunity Resources
provided input during a stakeholder interview
on October 24, 2023.
23 Agency/Group/Organization District XI Human Resource Council
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Housing
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Human Resource
Council XI provided input during a stakeholder
interview on October 30, 2023.
24 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula City-County Health Department
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 17
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services—Health
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Needs Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Missoula City-
County Health Department provided input
during a stakeholder interview on October 31,
2023.
25 Agency/Group/Organization Missoula Economic Partnership
Agency/Group/Organization Type Business Leaders
Services—Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from the Missoula City-
County Health Department provided input
during a stakeholder interview on November
14, 2023.
26 Agency/Group/Organization United Way of Missoula County
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Homelessness
Services-Health
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization
consulted and what are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A representative from United Way of Missoula
County provided input during a stakeholder
interview on December 5, 2023.
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
Multiple efforts were made to contact all required agency types for consultation to help inform the
Consolidated Plan. However, despite multiple attempts, not all of the agencies contacted responded.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 18
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the
goals of each plan?
Continuum of
Care
Montana Continuum
of Care Coalition
The statewide Continuum of Care provides funding for
many of the activities provided locally to bring services
and housing to homeless individuals and families.
Our Missoula
Growth Policy
City of Missoula,
Community Planning,
Development &
Innovation
The City’s Community Planning, Development, and
Innovation department is leading the development of the
City’s new Growth Policy. The Consolidated Plan goals
align with the Growth Policy’s goals and strategies,
including to address housing affordability, housing
shortages, and the impacts of climate change.
A Place to Call
Home: Meeting
Missoula’s
Housing Needs
City of Missoula,
Community Planning,
Development &
Innovation
Adopted in June 2019, the City adopted a citywide
housing policy that proposed 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. The City is working to leverage both its local
and federal resources to address the goals articulated in
the Consolidated Plan.
10-Year Plan to
End
Homelessness
City of Missoula,
Community Planning,
Development &
Innovation
While the 10-Year Plan ended in 2022, the City continues
to coordinate programs and strategies to provide housing
and services to homeless individuals and families, which
aligns with the goals of this Consolidated Plan.
Our Missoula
Development
Guide
City of Missoula,
Community Planning,
Development &
Innovation
The Our Missoula Development Guide, previously known
as the Urban Fringe Development Area (UFDA) focuses
primarily on residential and infrastructure development
that supports residential uses. CPDI staff use this
information to inform needs and opportunities for
housing in Missoula.
Activate
Missoula 2045
City of Missoula
Public Works &
Mobility,
Transportation Plan
Active Missoula 2045 is Missoula’s Long Range
Transportation Plan; CPDI consults with the
Transportation Plan team to ensure the Consolidated Plan
goals and strategies align with infrastructure development
within the city.
State
Consolidated
Plan and Annual
Action Plans
State of Montana,
Department of
Commerce
The City and the State of Montana’s CDBG and HOME
programs collaborate on jointly-funded projects. The City
testifies at public comment sessions on the State’s plans
and participates in the development of those plans.
Missoula County
Jail Diversion
Master Plan
Missoula County
Sheriff’s Office
The Jail Diversion Master Plan (JDMP) proposes short and
long-term policy and procedure changes to reduce the
number of nonviolent arrestees and offenders in the
Missoula County Detention Facility (MCDF), which
includes efforts related to pre-sentencing and behavioral
health.
Table 3– Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 19
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any
adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan
(91.215(l))
Cooperation and coordination among partners are integral to the success of implementing the goals of
the Consolidated Plan. The City continues to foster strong partnerships with local, state, and federal
governmental entities to address its housing and community needs and challenges and implement
solutions. The Community Planning, Development, and Innovation (CPDI) staff works collaboratively
with several city departments and teams, including the City-County Health Department, Missoula
Housing Authority, Missoula Redevelopment Agency, Missoula Economic Partnership, and Partnership
Health Center, in assessing needs, coordinating planning efforts, and providing services.
The City also works closely with Missoula County, the State of Montana, and other federal partners,
including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection
Agency. Throughout the development of the Consolidated Plan process, the City worked with the
partners listed above and others to assist with identifying needs, developing solutions, and collaborating
on implementation of the Plan’s strategies and goals.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 20
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
PR-15 Citizen Participation - 91.105, 91.115, 91.200(c) and 91.300(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
Below is a summary of the citizen participation process to help inform the development of the City’s
2024-28 Consolidated Plan.
Housing and Community Needs Survey
The City of Missoula administered a housing and community survey that asked residents and
stakeholders to identify Missoulians with the greatest housing challenges, unmet housing, community
development, economic development needs, and which outcomes should be prioritized by the City with
the federal funding it receives from HUD.
The survey was available online, in a format accessible to screen readers, and promoted through the
City’s communications and social media channels, as well as through partner networks. The survey was
also available in paper format. The survey was available from August 2023 through December 2023. In
total, 729 individuals responded to the survey.
Stakeholder Consultations
The City of Missoula conducted one-on-one interviews with approximately 40 individuals representing
over 25 organizations to gain insight into the housing and service needs of low- to moderate-income
Missoulians and other special needs populations, as well as information related to the city’s broader
housing needs and conditions of the current housing market. These conversations also helped inform
the Plan’s strategies and goals.
Resident Focus Groups
The City of Missoula hosted five resident focus groups with approximately 50 residents to better
understand their housing and service challenges and needs and their ideas about how the City could
better meet their needs. The City worked with the Missoula Housing Authority, Mountain Home
Montana, YWCA, Homeword, Missoula Aging Services, Summit Independent Living, and the Poverello
Center to help recruit participants for the conversations.
Equity Plan
Concurrent with the development of the Consolidated Plan, the City of Missoula is also developing its
Equity Plan, which is a fair housing plan that identifies housing barriers and challenges experienced by
protected class populations and how the City will address those challenges. In addition to several data
sources, this plan was also informed by the housing and community needs survey, stakeholder
consultations, and resident focus groups.
Engage Missoula Webpage
The City of Missoula created a “Fair Housing & HUD Housing Goals” webpage on its Engage Missoula
website, the City’s online engagement platform. The webpage provides updates on both the
Consolidated Plan and Equity Plan throughout the development of the plans, as well as the opportunity
for residents to subscribe to an email list for project updates.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 21
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Public Hearings
On December 11, 2023, a public hearing was held at the Missoula City Council meeting to provide an
overview of the Consolidated Plan, as well as preliminary findings of the City’s engagement efforts. The
public hearing also provided the opportunity for the community to provide input and feedback on the
plan. One public comment was received during the public hearing—this participant advocated for the
prioritization of increasing and preserving affordable housing in Missoula.
The City of Missoula will hold another public hearing on April 22, 2024 during the 30-day comment
period to afford residents the opportunity to comment and provide feedback on both the Consolidated
Plan and Equity Plan.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Sort Ord
er
Mode of Outre
ach
Target of Outre
ach
Summary of
response/attend
ance
Summary of
comments recei
ved
Summary of comm
ents not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
1 Internet
Outreach
Non-targeted/
broad
community
The project
webpage
provided an
overview of the
Consolidated Plan
project, as well as
project updates
and community
engagement
opportunities. A
link to the
Housing and
Community
Needs survey was
also available on
the webpage.
Additional
outreach was
provided in
Missoula’s
Community
Connections
newsletter,
ARHC’s
newsletter, and
across other city
department’s
social media
feeds.
N/A N/A https://www.engagemissoula.c
om/fair-housing-hud-housing-
goals
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 23
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Sort Ord
er
Mode of Outre
ach
Target of Outre
ach
Summary of
response/attend
ance
Summary of
comments recei
ved
Summary of comm
ents not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
2 Press Release Non-targeted/
broad
community
To advertise the
Housing and
Community
Needs survey, a
press release was
sent to our local
community
access television
station, MCAT, on
9/19/23, as well
as our local bus
system display
board on
9/11/23. Both
releases were
advertised for
several weeks.
Additional
posters were
displayed at
various locations
around the
community,
including the
local food bank,
library, and
within and
outside local
businesses.
N/A N/A N/A
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 24
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Sort Ord
er
Mode of Outre
ach
Target of Outre
ach
Summary of
response/attend
ance
Summary of
comments recei
ved
Summary of comm
ents not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
3 Newspaper Ad Non-targeted/
broad
community
To advertise the
public hearing on
December 11,
2023, legal ads
and display ads
were sent to the
Missoulian on
11/1/2023 and
11/11/2023.
N/A N/A N/A
4 Internet
Outreach
Non-targeted/
broad
community
An online
Housing and
Community
Needs survey was
live from August
2023 through the
end of the year. A
total of 729
individuals
responded to the
survey.
The Survey
Analysis is
available in
Appendix A.
N/A N/A
5 Public Hearing Non-
targeted/broad
community
On December 11,
2023, the City
held a public
hearing to receive
public comment
on the City’s
housing and
community
development
needs.
One comment
was received;
this individual
advocated for
increasing and
preserving
affordable
housing in
Missoula.
N/A N/A
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 25
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Sort Ord
er
Mode of Outre
ach
Target of Outre
ach
Summary of
response/attend
ance
Summary of
comments recei
ved
Summary of comm
ents not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
6 Newspaper Ad Non-targeted/
broad
community
To advertise the
public hearing on
April 22, 2024,
legal ads and
display ads were
sent to the
Missoulian on
3/30/2024 and
4/6/2024.
N/A N/A N/A
7 Public Hearing Non-
targeted/broad
community
On April 22, 2024,
the City held a
public hearing to
receive public
comment on the
City’s housing
and community
development
needs.
TBD TBD N/A
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 26
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table 4– Citizen Participation Outreach
III. NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 1
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Needs Assessment
NA-05 Overview
Needs Assessment Overview
The City of Missoula’s Needs Assessment was informed by 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, and
reports and data from local and state organizations. These represent the most current data available on
housing needs at the time the section was prepared. The needs projected for the next five years were
based on a combination of analysis of the HUD data provided in the pre-populated tables and additional
data and sources to augment HUD’s data with more recent information.
The Needs Assessment aims to articulate the City’s needs related to affordable housing, community
development, houselessness, and special needs. The Needs Assessment provides detailed information
on the groups most in need of housing assistance, current gaps in affordable housing, and the future
changes and challenges the city of Missoula will face in the coming years in regard to housing and
community development.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 2
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.205 (a,b,c)
Summary of Housing Needs
• Currently, 10,065 low-income households (those making less than or equal to 80% of area
median income) have housing needs in Missoula—equivalent to 65% of all households earning
80% of AMI or less. Approximately 500 more households earning 80% of AMI or less are
projected to have housing needs in the next five years, putting the five-year total of households
with housing needs close to 10,550 households.
• An estimated 7,830 low-income renters and 2,235 low-income homeowners currently have
housing needs, representing 66% of low-income renters and 55% of low-income owners. In the
next five years, an estimated 8,205 low-income renter households and 2,342 low-income
homeowners will have housing needs.
• By household type, 3,515 households including a person living with a disability have housing
needs, representing 48% of all households with a disability. Low-income, small related
households, and low-income, elderly households also represent the household types with the
greatest proportion of housing needs (54% each, respectively).
• The housing problem impacting the greatest number of Missoula homeowners is cost burden,
while renter-occupied households are most likely to experience severe cost burden. For
households making between 0-30% AMI, 72% of Missoula renters and 54% of Missoula
homeowners are severely cost burdened.
• The City of Missoula administered a community survey in 2022 to gather feedback from the
community about major challenges and priorities in the realm of housing, public infrastructure,
and economic development. The majority of respondents agreed that the biggest community
priority is the need to increase the supply of affordable housing. The second greatest
community priority was the need to improve existing infrastructure.
• Similarly, the City’s 2023 Housing and Community Needs survey affirmed these findings, with
the lack of affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities as the greatest
challenge currently facing Missoula. Additionally, increased access to mental health services,
addiction treatment services, additional and/or higher quality childcare centers, and street and
sidewalk improvements were also cited as outcomes that should be prioritized by the City.
As shown in Table 5, Missoula’s population grew to nearly 75,000 people between 2010 and 2021 — a
12% increase. Household growth in Missoula grew at a similar rate (11%) over the same time period.
Additionally, the city’s median income increased by almost $18,000, about 50%.
Demographics Base Year: 2010 Most Recent Year: 2021 % Change
Population 66,788 74,834 12%
Households 29,081 32,233 11%
Median Income $36,547 $54,423 49%
Data Source: 2010 Decennial Census (Base Year), 2010 and 2021 ACS 5-year estimates (Most Recent Year)
Table 1 - Housing Needs Assessment Demographics
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 3
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
The following tables provide segmented housing needs by household type, utilizing HUD’s unique
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data. There are four housing problems reflected in
the CHAS data:
1) Housing unit lacks complete kitchen facilities;
2) Housing unit lacks complete plumbing facilities;
3) Household is overcrowded; and
4) Household is cost burdened.
A household is said to have a housing problem if they have any one or more of these four problems:
• Overcrowding—more than one (1) person per room.
• Severe overcrowding—more than 1.5 persons per room.
• Cost burden—monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 30% of monthly income.
• Severe cost burden—monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 50% of monthly
income.
According to the CHAS data shown in Table 6, approximately half of the households in Missoula are
considered low-income households, meaning these households earn 80% or less of the city’s median
income.
The following proportions of each respective household type are also considered low-income:
• 30% of small family households
• 39% of large family households
• 46% of households that contain at least one person between the ages of 62-74
• 53% of households that contain at least one person over the age of 75
• 35% of households that contain one or more children under the age of 6
Number of Households Table
0-30%
HAMFI
>30-50%
HAMFI
>50-80%
HAMFI
>80-
100%
HAMFI
>100%
HAMFI
Total Households 5,230 4,295 6,445 3,620 12,730
Small Family Households 675 870 1,750 1,485 6,325
Large Family Households 160 110 205 155 585
Household contains at least one person
62-74 years of age 740 665 1,275 590 2,600
Household contains at least one person
age 75 or older 335 460 595 245 995
Households with one or more children 6
years old or younger 340 530 445 755 1,675
Table 2 - Total Households Table
Data
Source:
2015-2019 CHAS
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 4
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 5
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Housing Needs Summary Tables
Analysis of the data in Table 7 shows that the most significant housing need of extremely low-income households is cost burden—72% of
Missoula renters and 54% of owners with incomes between 0-30% AMI are severely cost burdened.
Renters and owners with incomes between 30-50% AMI are most likely to experience cost burden rather than severe cost burden (76% of
renters and 55% of owners, respectively).
Cost burden is much lower for higher income renters and owners. Only 10% of renters with incomes between 0-30% AMI have no housing
problems compared to 24% of 31-50% AMI renters, 59% of 51-80% AMI renters, and 77% of 81-100% AMI renters. Similarly, only 6% of 0-30%
AMI owners have no housing problems compared to 45% of 31-50% AMI owners, 60% of 51-80% AMI owners, and 57% of 81-100% owners.
Table 8 focuses specifically on severe cost burden and shows that 85% of renter and owner households with incomes of 0-30% AMI experience
at least one or more of the four housing problems—primarily cost burden.
1. Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Substandard Housing -
Lacking complete
plumbing or kitchen
facilities 125 315 45 10 495 0 25 0 0 25
Severely Overcrowded
- With >1.51 people per
room (and complete
kitchen and plumbing) 185 50 25 15 275 0 0 0 4 4
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 6
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-100%
AMI
Total
Overcrowded - With
1.01-1.5 people per
room (and none of the
above problems) 0 60 60 75 195 20 0 25 95 140
Housing cost burden
greater than 50% of
income (and none of
the above problems) 3,040 735 265 40 4,080 535 270 135 50 990
Housing cost burden
greater than 30% of
income (and none of
the above problems) 225 1,335 1,365 295 3,220 290 260 675 595 1,820
Zero/negative Income
(and none of the above
problems) 240 0 0 0 240 90 0 0 0 90
Table 3 – Housing Problems Table
Data
Source:
2015-2019 CHAS
2. Housing Problems 2 (Households with one or more Severe Housing Problems: Lacks kitchen or complete plumbing, severe
overcrowding, severe cost burden)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Having 1 or more of four housing problems 3,575 2,500 1,760 435 8,270 840 555 835 745 2,975
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 7
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
Having none of four housing problems 415 785 2,585 1,445 5,230 60 455 1,265 1,000 2,780
Household has negative income, but none of the
other housing problems 240 0 0 0 240 90 0 0 0 90
Table 4 – Housing Problems 2
Data Source:
2015-2019 CHAS
Table 9 provides more detail on the types of households who experience cost burden. Fifty-five percent of large households with incomes
between 30-50% AMI experience cost burden—the greatest proportion among household types and AMI categories. Other households have the
greatest proportion among household types earning below 80% AMI experiencing cost burden (23%) compared to other household types.
The data in Table 10 show that 62% of households earning less than 30% AMI experience severe cost burden. Among housing types, Other
households (73%) and small related households (58%) earning less than 30% AMI are more likely to experience severe cost burden relative to
other household types. Nearly 4 in 10 “Other” households earning less than 80% AMI experience severe cost burden (37%).
2. Cost Burden > 30%
Renter Owner
0-30% AMI >30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total 0-30% AMI >30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Small Related 50 190 390 630 20 20 235 275
Large Related 0 60 10 70 0 0 10 10
Elderly 95 280 170 545 140 195 250 585
Other 145 900 795 1,840 130 70 180 380
Total need by income 290 1,430 1,365 3,085 290 285 675 1,250
Table 5 – Cost Burden > 30%
Data
Source:
2015-2019 CHAS
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 8
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
3. Cost Burden > 50%
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total 0-30% AMI >30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Small Related 390 195 30 615 145 75 35 255
Large Related 75 20 0 95 50 0 0 50
Elderly 335 140 175 650 145 175 90 410
Other 2,420 465 95 2,980 210 25 10 245
Total need by income 3,220 820 300 4,340 550 275 135 960
Table 6 – Cost Burden > 50%
Data
Source:
2015-2019 CHAS
According to 2019 CHAS data, approximately 1% of Missoula households experience overcrowding, defined as households with more than one
person per room. Single family households are most likely to experience overcrowding compared with other household types. By tenure, 100%
of renter-occupied households and 89% of owner-occupied housing experiencing overcrowding in Missoula are single family households. A total
of 940 renter households with children and 375 owner households with children are overcrowded.
4. Crowding (More than one person per room)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-
100% AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-
100% AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Single family households 0 60 60 75 195 20 0 10 95 125
Multiple, unrelated family
households 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 15
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 9
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
Other, non-family households 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total need by income 0 60 60 75 195 20 0 25 95 140
Table 7 – Crowding Information – 1/2
Data
Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total
Households with Children
Present 215 470 255 940 125 60 190 375
Table 8 – Crowding Information – 2/2
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Describe the number and type of single person households in need of housing assistance.
In 2021, the number of households in Missoula increased to 32,320, an 11% gain since 2010. Over this same time period, the city’s population
increased by 12%. In 2021, non-family households made up 53% of all households in Missoula — a one percentage point increase since 2010.
Additionally, there were 11,346 households in Missoula where the householder lived alone (35.2% of all households). Using a housing needs
model, an estimated 1,700 single person households are currently in need of housing assistance (15% of all householders who live alone in
Missoula).
Non-family households make up a majority of households who experience housing challenges. The presence of the University of Montana in
Missoula is a factor, as students who have low or no incomes may be counted as experiencing cost burden, even if they have assistance with
housing costs from family members or college savings accounts.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 10
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Among the four household types (small related, large related, elderly, other) in the HUD CHAS tables, 2,220 “other, non-family” households
experience cost burden. Most of these other, non-family households are renters. Another 3,225 other, non-family households experience severe
cost burden and the vast majority are renters. While the proportion of other, non-family households experiencing cost burden and severe cost
burden remain relatively high compared to the other household types, these proportions are slightly lower compared to 2015 data reported in
the last Consolidated Plan.
The City of Missoula held several conversations with stakeholders and residents to better understand the experiences of low-income residents
and residents who are unhoused. Specific to single-person households, stakeholders shared that single person households have significant
housing challenges in Missoula. One stakeholder noted that a single person working a service/retail job is barely able to afford rent right now,
“…let alone a security deposit, first and last month’s rent, utilities, etc.” Another stakeholder noted that they know a significant number of
families, many who are single mothers with children, living “doubled-up”—living with another family in one housing unit—because there is
nothing that is available or affordable for them.
One stakeholder who works with single mothers spoke about the long-term impact of housing instability or insecurity. They noted that for a new
mother who should be just focusing on creating connections with their newborn, the stress of worrying about housing, employment, and mental
health among other issues can create generational trauma. Other stakeholders described a need for women-only shelters, to better cater to the
needs of mothers and women when experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Additionally, stakeholders and residents shared that low-
income single mothers also have challenges entering the workforce, mainly due to the lack of affordable childcare, scheduling flexibility and low
wages.
Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance who are disabled or survivors of domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault and stalking.
According to the 2021 5-year ACS data, approximately 8,200 individuals in Missoula live with a mental, physical, and/or developmental disability
— 11% of the city’s population. Among this population, based on the share who live in poverty, there are approximately 2,300 Missoula
residents with disabilities and who have housing or supportive service needs. In its most acute form, the need becomes houselessness: Of the
356 individuals identified during the 2023 PIT Count experiencing houselessness in Missoula, 218 of those individuals—or 61%—reported
experiencing a disabling condition.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 11
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Using national incidence rates applied to the city’s 2021 population, there are approximately 1,850 Missoula residents who are survivors of
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Of this population, approximately 175 individuals have housing, medical or
service needs, which is equivalent to 10% of Missoula residents who experience domestic violence, dating violence, and related violence.
Several organizations currently work to support these special needs populations to meet their housing and service needs. The YWCA is the City
of Missoula’s primary provider of both domestic violence services and emergency housing and rapid rehousing for families who are unhoused,
and they have been tracking the intersection of domestic violence and houselessness for many years. In addition to providing rapid re-housing
space, the YWCA also provides transitional Housing for unhoused survivors of domestic violence, with or without children, in an 18-month
program. The YWCA also helps families work toward self-sufficiency and independence by working with staff to develop life skills, heal from
trauma, obtain permanent housing, and achieve economic security. In FY23, the YWCA Pathways Shelter served 127 adults and 88 children (215
individuals total), the Missoula Family Housing Center provided short-term emergency housing for 162 adults and 189 children (108 families),
and 51 households (10 had one-bedroom units, 34 had two-bedroom units, and 7 had three-bedroom units) benefitted from rapid rehousing
services.
Several residents shared that they lost their housing while fleeing and surviving domestic violence. In addition to looking for housing, many
single mothers noted that they cannot find employment because there are no affordable childcare options available that would be conducive to
getting a full-time job. For the single mothers able to work, many described that their entire paycheck goes to rent. One mother said, “finding
housing as a single parent and working full-time is an almost impossible job.” Some stakeholders shared that working through the emotional
trauma of domestic violence makes it challenging to find housing, which a couple people described as also “emotionally taxing.” Single mothers
overwhelmingly felt like housing and employment benefits aren’t on the same page, with one resident adding that the two systems “work
against each other.” A few residents also spoke about the “benefits cliff,” calling it a real disincentive to work. Some residents also shared that
fulfilling the requirements of benefits programs (e.g., TANF) can be more burdensome than regular employment.
Additionally, the Missoula Housing Authority supports Shelter Plus Care, a program focused on assisting individuals who are unhoused or
households where a member of the household has a disabling condition. MHA targets the following disabilities: severe mental illness, recovery
from chronic substance use, dual diagnosis, and HIV/AIDS. To assist the disabled unhoused population of Missoula, Shelter Plus Care requires the
individual or household to pay 30% of the recipient’s monthly adjusted income towards rent, while MHA pays for the rest of the rent.
What are the most common housing problems?
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 12
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Of the approximately 19,600 households earning less than or equal to 100% of Missoula’s area median income, 10,110 households, or 52%,
experience either cost burden (paying between 30-50% of household income on housing costs) or severe cost burden (paying more than 50% of
household income on housing costs). While cost burden is the most common housing problem experienced by owners in Missoula with incomes
of 100% of median income or below, severe cost burden is the most common housing problem experienced by renters in the same income
category.
Renters are disproportionately impacted by cost burden: They represent 80% of households experiencing severe cost burden and 64% of
households experiencing cost burden. Of the 8,265 Missoula renters experiencing one of the housing needs listed in Table 7, 88% identified
experiencing either housing cost burden or severe housing cost burden.
Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems?
The following household types are more affected than others by cost burden and severe cost burden:
• 55% of Large Related households earning between 30-50% AMI are impacted by cost burden;
• 73% of Other renter households earning between 0-30% AMI are impacted by severe cost burden;
• 58% of Small Related renter households in the 0-30% AMI are impacted by severe cost burden;
• Of the total renters experiencing severe cost burden, 72% fall under the 0-30% AMI category;
• Of the total owners experiencing severe cost burden, 54% fall under the 0-30% AMI category.
This data shows that populations experiencing the most need in the City of Missoula are renters and households earning between 0-50% AMI.
The qualitative research conducted for the Consolidated Plan found single mothers and their children to be particularly affected by the
affordable housing shortage in Missoula. Single mothers fleeing and surviving domestic violence overwhelmingly described how challenging it is
to afford housing in Missoula—units are not available and waiting lists for affordable units are years long. On top of the emotional impact of
fleeing domestic violence, many single mothers discussed the barriers to finding affordable housing. Many described how long the housing
waitlists are to get into affordable housing and then when/if you are approved, the turnaround time to submit your paperwork, fees, etc. is
incredibly quick. One mother described being approved for an affordable housing unit and then being given only three days to get all of the
paperwork in order. The mother said they needed to take out a loan to cover the upfront fees.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 13
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
For single mothers who received a housing voucher, several discussed the lack of units available that will take housing vouchers. Others spoke
about how units are still out of reach because the rents being asked for are higher than the established payment standard. Many mothers
described the process of applying for Section 8 housing vouchers as “hurdles and hoops” they have to jump through. Almost every single mother
during these conversations suggested having “housing navigation” services available to help those look for, find, and secure housing.
Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children (especially extremely low-income)
who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)).
Also discuss the needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing assistance and are
nearing the termination of that assistance.
Severe cost burden can be used as a proxy for households with imminent risk of either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered. According
to HUD CHAS data, 4,340 renters and 960 owners are severely cost burdened. A portion of these renters are students at the University of
Montana and may face lower risk of houselessness because they have family support and/or can rely on college savings accounts to manage
housing costs. Even if only one-quarter of these renters are truly severely cost burdened, this puts the total number of households at risk of
houselessness at more than 2,000.
A housing needs model used for this analysis estimates that 10,065 households earning less than or equal to 80% AMI in Missoula have housing
needs (65% of all households earning at least 80% AMI). By income, 4,750 households making between 0-30% AMI are estimated to have
housing needs, which represents 91% of all extremely low-income households in Missoula. Additionally, 3,050 households earning between 30-
50% AMI (71% of households earning between 30-50% AMI) and 2,595 households earning between 50-80% AMI (40% of households earning
between 50-80% AMI) in Missoula are estimated to have housing needs. These households are also at risk, particularly if they are severely cost
burdened and have no or limited community networks.
Additionally, 3,515 households with a person living with a disability are estimated to have housing needs – the highest level of need among
household types. The next greatest proportion of households by household type estimated to have housing needs are low-income elderly
households (2,190, 54% of all low-income elderly households) and low-income small families (1,775, 54% of all low-income small families).
The significant number of low-income households with children with housing needs is supported by conversations with stakeholders. One
stakeholder who works in the school system noted that many families are in desperate need of housing resources and support. Stakeholders
shared that many families, including a significant number of single mothers with children, are “doubled up,” meaning they live with another
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 14
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
family in one housing unit. One stakeholder who works with a Title I school said they aim to provide a variety of services to families, including
housing navigation assistance, food, school supplies and materials, and laundry services, among other things. This stakeholder highlighted the
short-term and long-term impacts to children who are living in poverty and are housing insecure.
Many stakeholders and residents with children who are on the experiencing housing insecurity or on the precipice of housing insecurity
described that one major event in their life contributed to their housing insecurity, including a partner or significant other leaving the household,
an unexpected medical event, losing employment, and a death in the family, among others. One stakeholder with several children felt equipped
and aware of how to navigate affordable housing and service provision systems, however, they noted that “it was really difficult to navigate
these systems and jump through all the necessary hoops…I can understand why so many people give up trying to find help.” Many residents
experiencing/or who have experienced housing insecurity said that it can be demoralizing asking for help and then not receiving the help they
need.
Rapid Re-housing (RRH) programs in Missoula provide individuals and families with funds for damage deposits and the first month’s rent. ESG
RRH assistance is targeted at very low-income households who are most likely subsisting on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI), or low wage jobs. Past surveys have found that households who utilize ESG RRH use the assistance for transportation,
insurance, utility bills, or homeless prevention assistance for people who are unhoused. Households who find themselves in need of this
assistance have likely experienced one or more destabilizing events in their lives, leading to housing instability and eventually houselessness.
Local social service providers report that housing instability for low-income individuals and families with children is linked to poverty,
unemployment, underemployment, domestic violence, a decline in public assistance, lack of affordable health care, unforeseen medical
emergencies, mental illness, substance use, and chemical addiction. Families and individuals who are at-risk of becoming unhoused often live in
substandard housing, have poor credit history, poor landlord references, and high utility bills or an outstanding balance with a utility company.
Retention supportive services are a national best practice that Missoula continues to lack the funding or provider capacity to support.
Households who become housed after living without housing are more likely to remain housed when service providers are dedicated to
supporting the household into their housing solution and remaining connected for at least six months to one year after the housing solution is
secured. These positions, when operated successfully, are accompanied by a flexible client needs fund that staff can deploy to assist the
household in securing household items and bridging other funding gaps discovered in the first 6-12 months, or more, of living in the housing
solution. This allows the transitioning household time to navigate the significant life change with support and resources to increase the
likelihood of the solution remaining successful in the long term. Ensuring successful housing placements also decreases the number of
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 15
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
households falling back into houselessness, which decreases the strain on the houseless crisis system. In this way, retention resources serve also
as a form of prevention.
If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a description of the operational definition of
the at-risk group and the methodology used to generate the estimates:
HUD defines an individual or family at risk of becoming unhoused as those who have an annual income below 30% of median family income for
the area, do not have sufficient resources or support networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter,
and meet one of seven conditions like living in a motel, exiting a publicly funded institution, or otherwise lives in housing that is unstable
(Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, 2012).
As noted above, households paying more than 50% of their income towards housing costs (“severe cost burden”) can be used as a proxy for
populations at imminent risk of becoming unsheltered. Of households in Missoula making less than or equal to 100% AMI, 5,070 households
experience severe cost burden. Renters are particularly at-risk of experiencing housing instability or houselessness — there are more renter
households making equal to or less than 100% AMI experiencing severe cost burden than there are households experiencing cost burden. As
such, the financial burden of maintaining safe and adequate housing remains a concern in Missoula.
The Montana Point-in-Time Survey is an annual, unduplicated count on a single night of the people, both sheltered and unsheltered populations,
in the community who are unhoused. This data is used to help communities plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs,
measure progress in decreasing houselessness, and identify strengths and gaps in the community’s current houselessness assistance system.
While the PIT provides the City with valuable information on the unhoused population, it does not encompass the entire unhoused population
or those at risk of becoming houseless. The City of Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) provides more information on populations
experiencing housing instability or houselessness that were not identified during the annual Point-in-Time Survey.
While the 2023 PIT Count identified 356 people in Missoula experiencing houselessness, MCES data recorded 1,471 people in its system in 2022
and 1,047 people as of June 2023. While it is difficult to provide precise numbers on the number of people who are unhoused and those at-risk
of houselessness, using both tools can provide a clearer picture about the scope of populations with housing needs.
Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an increased risk of homelessness
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 16
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Throughout the community engagement process, residents and stakeholders described several factors related to housing instability and an
increased risk of houselessness. Among others, surviving domestic violence, eviction, and inability to find a home because of past criminal
history were cited as primary reasons that contributed to a household’s precarious housing situation. Personal/relationship reasons (e.g.,
divorce) and the lack of employment were other factors articulated by residents and stakeholders.
While Missoula’s unemployment rate in 2021 was lower compared to the national average (4.8% and 5.5%, respectively) residents described
several barriers to employment. Several single mothers described while there are plenty of jobs available, most of them pay really low and do
not offer other benefits. One mother shared that it didn’t make financial sense for her to get a job because working would not only force her to
find childcare, but her paycheck would not cover all of her expenses. She added that by getting a job, she would lose all of her benefits (e.g.,
TANF). Another primary reason cited by single mothers was the lack of schedule flexibility while pursuing employment. Many single mothers
noted that they are unable to pursue jobs with “swing shift hours” because they don’t have childcare options. The majority of single mothers
shared that if 24-hour childcare was available, there would be a higher likelihood of them entering the workforce.
The lack of affordable and safe housing options can also contribute to other issues that impact households’ quality of life. One significant issue
highlighted by stakeholders was the trauma that can be experienced by residents who are experiencing housing instability or who are unhoused,
which can surface or intensify mental health challenges. One study published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems found that
“…the impact of long-term housing affordability stress—meaning high housing cost burden—found that both persistent and intermittent
exposure to housing affordability stress negatively affected self-reported mental health related to social, emotional, and mental functioning,
even when accounting for initial mental health status.”1
Moreover, evidence has shown that increasing access to safe and stable housing options can relieve less acute mental health challenges. One
study2 found that those receiving rental assistance “…reported significantly less psychological distress than those on waiting lists, suggesting
rental assistance can help support mental health among people earning lower incomes.”3 Another study4 reported that “housing assistance
helped reduce anxiety and helped improve variables that influence mental health, specifically anxiety and stress.”5
1 https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/how-does-housing-stability-affect-mental-health
2 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-020-01849-1
3 https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/how-does-housing-stability-affect-mental-health
4 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01944363.2022.2156380
5 https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/how-does-housing-stability-affect-mental-health
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 17
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
While not all residents/households who are unhoused or experience housing instability need support and/or services, stakeholders articulated
that it is usually critical to pair housing with supportive services (e.g., case management, mental health services) for those experiencing more
severe mental health challenges. Stakeholders noted that due to recent funding cuts for mental health services at the state level, it has been
increasingly challenging to provide this support for residents who need it. Several stakeholders stressed the need for increasing mental health
services available to the community.
According to 2021 ACS data, 51% of Missoula renters spent more than 30% of their income on housing. To address the need for housing
assistance, the Missoula Housing Authority provides vouchers to low-income families and individuals by paying a portion of the family’s rent.
Between the Missoula Housing Authority and the Human Resource Council, there are approximately 1,400 Section 8 vouchers available that
subsidize rent to private landlords for eligible participants, helping to make private market housing affordable for low-income families and
individuals. As of September 2023, there were approximately 1,816 households on the Missoula Housing Authority’s Section 8 waiting list.
Discussion
None.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 18
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2)
Introduction
The "Disproportionately Greater Need" tables below show the housing problems by area median income (AMI), and by racial or ethnic group
within those categories, who have one or more housing problem(s). HUD defines housing problems as: lacking complete kitchen facilities, lacking
complete plumbing facilities, more than one person per room, or a cost burden when housing costs are greater than 30% of the household
income.
In 2021, 89% of Missoula’s population identified as non-Hispanic White, with Hispanic/Latino residents (4%) and American Indian and Alaska
Natives (2%) representing the next largest racial or ethnic groups in the city.
For households earning between 0-30% of area median income, 85% of households experience a housing problem. Black/African American,
Asian, and Hispanic households disproportionately experience housing problems at a higher rate than White households and the jurisdiction as a
whole—meaning that they represent a large share of those with housing problems in that income range than their overall share of the City’s
population would suggest. American Indian and Alaska Native households earning between 30-50% AMI and Black/African American and Pacific
Islander households6 earning between 50-80% AMI also experience disproportionate housing needs compared to other racial and ethnic
households and the jurisdiction as a whole in their respective income groups. American Indian or Alaska Native households earning between 80-
100% AMI also experience housing problems at a disproportionate rate compared to White households and the jurisdiction as a whole.
Of those with disproportionately greater housing needs earning under 100% AMI, 39% earn between 0-30% of area median income while 27%
earn between 30-50% of area median income. White residents account for the largest proportion of both groups (89% and 91%, respectively).
6 The population of Pacific Islander residents is significantly smaller than other households in this income category. As such, disproportionate need of Pacific
Islander households should be interpreted with caution.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 19
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
0%-30% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 4,415 805 0
White 3,940 775 0
Black / African American 25 0 0
Asian 65 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 15 25 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 175 4 0
Table 9 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4. Cost Burden greater than 30%
30%-50% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 3,055 1,240 0
White 2,765 1,120 0
Black / African American 0 0 0
Asian 0 15 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 190 25 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 20
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Housing Problems Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Hispanic 80 45 0
Table 10 - Disproportionally Greater Need 30 - 50% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4. Cost Burden greater than 30%
50%-80% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 2,595 3,850 0
White 2,300 3,130 0
Black / African American 60 4 0
Asian 75 125 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 10 130 0
Pacific Islander 15 0 0
Hispanic 94 215 0
Table 11 - Disproportionally Greater Need 50 - 80% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4. Cost Burden greater than 30%
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 21
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
80%-100% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 1,175 2,445 0
White 1,075 2,250 0
Black / African American 0 0 0
Asian 15 125 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 40 20 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 20 40 0
Table 12 - Disproportionally Greater Need 80 - 100% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4. Cost Burden greater than 30%
Discussion
Black/African American (0-30% AMI,50-80% AMI) and American Indian or Alaskan Native (30-50% AMI, 80-100% AMI) households are
disproportionately represented among income groups for households earning under 100% AMI. Excluding White households, Hispanic
households have the greatest collective number of households experiencing housing problems, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native
and Black/African American households.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2)
Introduction
The "Severe Housing Problems" tables below show the severe housing problems by area median income (AMI), and by racial or ethnic group
within those categories, who have one or more housing problems. HUD defines severe housing problems as: lacking complete kitchen facilities,
lacking complete plumbing facilities, more than 1.5 persons per room, or a cost burden when housing costs are greater than 50% of the
household income.
As noted above, almost 9 in 10 residents in Missoula identify as non-Hispanic White. The next largest populations are residents who identify as
two or more races (6%), Hispanic or Latino (4%) and American Indian or Alaska Native (2%), Asian, (1.7%) and residents who identify as some
other race (1%). Black/African American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander residents represent less than 1% of Missoula’s population,
respectively.
For households earning between 0-30% of area median income, 75% of households experience a severe housing problem. Black/African
American and Hispanic households earning between 0-30% of area median income experience severe housing problems disproportionately
compared to White households and the jurisdiction as a whole. American Indian and Alaskan Native households earning between 30-50% AMI,
Black/African American households earning between 50-80% AMI, and American Indian and Alaskan Native and Hispanic households earning
between 80-100% AMI also experience severe housing problems disproportionately among their respective income groups compared to White
households and the jurisdiction as a whole. With households of color presenting significantly higher percentages of severe housing problems
compared to White households, it suggests that households of color have a disproportionately greater need for housing assistance.
0%-30% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 3,900 1,325 0
White 3,440 1,270 0
Black / African American 25 0 0
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 23
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Asian 40 20 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 15 25 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 175 4 0
Table 13 – Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4. Cost Burden over 50%
30%-50% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 1,460 2,835 0
White 1,255 2,625 0
Black / African American 0 0 0
Asian 0 15 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 190 25 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 15 110 0
Table 14 – Severe Housing Problems 30 - 50% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4. Cost Burden over 50%
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 24
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
50%-80% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 555 5,890 0
White 455 4,970 0
Black / African American 45 19 0
Asian 35 165 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 145 0
Pacific Islander 0 15 0
Hispanic 0 310 0
Table 15 – Severe Housing Problems 50 - 80% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4. Cost Burden over 50%
80%-100% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four
housing problems
Has none of the four
housing problems
Household has
no/negative income, but
none of the other housing
problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 285 3,330 0
White 230 3,095 0
Black / African American 0 0 0
Asian 0 140 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 40 20 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 20 40 0
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 25
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table 16 – Severe Housing Problems 80 - 100% AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4. Cost Burden over 50%
Discussion
For households experiencing severe housing problems, Black/African American and American Indian and Alaskan Native households are
disproportionately represented among households earning under 100% AMI. Both the 0-30% AMI and 80-100% AMI categories have two
racial/ethnic household groups that experience severe housing problems disproportionately.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 26
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens – 91.205 (b)(2)
Introduction:
HUD typically presumes that a household can pay up to 30% of their income for housing costs. Any percentage above 30% but below 50% is
considered a housing cost burden, and if a household is paying 50% or more than their household income on housing, then that household is
experiencing a severe housing cost burden.
As shown in the table below, nearly two thirds of households (64%) do not experience cost burden, meaning these households spend 30% or less
of their household income on housing. Of the remaining 36% of households, 18% are considered cost burdened (spending between 30-50% of
their income on housing costs) while 17% are severely cost burdened (spending more than half their household income on housing costs). The
remaining one percent of households have either no income or negative income.
Nearly 4 in 10 of Hispanic households in Missoula experience cost burden (39%) while nearly 1 in 5 households experiencing severe cost burden
(18%). Similarly, nearly 4 in 10 Black/African American households (38%) experience cost burden, while nearly 1 in 4 experience severe cost
burden (24%). With the high percentages of Black/African American and Hispanic households that experience cost burden it suggests that these
households have disproportionately greater housing needs compared to other racial and ethnic groups in Missoula. Additionally, all Pacific
Islander households (15 in total) experience cost burden; however, because of the small population, these data should be interpreted with
caution.
Housing Cost Burden
Housing Cost Burden <=30% 30-50% >50% No / negative income
(not computed)
Jurisdiction as a whole 20,700 5,775 5,510 329
White 18,465 5,345 4,980 325
Black / African American 65 15 25 0
Asian 555 80 75 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 485 40 15 0
Pacific Islander 0 15 0 0
Hispanic 625 205 195 4
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 27
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table 17 – Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMI
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Discussion:
Thirty-five percent of Missoula households are cost burdened — a seven percentage point decrease since 2018. Hispanic and Black/African
American households have the greatest proportion of households in Missoula that experience cost burden, with nearly 1 in 5 Hispanic
households and 1 in 4 Black/African American households experiencing severe cost burden.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 28
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion – 91.205(b)(2)
Are there any Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately greater need than the needs of that
income category as a whole?
Housing Problems: For households earning 100% of area median income and below, Black/African American, Asian and Hispanic households
earning between 0-30% AMI experience housing problems at a disproportionate rate relative to White households and the jurisdiction as a
whole. Similarly, American Indian or Alaskan Native households earning 30-50% AMI, Black/African American households earning between 50-
80% AMI, and American Indian or Alaskan Native earning between 80-100% AMI also experience housing problems at a disproportionate rate in
their respective income categories relative to White households and the jurisdiction as a whole.
Severe Housing Problems: Overall, households of color earning 100% of area median income or below experience severe housing problems
relative to their White counterparts and the jurisdiction as a whole. By income category, Black/African American and Hispanic households
earning between 0-30% AMI, American Indian or Alaskan Native households earning between 30-50% AMI, Black/African American households
earning between 50-80% AMI, and American Indian and Alaska Native and Hispanic households earning between 80-100% AMI
disproportionately experience severe housing problems relative to White households and the jurisdiction as a whole.
Housing Cost-Burden: Overall, 35% of households in Missoula experience cost burden (paying between 30-50% of their household income on
housing costs) or severe cost burden (paying more than 50% of their household income on housing costs). The racial and ethnic groups with the
greatest proportion of households experiencing cost burden are Hispanic (39%) and Black/African American (38%), with nearly 1 in 5 Hispanic
households and 1 in 4 Black/African American households experiencing severe cost burden. In 2021, Hispanic residents made up just 4% of
Missoula’s total population while Black/African Americans made up an even small percentage (less than 1% of the total population). Comparing
the percentage of these households experiencing cost burden with their overall proportion of Missoula’s population, targeted interventions to
address alleviation of cost burden for these households is greatly needed.
If they have needs not identified above, what are those needs?
Missoula residents who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native and Black, African American, or African are disproportionately
represented in the houselessness population relative to their proportion in the general population. According to October 2023 Missoula
Coordinated Entry System (MCES) data, Native American/Alaskan residents represented a quarter (24.8%) of Missoula’s houselessness
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 29
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
population, while only making up 1.5% of the city’s overall population. Additionally, African Americans make up less than 1% of the population in
Missoula but represent 5% of the population experiencing houselessness in Missoula.
Stakeholders spoke to the important connection of mental health services and housing stability, particularly for Indigenous residents. In addition
to a lack of mental health care in general, few treatment options are culturally appropriate for Indigenous populations. While All Nations Health
Center provides culturally competent care to American Indian and Alaska Native throughout the Missoula community, stakeholders described a
significant outstanding need for this population.
Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your community?
There are no concentrations of racial or ethnic groups in specific areas or neighborhoods in Missoula. However, the greatest concentration of
racial and ethnic groups are found in the following Census Tracts and neighborhoods:
• Asian residents make up 6.8% of the population in Census Tract 1 (Upper and Lower Rattlesnake) and 4.8% in Census Tract 7
(Riverfront);
• American Indian or Alaska Native residents make up 8% of the population in Census Tracts 12 (Rose Park and Lewis and Clark), 7% of the
population in Census Tract 2.04 (Westside and Grant Creek), and 6.3% of the population in Census Tract 11 (Rose Park);
• Black/African American residents make up 1% of the population in Census Tracts 3 (Heart of Missoula);
• Residents who identify as some other race make up 3.4% of the population in Census Tract 2.05 (Captain John Mullan);
• Residents who identify as two or more groups make up 13.1% of the population in Census Tract 8.02 (Franklin to the Fort) and 11.1% of
the population in Census Tract 11 (Rose Park); and
• Hispanic residents make up 8.5% of the population in Census Tract 1 (Upper and Lower Rattlesnake) and 7.9% of the population in
Census Tract 2.03 (Westside and Northside)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 30
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-35 Public Housing – 91.205(b)
Introduction
The mission of the Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) is to provide quality housing solutions for low and middle-income households in Missoula.
The MHA offers subsidized housing programs where participants pay just 30% of their income to housing, affordable housing properties that
have fixed rents, supportive housing and other programs that serve unhoused populations, and special voucher programs for veterans, residents
living with a disability, residents fleeing domestic violence, and foster youth. In July 2021, MHA converted its remaining public housing units into
project-based housing choice vouchers. There are no longer any public housing units in MHA’s portfolio.
The Missoula Housing Authority, along with the Human Resource Council, which serves Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties, administer
Section 8 housing choice vouchers in the Missoula area. As of September 2023, the Missoula Housing Authority has 979 housing choice vouchers
available for qualifying households in the Missoula area. Additionally, the Human Resource Council estimates that their organization currently
administers between 400-460 vouchers. As such, an estimated 1,100 vouchers are available for use in the Missoula area.
According to MHA’s 2022 Annual Action Plan, “Missoula is facing a housing crisis unlike any that has been seen before.” The Plan reports that
the cost of renting any unit has escalated by 25-30%, which is exacerbated by a severe lack of units available. MHA received two waivers to
increase the payment standard to make rentals more accessible to those with vouchers, but the lack of units means that for the first time in
MHA’s history, voucher holders are not able to find units to rent. MHA has pursued opportunities to place project-based vouchers in existing
properties and new projects. The Villagio, a 200-unit LIHTC project that opened in spring of 2023, has 32 units with project-based vouchers.
MHA 2022 Progress Report:
• Projects in development will add an additional 402 units to MHA’s management portfolio over the next 2 years. We are not actively
seeking properties to manage that are owned by others. Our management portfolio is now over 750 units with 402 additional units to be
added in early 2023.
• One Housing Trust Fund project was leased up in December 2020, and two 4% LIHTC projects are currently under construction, to be
completed by early 2023.
• The East Missoula site has an existing affordable duplex rental and further development of the site is on hold while we work on the
current projects.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 31
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• 811 vouchers have been added to four of our developments, and PBRA were added to our NSP project, Silvertip Apartments. We have
added 32 HUD VASH vouchers, 26 Mainstream vouchers, and up to 25 FYI vouchers per year.
As of September 2023, MHA reported that 1,816 families are currently on its housing waitlist for public housing.
Totals in Use
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -based Tenant -based Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification Program
Disabled
*
# of units vouchers in use 14 0 1,169 245 823 33 6 66
Table 18 - Public Housing by Program Type *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Characteristics of Residents
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family Unification
Program
Average Annual Income $13,605 $16,275 $17,526 $15,799 $16,368 $17,822
Average length of stay
5-10
years 5 2-5 5 2 1
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 32
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family Unification
Program
Average Household size 1 1 3 1 1 2
# Unhoused at admission 14 190 73 116 33 6
# of Elderly Program Participants
(>62) 10 351 48 306
# of Disabled Families 10 724 110 401 20 1
# of Families requesting
accessibility features
# of HIV/AIDS program
participants
# of DV survivors 6
Table 19 – Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Race of Residents
Program Type
Race Certificate Mod-Rehab Public Housing Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
White 76% 86 81 87 88 50 90
Black/African American 2 3 2 6 1
Asian
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 33
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Program Type
Race Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family Unification
Program
Disabled *
American Indian/Alaska
Native 6 8 11 8 6 50 5
Pacific Islander
Other 12 3 4 3 4
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 20 – Race of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Ethnicity of Residents
Program Type
Ethnicity Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
Hispanic 6 5 4 5 4
Not Hispanic 94 95 96 95 100 100 96
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 21 – Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 34
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Section 504 Needs Assessment: Describe the needs of public housing tenants and applicants
on the waiting list for accessible units:
The Missoula Housing Authority does not have any public housing units.
Most immediate needs of residents of Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher holders
The greatest challenge faced by Missoulians with a housing choice voucher is the lack of available units.
One stakeholder shared that while the Missoula Housing Authority administers almost 900 vouchers,
they are only able to deploy 800 of them due to lack of rental units with rent levels affordable to
voucher holders. Even for residents who have vouchers, stakeholders shared that many of these
vouchers go unused because there are no available units. Stakeholders expressed frustration with the
system where once they finally receive a voucher, it is difficult to find a unit that will take the voucher
before the time to find a place to live with the voucher expires.
Another major challenge faced by voucher holders in Missoula is the inconsistency between the
payment standard of HUD vouchers (based on the fair market rent (FMR) of the area) and what the
rental market is actually demanding. One stakeholder described a “lag” between the market rate and
how much the housing choice voucher can actually cover. Stakeholders shared that for many residents
with a voucher, there is still a gap between what the unit costs and how much the voucher can cover.
Stakeholders also described challenges around “navigating the system.” In conversations with residents
who have obtained housing choice vouchers or are in the process of applying for housing choice
vouchers, many voiced a desire for more assistance putting the application together and guidance
through the process. Many of the residents described issues they were experiencing (e.g., domestic
violence, mental health challenges, other trauma), and how not knowing how to navigate the system to
find housing and access services puts them under more stress.
How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large
While the lack of affordable housing is an issue throughout the city, many of the issues described above
are not experienced by a large proportion of Missoulians. Vulnerable and at-risk populations, those
usually most in need of housing choice vouchers, also tend to need more assistance with finding housing
and services for their households. Particularly for low-income households, in addition to being able to
pay rent on a monthly basis, resources to cover upfront costs (e.g., application fees, security deposit,
first and last month’s rent) are more difficult to come up with compared to the general population.
Discussion
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 35
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment – 91.205(c)
Introduction:
The Missoula Continuum of Care, also known as the At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC), is an ongoing formal task force comprised of
representatives from health and human service agencies and governmental departments. ARHC was formed in 1993 to initiate a community-
wide effort to prevent and address houselessness. ARHC works on issues surrounding low-income housing and houselessness in Missoula and
coordinates the local effort to plan and provide comprehensive services through a continuum of care. Missoula follows the protocol established
by the State CoC for conducting the survey of people who are unhoused and the housing inventory. For the purposes of the survey, both
sheltered persons (those residing in emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, rapid re-housing beds, or recipients of
motel or hotel vouchers,) and unsheltered persons are surveyed.
The Montana Point-in-Time Survey (PIT) is an annual, unduplicated count of the people, both sheltered and unsheltered, in the community who
are unhoused on a single night. This data is used to help communities plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs, measure
progress in decreasing houselessness and identify strengths and gaps in the community’s current houseless assistance system. While the PIT
provides the City with valuable information on the unhoused population, it is important to note that it only produces a snapshot of
houselessness and does not represent, nor count, all individuals who are unhoused.
The most recent survey results were collected in January 2023, identifying 356 people as unhoused in Missoula. This accounts for 16.3% of all
people experiencing houselessness identified in Montana during the count.
Of the 356 people identified during the 2023 PIT Count, 299 people were unhoused and sheltered in an emergency shelter or transitional
housing, and 57 people were unhoused and unsheltered. Among the people who were unhoused, there were 321 adult individuals, 35
individuals in family households, and no child-only households.
Of those identified during the PIT Count, 268 individuals identified as White (75%), Native American (20%), and Other (5%). Of the 29 children
identified during the Count, 15 (52% of children) were between the ages of 0-4, nine (31%), between the ages of 5-12 years, and five (17%)
between the ages of 13-17 years. Eighteen individuals identified during the Count were unaccompanied youth between the ages of 18-24 years.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 36
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Of the 143 individuals identified as experiencing chronic houselessness, 129 were adults only, while 14 individuals made up households with
children. Of the 207 veterans identified in the state of Montana experiencing houselessness, 61 (29% of all veterans) were counted in Missoula.
Of the 356 people who identified as experiencing houselessness in Missoula, 17% identified themselves as veterans.
Of individuals experiencing houselessness in Missoula identified during the Count, 218 also had disabling conditions (20% of all those identified
during PIT Count).
As previously stated, the Point-in-Time Count does not paint a complete picture of the extent of residents living in Missoula who are unhoused.
The Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) provides more robust data on unhoused populations. As of June 17, 2023, there were 1,047
people in the MCES. Of those that answered the question, 315 individuals (30%) were designated as chronically homeless. Over a quarter of this
population (26%) were between the ages of 35-44, followed by the 55-64 (18% of the population) and 45-54 (18%) age cohorts. There were 104
people over the age of 65 accounted for in the MCES (11% of the population). Additionally, 115 individuals identified as veterans (11% of that
population).
From June 2022 through June 2023, 530 unique individuals entered the MCES. Of those entered into MCES who reported their race and
ethnicity, the top three categories of residents by race are:
• 72% identified as White (395 people)
• 20% identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (111 people)
• 3% identified as Black, African American, or American (16 people)
Of the 511 people reporting their race, the majority of people (51%) entered into the MCES did not complete an exit interview. For those that
did report their exit destination, the top five responses are noted below:
• 34 people (7%) found a rental unit with no ongoing subsidy;
• 16 people (3%) found a rental unit with rapid re-housing assistance or an equivalent subsidy;
• 14 people (3%) stayed or lived with family permanently;
• 12 people (2%) found emergency shelter, including hotel/motel paid for with ES voucher or RHY-funded Host Home shelter;
• 12 people (2%) found a rental unit with a different ongoing housing subsidy.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 37
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
The most common response for those who identified as White were “found a rental unit with no ongoing housing subsidy” (28 people), while
the most common response for those who identified as American Indiana or Alaska Native were “found a rental with rapid re-housing or
equivalent subsidy” (six people each). Additionally, the most common exit reason among all residents who reported their race was
“Unknown/Disappeared.” For those who identified as White and Black, African American, or African, the next most common response was “Left
for housing opportunity before completing the program,” while “Completed program” was the next most common response for individuals
identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native.
According to the 2022 Needs and Gaps Data report provided by the Montana CoC, the housing inventory in Missoula for CoC Rapid Re-Housing is
101 beds, 44 ESG rapid rehousing beds for a total of 145 RRH beds. The CoC in Missoula also has 194 beds available of permanent supportive
housing. Additionally, 14 vouchers are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs “Supportive Services for Veteran Families” funded
program.
Households with adults and children
The 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count identified 13 individuals in households with adults and children experiencing houselessness while no
households with children experienced unsheltered houselessness. Comparatively, 79 individuals in households with adults and children came
through the Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) in 2022, with 46 individuals in these households exiting7 the MCES the same year. The
2023 PIT Count found that of these 13 individuals, seven (58% of individuals in these households) experienced houselessness for a year or
longer.
Adult-only households
The 2023 PIT Count identified 286 adults experiencing sheltered houselessness while 57 adults experienced unsheltered houselessness.
Comparatively, the MCES accounted for 261 adults (18+) coming through the system in 2022, with 117 individuals exiting the system the same
year. Of the 311 individuals who responded to the question in the 2023 PIT Count, 189 individuals (61%) experienced houselessness for a year or
longer.
Chronic individuals and families
7 MCES data tracks “last contact date” for every individual that comes through its system; this is being used as a proxy for “exiting” the system.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 38
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
The 2023 PIT Count identified 19 residents experiencing chronic houselessness in a sheltered setting, while 27 residents were identified as
experiencing unsheltered chronic houselessness. Comparatively, 168 individuals entering the MCES during 2022 were identified as chronically
houseless, while 80 individuals exited the same year. Additionally, 38 chronically houseless individuals in households with adults and children
were identified through MCES in 2022. Of these individuals, 18 exited the system in 2022.
Veterans
The 2023 PIT Count identified 54 veterans experiencing sheltered houselessness while seven veterans experienced unsheltered houselessness.
Comparatively, 76 individuals entering the MCES self-identified as a veteran in 2022. Of those that entered the MCES in 2022, 45 veterans exited
the MCES the same year. Of those that responded to the question, the 2023 PIT Count found that 34 of the 59 individuals (58%) have
experienced houselessness for a year or longer.
No unaccompanied children were identified during the 2023 PIT Count or in the MCES in 2022. Seven residents experiencing houselessness
identified during the 2023 PIT Count reported they were living with HIV/AIDS. All seven of these residents have experienced houselessness for a
year or longer.
Population Estimate the # of persons
experiencing homelessness
on a given night
Estimate the #
experiencing
homelessness
each year
Estimate the
# becoming
homeless
each year
Estimate the #
exiting
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
of days persons
experience
homelessness
Sheltered Unsheltered
Persons in Households with Adult(s)
and Child(ren) 13 0
Persons in Households with Only
Children 0 0
Persons in Households with Only
Adults 286 57
Chronically Homeless Individuals 19 27
Chronically Homeless Families 1 0
Veterans 54 7
Unaccompanied Child 0 0 0 0 0 0
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 39
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Population Estimate the # of persons
experiencing homelessness
on a given night
Estimate the #
experiencing
homelessness
each year
Estimate the
# becoming
homeless
each year
Estimate the #
exiting
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
of days persons
experience
homelessness
Sheltered Unsheltered
Persons with HIV 6 1 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Table 22 - Homeless Needs Assessment
Data Source Comments:
2023 Missoula PIT Count raw data and 2022 MCES data
Indicate if the homeless population
is:
Has No Rural Homeless
If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of
days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically
homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth):
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 40
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Nature and Extent of Homelessness: (Optional)
Race: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional)
White 212 33
Black or African American 9 4
Asian 1 0
American Indian or Alaska
Native 45 7
Pacific Islander 2 1
Ethnicity:
Hispanic 27 6
Not Hispanic 267 48
Data Source
Comments:
http://mthomelessdata.com/2018/*NOTE: Asian and Hispanic were not categories collected by the Point in Time
Count.
As seen in the table above, of those that reported their race/ethnicity in the provided categories, 79% of
unhoused residents who were sheltered identified as White, which is an underrepresentation compared
to the proportion of White residents in Missoula’s overall population (approximately 86%). Conversely,
American Indian/Alaska Native accounted for 17% of unhoused residents who were sheltered, although
this population only makes up 1.5% of the city’s population. Similarly for residents who are unhoused
and unsheltered, White residents are underrepresented while American Indian/Alaska Native residents
are significantly overrepresented.
Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with
children and the families of veterans.
Families with Children: According to the 2023 PIT Count, 13 households were unhoused with family
members (10% of those identified in Missoula as being unhoused). Within these households, 29 children
were identified, with the largest proportion of children who were unhoused between the ages of 0-4
(52% of children who were unhoused).
The YWCA is the City of Missoula’s primary provider of both domestic violence services and emergency
housing and rapid rehousing for families who were unhoused and has been tracking the intersection of
domestic violence and houselessness for many years. In FY23, the YWCA Pathways Shelter served 127
adults and 88 children (215 total), the Missoula Family Housing Center provided short-term emergency
housing for 162 adults and 189 children (108 families), and rapid rehousing beds for 51 households (10
had one-bedroom units, 34 had two-bedroom units, and 7 had three-bedroom units).
In 2022, the YWCA helped 261 families, including 347 children, access emergency housing or other
supportive services. Additionally, the YWCA helped 45 families move into permanent housing with
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 41
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
rental assistance. The YWCA also reported that 7,381 nights of safe shelter were provided to adults and
children fleeing domestic violence.
Mountain Home Montana (MHM), a non-profit organization, also provides shelter and therapeutic
services for young mothers and their families. In their 2022 Annual Report, MHM reported a 160%
increase in families serviced between 2019 and 2022. In 2022, they increased the number of families
served by 16% and noted they have a referral list of 30+ families per day. In April 2023, they purchased a
new facility that will allow them to expand their services to 50 families within the next 3-5 years.
Under the umbrella of families with children, stakeholders described single mothers fleeing domestic
violence as the population with the most acute needs.
Veterans: The 2023 PIT count identified 61 veterans experiencing houselessness in Missoula, a slight
increase compared with the 2022 PIT Count (57 veterans identified). Missoula had the largest number of
veterans who were unhoused in the state identified during the 2023 Count (29% of all veterans
identified). Compared with 2022, the number of veterans identified during the 2023 count increased by
17%.
Operated by the Missoula Housing Authority, the Valor House of Missoula has served 275 veterans with
transitional housing and supportive services since 2005. This long-term transitional housing program
provided 17 former service members with small apartments and the opportunity to transition out of
houselessness and into a stable and healthy future over a two-year period. In 2023, the Missoula
Housing Authority decided to “…exit the space of transitional housing and created new permanent
housing for Veterans at Valor Housing, addressing a rising community need for permanent housing
solutions for veterans.”8
The Poverello Center of Missoula operates Housing Montana Heroes, which provides supportive housing
to 20 qualified veterans who are unhoused. This program serves men and women in segregated semi-
private rooms, offers prepared meals, and provides commons spaces to recreate and support one
another. The Poverello is building a new Housing Montana Heroes facility that will provide 20 individual
units and a community space with 24/7 staffing. The HMH program will be relocated from the Poverello
to the new facility and will provide individual apartments for veterans as they transition from
houselessness to stable housing. Historically, the program has served an average of 38 veterans per
year.
Stakeholders shared that because some Veterans experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or
mental illness, the ideal type of housing is lower density (4-8 unit) developments. Additionally, for
veterans experiencing PTSD, mental illness, or other challenges, stakeholders described a significant
need for trauma-informed, wraparound services to help veterans stabilize their housing situation.
8 https://www.missoulahousing.org/news/changes-at-mhas-valor-house
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 42
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Describe the Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group.
According to the 2023 PIT Count, 268 individuals identified as White (75% of those identified during the
count in Missoula), followed by 70 individuals that identified as Native American (20%), and 18 that
identified or were classified as Other (5%). These proportions are similar to MCES data from June 2022
to June 2023, which found that 395 individuals identified as White (72%), while 111 identified as
American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous (20%), and 16 identified as Black/African American (3%).
In October 2023, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous residents made up 25% of the
proportion of unhoused individuals identified through the MCES, while Black/African American
individuals made up 5%. In comparison, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous residents make
up just 1.5% of Missoula’s general population while African Americans make up just 1%.
Stakeholders confirmed that even though they represent a small proportion of Missoula’s overall
population, Indigenous residents experience some of the greatest housing challenges among all
populations in the city.
Describe the Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness.
In 2023, 57 individuals (or 16% of the unhoused population, were identified as being unhoused and
unsheltered. Of the remaining 299 individuals who were unhoused and sheltered, 256 individuals (72%
of the individuals identified during the PIT Count) accessed emergency shelters while 43 individuals
(12%) accessed transitional housing. From June 2022 to June 2023, 530 unique individuals entered the
MCES. As of June 2023, there were 1,047 unique individuals within MCES—more than three times the
number of unhoused individuals captured in the 2023 PIT Count.
Individuals who experience houselessness chronically, are often the most visible amongst the unhoused
population. HUD defines chronic houselessness as: (1) an unaccompanied houseless individual with a
disabling condition who has been continuously houseless for a year or more, or (2) an unaccompanied
individual with a disabling condition who has had at least four episodes of houselessness in the past
three years (Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, 2007). According to the 2023
PIT Count, approximately 40% of the unhoused population identified in Missoula are considered
chronically houseless. Compared with the 2018 PIT Count, this represents a 21-percentage point
increase in individuals who are unhoused and considered to be chronically houseless.
Conversations with stakeholders and residents elicited a wide range of opinions on the challenges of
unhoused residents—both sheltered and unsheltered—in Missoula. Many stakeholders and residents
felt that additional shelter space (while acknowledging the recent opening of the Johnson Street Shelter)
was greatly needed. Many stakeholders wanted to see population-specific shelters, specifically women-
only shelters and shelters for veterans.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 43
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Many stakeholders emphasized a significant need for more supportive housing options, both transitional
and permanent. The availability of wraparound services, case managers, and high cost were highlighted
multiple times as barriers to providing this type of housing.
Discussion:
It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic compounded several issues impacting people already
experiencing houselessness and unsheltered houselessness throughout the country, including Missoula.
For vulnerable and high-risk populations, the combination of the pandemic with an affordable housing
crisis, slow wage growth, inflation, the end of pandemic-era protections, and other contributing factors
exacerbated the challenges facing unhoused residents, as well as directly contributing to the number of
households experiencing houselessness for the first time. Although President Biden formally declared an
end to the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023, the effects of the pandemic are still being
felt by unhoused populations and organizations and communities serving them.
Collectively, the PIT Count and Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System (MCES) continue to serve as the
best tools to understand the scope of people who are unhoused in Missoula. Collaborative efforts with
partners to improve temporary housing, emergency shelters, employment, affordable housing, mental
illness treatment, substance use treatment, and credit assistance will continue to address the significant
needs of Missoula’s unhoused residents.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 44
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment - 91.205 (b,d)
Introduction:
Populations with special needs are identified as those groups that are often in greater need for
assistance with housing, adaptation of public facilities, additional public services and economic
development opportunities. Included in the category of special needs are the elderly, the frail elderly,
persons with mental, physical and/or developmental disabilities, persons with alcohol or other drug
addiction, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, and stalking.
Describe the characteristics of special needs populations in your community:
Elderly: According to the 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS), 13% of Missoula residents are
aged 65 years or older (9,689 people). This age cohort primarily lives in owner occupied housing units
(70%). Of the 30% of renter households aged 65 or older, 61% pay more than 30% of their income on
housing costs. According to the Missoula Aging Services (MAS) Area Plan on Aging, in Area VII (covering
Missoula and Ravalli counties), “the number of older adults increased 46% from 2010 to 2020, with
another 38% increase projected between 2020 and 2050. Approximately 1 in 3 households in [this] area
includes an older adult, and about 1/3 of older adults report a disabling condition that may affect their
daily living or quality of life.” Additionally, by 2050, Missoula County will have the third largest number
of older adults in the state and will experience the second highest growth rate (49%) between now and
then.
Persons with Disabilities: According to 2021 5-year ACS data, 7% of Missoula residents, or
approximately 5,120 people, are living with a disability and are under 65 years old. Additionally, 3,072
residents in Missoula are both elderly and live with a disability. Overall, approximately 8,200 people in
Missoula live with a mental, physical, and/or developmental disability, which equates to 11% of the
city’s population. The age cohort with the greatest number of residents living with disabilities is
between 35-64 (2,632 people).
Substance use and Chemical Dependency: Substance use is a pressing concern for the entire state of
Montana and affects thousands of individuals and families each year. According to the 2020-2023
Montana Substance Use Disorder Task Force Strategic Plan:
“An estimated 79,000 Montanans struggle with substance use disorders…drug overdoses are the fourth
leading cause of injury-related death in Montana, accounting for 1,437 deaths from 2007-2018, and
Montanans aged 35-54 years have the highest rate of drug poisoning deaths. Though Montana has
bucked national trends with sustained declines in opioid deaths in recent years, hundreds of thousands
of Montanans continue to be affected by substance misuse and abuse.”
According to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Prevalence & Trends Data, in
2021, 20.5% of Montanans reported binge drinking in the past year (the national average is 16.6%).
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 45
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Additionally, 92% of Montanans with a substance use disorder are not receiving treatment (2020-2023
Montana Substance Use Disorder Task Force Strategic Plan).
Mental Illness: According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
Medicaid Health Metrics Dashboard, there were 2,627 residents in Missoula County receiving mental
health services through traditional Medicaid in May 2023. In the previous year, 4,871 Missoula County
residents were recipients of mental health services. Missoula County has the second largest number of
residents receiving mental health services through Medicaid, following Yellowstone County. With
Medicaid Expansion, there were 2,513 Missoula County recipients receiving mental health services, with
5,412 county residents utilizing mental health services over the last year.
The MAS needs assessment also reported that “older adults are struggling with and need support for
physical and mental health concerns.” The State’s 2022 Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults
found that mental health services are lacking, despite the high rate of depression and suicide among
older Montanans. Forty percent of the participants in the survey reported feeling depressed.
Additionally, the 2023 Point-in-Time Count found that 136 of the 356 individuals identified reported
having a mental illness (38%).
What are the housing and supportive service needs of these populations and how are these
needs determined?
The greatest housing problem owner-occupied households face in Missoula is cost burden, while severe
cost burden is the greatest housing problem for renter households. Both household types have
difficulties obtaining housing in tight rental and ownership markets, and access to public service
programs for special needs populations continues to be a challenge.
Stakeholders agreed that several critical housing and supportive service needs are shared by all special
populations noted below. In addition to the lack of affordable housing, the lack of accessible housing,
comprehensive supportive service provision, lack of case management services, and lack of staffing
capacity are all adversely affecting the housing and health situations of these populations. Several
stakeholders also highlighted that while many service providers are at full capacity and doing their best,
there is still major room for improvement with coordination and collaboration among service providers
in Missoula.
One significant need across all special populations highlighted by stakeholders was the complexity of the
service delivery system. One stakeholder summed up this sentiment shared by several others, saying
“even when a service exists, hearing about it, getting to it, applying for it, and keeping it is a challenge,
especially when it is paired with other services.” For populations who are financially insecure, living with
a disability, or experiencing physical or mental health challenges, stakeholders felt the current model of
service provision that puts the burden on these populations to continually “engage with the system” is
not serving them well. Many stakeholders advocated for an alternative method of service delivery that
better serves these vulnerable populations.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 46
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Stakeholders also spoke about the need for more supportive housing, however, many stakeholders felt
that “the supportive piece is missing.” As highlighted above, the lack of resources for these critical
services, as well as the lack of staff to provide these services, are major contributing factors to this issue.
As noted, several stakeholders expressed concern about the inability to pay their employees enough
money to be able to afford to live in Missoula. One stakeholder shared that “it’s alarming that I can’t pay
my own staff enough to live here…I don’t want them to be in situations like our clients.” Several other
stakeholders highlighted that a major contributing factor to the lack of treatment services being
available is due to the lack of qualified workforce able to find affordable housing in the city.
Persons with Disabilities: As new housing gets developed or existing units are rehabilitated, it is
important to ensure that units are accessible and visitable for people experiencing disabilities,
particularly for people living with a physical disability. Ideally, housing is located near health facilities
and services, and is accessible both inside (e.g., wider hallways and doors, single-story) and outside (e.g.,
no step entrances, accessible by wheelchair or other assisted mobility device).
According to a housing needs model used for this analysis, 2,285 households that include a person living
with a disability (28% of households with persons experiencing a mental, physical, and/or development
disability) are estimated to have housing or service needs in Missoula.
Stakeholders spoke of the lack of accessible housing available for this population. Specifically, they
spoke to the challenge of getting people who have disabilities matched with housing units that best
meet their needs (e.g., accessible). One stakeholder emphasized that just because accessible units are
being built does not mean that people with disabilities are getting those units. One resident living with
disabilities shared that they declined a housing unit offered by the Housing Authority because it did not
meet their needs and then had to go through “extraordinary lengths” to not only ensure they could find
a more suitable unit, but that they wouldn’t be penalized and dropped from the waiting list for
“declining a unit.” The stakeholder attributed this to the lack of coordination and communication with
the Housing Authority, as well as the overall lack of accessible and affordable units.
Similar to older populations in Missoula, Missoulians living with disabilities might also be living in a
home that no longer meets their needs. With a lack of accessible housing units to downsize or meet
another need, this population is unable to live in more appropriate settings for their specific situation.
Stakeholders perceived that most of the new development going up in Missoula is too expensive and
not accessible (e.g., multi-story housing). Another issue impacting this population is the lack of available
case management services; many stakeholders attributed this challenge to state budget cuts.
Stakeholders felt case management for residents living with physical and/or mental disabilities is critical
to ensure these populations know what services are available and can be connected to those services.
Elderly: The State of Montana conducted a community assessment survey in 2022 for older adults. This
survey is “…designed to examine the status of older adults and the community around seventeen
aspects of livability within six domains: Community Design, Employment and Finances, Equity and
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 47
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Inclusivity, Health and Wellness, Information and Assistance, and Productive Activities.” Of all seventeen
livability aspects, housing received a “10” —the lowest score of all topics on the survey. More
specifically, just 10% of respondents reported the following characteristics of housing in their
communities to be excellent or good.
The MAS report also notes that “older adults with limited resources are struggling. They are particularly
vulnerable to rising costs related to housing, but many are also unable to afford basic necessities.”
Specific challenges older adults in Missoula County face are detailed below:
• When older adults are at risk of housing instability or becoming unhoused, it often leads to a
breakdown of their support system overall and can result in significant crisis.
• Access to affordable, trustworthy home maintenance, repair and modification is frequently
identified as a need.
• Many older adults rely on limited Social Security benefits and are concerned about inadequate
adjustments for inflation.
• Lack of available, affordable home and community-based services can lead to negative
outcomes or premature institutionalization.
According to a housing needs model used for this analysis, 976 elderly households (8% of the elderly
population in Missoula) have housing or service needs. Of the estimated 600 households that include
residents considered “frail elderly,” approximately 50 of these households also have housing and service
needs. Older adults comprise households that are smaller than the average Missoula household, which
will create a demand for smaller, accessible units. As this population continues to increase in size over
the coming decades, the City will have to continue ensuring that new housing developments match the
needs of elderly populations and are in close proximity to health and supportive services.
Several stakeholders felt the city of Missoula lacked housing options for older populations to age in
place. Because of the cost of housing and the lack of suitable, accessible, and available options, many
older populations are forced to remain in homes that are too big for them and/or they can no longer
take care of. Some stakeholders noted that with no housing available for older populations to downsize,
this also impacts larger households who are looking for bigger units. Stakeholders also felt that most of
the new housing being built in Missoula (larger, multi-family housing) is not conducive for older
populations to thrive.
Additionally, older populations are more likely to be on fixed incomes, which makes it difficult to keep
up with increasing housing costs. A handful of stakeholders noted that even for older populations who
have the resources to hire caregivers, unless the caregivers are living in the house, the lack of affordable
housing makes it difficult for this workforce to live in Missoula. One stakeholder also noted that elderly
populations are concerned about their lack of options for assisted living. Additionally, several
stakeholders spoke about the isolation faced by many older populations in Missoula and how the lack of
community available for a proportion of this population has significant mental and emotional health
impacts.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 48
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Substance Use: Substance use, along with mental health, are two main characteristics of populations
that are frequent utilizers of city services. In addition to providing services for those experiencing
substance use disorders, permanent housing options, access to behavioral health treatment and
recovery centers, and access to behavioral health and substance use counselors will continue to play a
significant role in stabilizing the lives of this population.
According to a housing needs model used for this analysis, of the estimated 11,673 Missoula residents
experience substance use and/or chemical dependency, 5,562 (48% of these households) are estimated
to have housing or service needs in Missoula.
Stakeholders expressed a critical need for more addiction treatment services, as well as safe places for
people to detox. Overall, stakeholders articulated that the community not only lacks treatment options
for populations who have chemical dependencies, but overall support, too. One stakeholder noted that
because of the pandemic, “community health workers and supportive coordinators have been able to
better get people connected to the services they need.” However, the stakeholder admitted that
coordination of services is still not great. Another stakeholder agreed with this point, sharing that “10%
of the population is getting 90% of the resources—we need better coordination of who is working with
who.” One stakeholder advocated for a dedicated detox space/facility solely for women.
One stakeholder wanted to see those in recovery get “credit” for taking the necessary steps to do so in
order to access permanent supportive housing.
Mental Illness: In the 2023 Point in Time Survey, 218 individuals or 61% of the city’s unhoused
population reported living with a disabling condition (Source: Montana Continuum of Care Coalition,
2023). Within the City of Missoula, the most frequent utilizers of emergency services are often those
who suffer from either mental illness or from substance use. Mental health counselors and mental
health services continue to be a significant need in Missoula to help this population.
In general, the greatest overall need articulated by stakeholders and residents was a significant need for
more mental health services. As noted at the beginning of this section, the complexity of not only
finding services, but getting to them, keeping up with them, etc. was cited as particularly challenging for
this population. Additionally, stakeholders described the need for wraparound services to help
populations with mental illness remain stable in their housing situation as critical and essential.
Discuss the size and characteristics of the population with HIV/AIDS and their families within
the Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area:
According to AIDSVu, 119 of every 100,000 people in Missoula County are living with HIV. Based on the
state’s incidence rate of people living with HIV and AIDS, there are approximately 50 people in the city
of Missoula who are living with HIV/AIDS. However, this is likely an undercount. In Missoula County,
several organizations offer counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, including Open Aid Alliance, All Nations
Health Center, and Partnership Health Center. Objectives of the Health Assessment plan in the realm of
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 49
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
HIV/AIDS include reducing the number of new HIV diagnoses, reducing the rate of transmission, and
increasing the proportion of people who have been tested.
Similar to the housing and supportive service needs described above, low-income Missoulians living with
HIV/AIDS have a significant need for additional resources to help keep them housed and stable. One
stakeholder noted that while HOPWA funds are essential for this population, “it doesn’t help them with
housing indefinitely.” This stakeholder wanted to see more resources made available, as well as more
case management support, to help keep this population housed. They added that because of the
housing affordability concerns in Missoula, it’s becoming more and more difficult to retain staff to help
this specific population.
Discussion:
None.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 50
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs – 91.215 (f)
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Facilities:
Stakeholders overwhelmingly highlighted the need for more community centers throughout the city.
One stakeholder said that a lot of their clientele “are craving human connections” coming out of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Several stakeholders shared that it was difficult to make friends as adults and that
having places the community can come together would make it easier to forge these relationships.
Another stakeholder wanted to see more accessible community centers dispersed throughout the city,
adding that just because public facilities are built to building code standards does not mean they are
accessible to everyone. Stakeholders also wanted to see community centers serve different functions.
One stakeholder highlighted that in case of emergencies, they wanted to see these spaces used as
cooling stations or places for people to congregate during wildfires.
Several stakeholders also described a need for the provision of public hygiene facilities (e.g., public
showers or public bathrooms) throughout the city. One stakeholder articulated felt that providing these
facilities for unhoused residents is low-hanging fruit and would be beneficial for the entire community.
Survey results confirmed the desire by both residents and stakeholders to see more community centers
throughout the city, particularly in the Northside and Franklin to the Fort neighborhoods, as well more
public restrooms and showers made available to the community.
How were these needs determined?
The City of Missoula conducted a Housing and Community Needs survey in fall 2023, as well as a series
of public meetings and stakeholder interviews throughout the year to determine the most urgent
community needs. The information provided guides how the city distributes U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development funds for housing and community development projects to assist low- and
moderate-income residents of the Missoula community.
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Improvements:
Stakeholders and residents highlighted the need for significant sidewalk improvements and better
lighting, especially in older neighborhoods. Stakeholders also specifically noted the Northside and
Westside neighborhoods as areas that needed infrastructure improvements, as well. Several
stakeholders spoke about the need for placement of more trash cans and community cleanup efforts
throughout the city, especially where people are camping. Similarly, the most significant public
improvement cited by survey respondents was street and sidewalk improvements in older
neighborhoods.
How were these needs determined?
The City of Missoula conducted a Housing and Community Needs survey in fall 2023, as well as a series
of public meetings and stakeholder interviews throughout the year to determine the most urgent
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 51
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
community needs. The information provided guides how the city distributes U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development funds for housing and community development projects to assist low- and
moderate-income residents of the Missoula community.
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Services:
The greatest public service articulated by stakeholders and residents was the need for mental health
services. Many stakeholders described the significant impact that housing instability has on not only a
person’s physical health, but their mental and emotional health, as well. Specifically, stakeholders and
residents wanted to see more permanent supportive housing available, as well as more assistance to
help residents receive and maintain the services they need. One stakeholder described that many
vulnerable populations have difficulty “hearing about services, getting to them, applying for services,
and keeping up with them.” Increased access to mental health care services was the number one
community development need identified by both residents and stakeholders in the City’s Housing and
Community Needs survey.
Stakeholders and residents also voiced a need for “housing navigation” services to help residents with
finding housing units, ensuring all requirements are met, submitting applications, etc. Several residents
described the process of looking for housing as challenging and discouraging. Additionally, several
stakeholders described a need for more chemical dependency and addiction services, behavioral health
services, life skills classes, and affordable childcare options. Survey results affirmed these needs, with
respondents ranking increased access to addiction treatment services and additional/higher quality
childcare centers as critical public services that are needed in Missoula.
Overall, stakeholders generally thought well of the transportation system, particularly that it is free to all
city residents. However, stakeholders voiced a need for more frequent service and better coverage
throughout the city. Many residents wanted to see a stronger connection between transportation
routes and the location of basic life amenities (e.g., grocery stores, health clinics) and other multimodal
systems (e.g., bicycle networks and trails). There were also several stakeholders who identified a need
for better bus signage and more accessible bus stops.
How were these needs determined?
The City of Missoula conducted a Housing and Community Needs survey in fall 2023, as well as a series
of public meetings and stakeholder interviews throughout the year to determine the most urgent
community needs.
The information provided guides how the city distributes U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development funds for housing and community development projects to assist low- and moderate-
income residents of the Missoula community.
IV. MARKET ANALYSIS
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 52
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Housing Market Analysis
MA-05 Overview
Housing Market Analysis Overview:
The city of Missoula continues to experience consistent and strong population growth, seeing a 12.1%
increase in population between 2010 and 2021. This is a higher growth rate compared to both the State
of Montana (10.7%) and the United States (8.4%). Over the same time period, Missoula has seen the
addition of over 4,200 housing units, a 14% increase in housing unit growth. While the construction of
new housing units has exceeded population growth between 2010 and 2021, Missoula continues to
wrestle with extremely low vacancy rates and escalating housing rental and sales prices, continuing a
significant housing affordability problem in the city.
As discussed throughout the Needs Assessment (NA) section, low-income renter households, especially
0-30% AMI households, experience significant challenges finding affordable housing options in Missoula.
Continued increases in public infrastructure, materials, labor, land, and high interest rates make it very
difficult to not only build housing, but to build housing that is affordable to a range of households at
different income levels.
The City of Missoula has worked diligently to address this crisis. As noted above, housing unit growth
has exceeded population growth over the last decade. However, household income growth is not
keeping pace with the cost of development. To address this imbalance, the City of Missoula continues to
offer several programs intended to ease the cost of housing, including rental assistance and
homeownership programs and supporting the development of subsidized housing (e.g., LIHTC projects).
In 2017, the City set out to develop a comprehensive, community-driven housing policy to address the
gaps in the city’s housing market and ensure the market met the needs of its residents. In January 2018,
the City came out with a report titled “Making Missoula Home: A Path to Attainable Housing”, which
identified several barriers and constraints to affordable housing development in the city. This served as
the foundation for the City’s housing policy, A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula’s Housing Needs.
The recommendations coming out of the policy aim to align and leverage existing funding to support
housing, reduce barriers to new supply and promote access to affordable homes, and leverage
partnerships to create and preserve affordable homes. Additionally, the City is currently undergoing an
update to its growth policy and development code to ensure that it is in alignment with the housing
goals of the community.
The State of Montana also recently passed a suite of legislation aimed at tackling the state’s affordable
housing crisis, including regulatory reforms to facilitate housing production, state funding directed
toward housing initiatives and low-interest loans for developers who build rent-restricted apartments.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 53
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
In addition to state and local efforts aimed at increasing housing supply, the City is also looking at
preservation strategies to ensure that existing affordable housing remains so. Housing built before 1980
has a higher likelihood of being affordable due to issues like deferred maintenance, energy
inefficiencies, and greater likelihood of lead paint. Just over half of Missoula’s housing stock (51%) was
built prior to 1980, with 52% of owner-occupied households and 51% of renter-occupied households
living in units built before 1980. While the City has undertaken a comprehensive approach to increasing
affordable housing opportunities for Missoula residents, demand still exceeds supply of affordable
housing in the city. As of September 2023, the Missoula Housing Authority has 979 housing choice
vouchers available for qualifying households in the Missoula area. Currently, its waitlist is 1,816 families
and is approximately 3 years long. Additionally, the Human Resource Council administers between 400-
460 Section 8 vouchers in the three-county area.
As discussed in the NA-45 section, the number of older adults in Missoula County almost doubled over
the last decade and is projected to increase by approximately 40% between 2020 and 2050.
Additionally, by 2050, Missoula County will have the third largest number of older adults in the state and
will experience the second highest growth rate (49%) between now and then. This age cohort has a
greater likelihood of experiencing disabilities, which will increase their needs for homecare, medical, and
other supportive services and accommodations.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 54
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-10 Number of Housing Units – 91.210(a)&(b)(2)
Introduction
Between 2010 and 2021, the number of housing units in the City of Missoula increased by 4,262 (14.1%).
This is a slightly higher rate compared to the population growth rate over the same time period.
According to American Community Survey five-year estimates, the rental vacancy rate has decreased
over time, standing at 5.6% in 2010 and 4.4% in 2022. According to the Missoula Organization of
Realtors, the rental vacancy rate hit its lowest point over the last 10 years (1.15%) in 2022. However, it
has rebounded to 4.4% in the third quarter of 2023. Generally, a healthy rental market has vacancy rates
between 5-8%.
• 2021: 34,551 housing units
• 2010: 30,289 housing units
According to the data in Table 32, 46.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied while renter-
occupied housing units comprise 53.5% of total units (2021 5-year ACS). Table 31 shows that 50% of the
city’s residential structures are 1-unit detached structures; 35% are duplexes to multifamily units; and
5% are mobile homes. While 1-unit attached structures accounted for 4% of housing units in 2017, they
accounted for 6% in 2021. The distribution of the city’s residential structures is relatively comparable to
previous years.
All residential properties by number of units
Property Type Number %
1-unit detached structure 17,291 50%
1-unit, attached structure 2,019 6%
2-4 units 4,876 14%
5-19 units 5,210 11%
20 or more units 3,585 10%
Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc 1,570 5%
Total 34,551 100%
Table 23 – Residential Properties by Unit Number
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Unit Size by Tenure
Owners Renters
Number % Number %
No bedroom 0 0% 1,618 9%
1 bedroom 709 5% 5,108 30%
2 bedrooms 3,307 22% 6,833 40%
3 or more bedrooms 10,978 73% 3,680 21%
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 55
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Owners Renters
Number % Number %
Total 14,994 100% 17,239 100%
Table 24 – Unit Size by Tenure
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Describe the number and targeting (income level/type of family served) of units assisted with
federal, state, and local programs.
City of Missoula
The City of Missoula Office of Housing and Community Development (HCD) administers the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs for the City of
Missoula, Montana. The City has administered the CDBG Entitlement program since 1999, and the
HOME program since 2003.
Missoula’s Community Development Division (CD) funded five projects in PY2021 and four in 2022. In
total, the City of Missoula and its CDBG and HOME partners made great strides in achieving the goals of
the 2022 Annual Action plan, which was the fourth year of the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan. The City of
Missoula and its partners leveraged HUD and non-HUD resources to work towards continuing an owner-
occupied rehabilitation program that provides loans to people with low-incomes, and a new domestic
violence shelter and shelter for families who are unhoused was also built that will serve thousands of
families each year. Additionally, the Villagio broke ground in May 2021 and is set to make 200 rental
homes available to low-income families. Finally, Trinity Apartments broke ground in June 2021, which
will provide 202 rental homes and a navigation center providing supportive services to residents and
other community members. As of summer 2023, both projects are in the process of leasing the homes.
The City also partnered with nonprofit service providers and provided one-on-one support for 20 people
to maintain housing long-term, provided emergency shelter to 4,447 people without a home, and
connected 1,152 people with public services focused on financial and renter education. In PY 2021, an
additional 270 individuals were assisted with emergency housing stipends and 313 individuals were
supported through financial education. Collectively, 869 unhoused individuals were assisted with 2021
funds. In total, more than 6,400 people directly benefitted from activities completed in PY 2020 and PY
2021.
PY 2022 saw one additional unit acquired to be placed into a community land trust to ensure permanent
affordability. An adjacent lot will be developed to include 3-4 more affordable units.
Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CV-Public Services funding was used to support the
shelter system and people who are unhoused through outreach, services and appropriate support, as
well as support and service coordination for people in isolation and quarantine in order to prevent,
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 56
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
prepare for, and respond to the pandemic. Overall, these programs proved to be a success with over
3,500 people served.
Missoula Housing Authority
According to the Missoula Organization of Realtors (MOR), the Missoula Housing Authority voucher
success rate9 has seen a downward trend since 2016. Historically around 75%, this rate dropped
abruptly around May of 2020, despite extension being offered on expired vouchers. One of the primary
reasons attributed to the reduced rate is the lack of available rental units.
Since 2008, the number of people on the Missoula Housing Authority voucher waitlist has trended
upward. In 2021, there were 1,472 people on the waitlist —a decline of approximately 300 people from
the previous year. However, “the waitlist number decline in 2021 does not necessarily indicate less
need. There were a number of applicants that year who received vouchers they were not able to use
because of market conditions. So, those people came off the waitlist and reduced that number, but did
not find housing.”
Stakeholders confirmed this occurrence, with many expressing frustration about how long it takes to get
approved for a voucher and then not being able to find a unit to use it. The number of families on the
waitlist continues to trend upward. In September 2022, there were 1,424 families on the waiting list for
MHA Section 8 vouchers. As of September 2023, the Missoula Housing Authority waitlist has 1,816
families on it and is approximately 3 years long.
Provide an assessment of units expected to be lost from the affordable housing inventory for
any reason, such as expiration of Section 8 contracts.
According to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Affordable Housing Preservation Database, the
following developments will be expiring in the next five years:
• Palace Hotel, 123 W. Broadway, 2025, LIHTC
• Cove Apartments, 1330 South Fourth Street West, 2025, HOME
• Carol SEM Apartments, 102 Inez Street, 2026, HOME
• Creekside Apartments, 1405 E Broadway Street, 2026, LIHTC
• Solstice Apartments, 1535 Liberty Lane, 2027, HOME
• Phillips Apartments, 1805 Phillips Street, 2028, HOME
Without any further subsidies for these six developments, the city would lose approximately 273
affordable housing units.
9 The “success rate” is defined as “the percentage of recipients who secure housing before their vouchers expire.”
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 57
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population?
No; in the City of Missoula, there is a shortage of affordable rental units for renters with incomes of
$25,000 or less. To support the Housing Market Analysis of the Consolidated Plan, a “gaps analysis” was
conducted, which compares renter household incomes to the distribution of affordable rental units.
That analysis was based on 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) data and reflects housing market
conditions during 2021.
According to the gaps analysis, renters making less than $25,000 do not have an adequate supply of
affordable housing. There are 5,620 renter households in Missoula with incomes of $25,000 or less.
These renters have 2,162 rental units that are affordable to them, leaving a gap of 3,458 affordable
rentals or rental subsidies to accommodate their needs. The city’s rental vacancy rate reflects this
shortage of rental units. While the rental vacancy rate rebounded in 2023 to 4.4%, it dipped to as low as
1% in 2022. Based on the number of families on MHA waitlists, there are not enough affordable units
available to meet the needs of the low-income population.
Missoula’s homeownership rate is 46.5%, which is significantly lower than the statewide rate of 69%.
While the presence of the University of Montana affects the homeownership rate, the lack of affordable
homes for non-student renters to buy is also a factor. In 2021, the vacancy rate for owner-occupied
units was 0.6%, lower than the state rate of 1.2%.
The lack of affordable housing to rent and for sale was also highlighted throughout the community
engagement process. Stakeholders described a significant mismatch between existing housing stock and
household need, particularly for special populations. A handful of single mothers fleeing domestic
violence desired to find a one- or two-bedroom unit for themselves and their child(ren). However, for
the units that are actually available that meet their needs, these stakeholders reported that they could
not afford them. One stakeholder recalled a previous housing situation in Missoula where to afford a
studio unit, they had to live with two other non-related people in the unit to afford it.
Several stakeholders also spoke about the lack of affordable studio and one-bedroom units available for
seniors. Because many seniors are living on fixed incomes (e.g., SSI, SSDI), they are unable to afford
higher priced units. Moreover, this creates a barrier for seniors looking to downsize, as well as for
households/families that are looking for larger places. Additionally, the lack of units available for seniors
to downsize also can lead to housing precarity. As previously noted, with many seniors living on fixed
incomes, increasing property taxes can potentially (and involuntarily) push seniors from their homes
with no other place to go.
Residents living with disabilities and stakeholders serving these populations highlighted the significant
lack of accessible and affordable units available in Missoula. Stakeholders noted that older units tend to
be the most affordable but are also more likely to not be able to accommodate the residents’
accessibility needs. Residents and stakeholders alike advocated for more affordable housing
developments to be accessible or have the ability to be easily adapted to meet the needs of the tenant.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 58
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Stakeholders also advocated for the adoption of more universal design standards for residential
development to normalize accessible building practices, as well as make it cheaper on the front end of
construction.
Stakeholders who work with disabled veterans also spoke to the specific housing needs of this
population. A couple stakeholders articulated that because many veterans are living with PTSD or other
mental health challenges, they usually prefer to live in developments with a small number of units (e.g.,
four to eight units).
Housing Permit Data
Missoula’s Growth Policy indicates that to meet its projected housing need, it will need to develop
between 450 to 700 units per year. According to HUD’s SOCDS Building Permits Database, between 2018
and 2022, the City issued 3,868 housing unit permits — an average of 774 units per year over the last
five years. In 2018 and 2019, a total of 907 housing units were permitted, with 58% of permits issued for
single family structures.
Since 2020, permits for multi-family structures have made up the majority of permits issued. In 2020,
out of 547 total permits issued, 59% were for multi-family structures. In the last two years, 2,414
permits were issued, with 84% of the permits issued for multi-family housing (2,030 permits). The
majority of multi-family housing permits were issued for structures with five or more units.
Over the last five years, the number of building permits issued peaked in 2021 (1,556 total units). In
2022, total building permits declined by 45%. However, according to the Missoula Organization of
Realtors, “2022 marked a reversal in the three-year trend of increasing undersupply [for the city of
Missoula]. While still below a three months’ supply, Q4 finished improved at 2.69 months’ supply.
Supply in five neighborhoods improved into the normal market range of 3 to 9 months of supply, with
one neighborhood just over at 10-month supply.”
These data indicate that Missoula is keeping up with its needed growth. However, the units produced
may not align with affordable housing needs, particularly those of special needs and 0-30% AMI
households. To address these needs, deep public subsidies are necessary for both housing construction,
rent payments, and ongoing maintenance.
Describe the need for specific types of housing:
As described above, several populations articulated a need for the availability of more specific housing
types. Through stakeholder conversations, older populations and populations living with disabilities
expressed a need for smaller, accessible units (e.g., studios or one-bedrooms) to better facilitate the
ability to downsize from their current housing situations. Stakeholders also shared that disabled
veterans tend to prefer living in housing developments with a limited number of units. In general,
stakeholders and residents emphasized the significant need for a range (e.g., small and larger units) and
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 59
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
diversity of housing types (i.e., single-family, multi-family, land trust) to rent and own that were
affordable to all segments of the community.
Working with partners such as non-profit partners to increase the inventory of affordable housing is a
key strategy to meeting housing needs in Missoula. These partners include:
• Habitat for Humanity —Non-profit housing developer. Builds affordable homes and provides
affordable homeownership opportunities for working families.
• Housing Solutions, LLC – Non-profit housing developer. Built and operates following affordable
housing projects - Union Place I & II and Aspen Place.
• Homeword – Certified housing counselor, first-time homebuyer education, renter
education. Developed and operates following affordable housing projects – Equinox, Fireweed
Court, Gold dust, Lenox Flats, Montana Street Homes, Orchard Gardens, Solstice, Sweetgrass
Commons.
• The North-Missoula Community Development Corporation (NMCDC) – Community land trust
and neighborhood programs. Housing properties include Lee Gordon Place, Whittier Court, Clark
Fork Commons, and Burns Street Commons.
• Private Sector Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developers.
• Missoula Public Housing Authority.
Discussion
As described above, the City of Missoula has made great strides in facilitating housing development with
its existing available resources, particularly for vulnerable and high-need populations. However,
stakeholders, particularly seniors, residents living with disabilities, and single mothers fleeing domestic
violence, all voiced the need for more affordable housing specific to their needs. Additionally, the lack of
affordable rental units for low-income populations continues to persist, affirmed by over 1,800 families
on the Missoula Housing Authority waitlist. While vacancy rates continue to reflect a tight housing
market for both renters and owners, the City of Missoula continues to work with public, private, and
nonprofit partners to increase the inventory of affordable housing in the city.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 60
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-15 Housing Market Analysis: Cost of Housing - 91.210(a)
Introduction
Housing costs continue to dramatically increase in Missoula. Between 2010 and 2021, the median home
value increased by 40%, while rents have increased by 43% over the same time.
According to 2015 ACS data, 21% of renter households paid less than $500 per month for their unit,
which was approximately 3,200 units available at that price point. However, in 2021, just 9% of renter
households paid this amount, approximately 1,450 units available at this price point. Similarly, while just
3% of renter households paid more than $1,500 per month for their unit (475 units), in 2021, 10% of
renters now pay more than $1,500 per month (1,624 units). As described in the Needs Assessment
section, cost burden is the greatest challenge experienced by Missoulians.
Additionally, MOR reported that “housing attainability across most price points continues to be a
challenge. Mortgage rates have effectively doubled from year-end 2021 and the continued increase in
median home prices have strained the ability of buyers with a median family income to purchase a
home.
When buying a median-priced home for $520,000, at an interest rate of 6.625 percent on a 30-year
conventional mortgage and down payment of 5 percent, the income needed to be at 30% of the
estimated mortgage payment is $160,897 per year. If you compare this data point with the Census
Median Family income projection of $80,200 for 2022, the buyer of this scenario would be short
approximately $80,697 in annual gross income.” According to 2021 5-year ACS data, 89% of Missoula
households make less than $150,000.
Cost of Housing
Base Year: 2010 Most Recent Year: 2021 % Change
Median Home Value 232,700 324,700 40%
Median Contract Rent 612 875 43%
Table 25 – Cost of Housing
Data Source: 2010 and 2021 5-year ACS
Rent Paid Number %
Less than $500 1,439 8.5%
$500-999 9,693 57.3%
$1,000-1,499 4,150 24.6%
$1,500-1,999 1,158 6.9%
$2,000 or more 466 2.8%
Total 16,906 100.0%
Table 26 - Rent Paid
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 61
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Housing Affordability
Number of Units affordable to
Households earning
Renter Owner
30% HAMFI 725 No Data
50% HAMFI 3,515 615
80% HAMFI 10,490 2,270
100% HAMFI No Data 3,975
Total 14,730 6,860
Table 27 – Housing Affordability
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Monthly Rent
Monthly Rent ($) Efficiency (no
bedroom)
1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom
Fair Market Rent 789 906 1,120 1,566 1,908
High HOME Rent 789 906 1,120 1,426 1,571
Low HOME Rent 756 810 972 1,123 1,253
Table 28 – Monthly Rent
Data Source: HUD FMR and HOME Rents
Is there sufficient housing for households at all income levels?
As noted above, using a housing gaps model for this analysis, a current rental gap exists of
approximately 3,500 units that are affordable to households making less than $25,000 — households
that are considered to be extremely low-income. Overall, there is a total gap of 1,441 units available to
renter households at affordable prices. While the housing unit growth rate has slightly exceeded the
population growth rate over the last ten years, there is still a significant need for deeply affordable
housing in Missoula.
Unsurprisingly, nearly all of these households experience cost burden. According to the 2021 5-year ACS
data, for households making less than $20,000 per year, 94% of both owners and renter households
experience cost burden in Missoula. For households making between $20,000-$35,000, 79% of renters
and 36% of owners experience cost burden. For households making between $35,000-$49,999, 50% of
owner-occupied households are cost burden and 40% of renter households are cost burden.
Stakeholders and residents confirmed the lack of sufficient housing available at all income levels in
Missoula. Aside from monthly rental payments, many stakeholders and residents described one of the
largest barriers to getting into housing were the upfront costs, which include an application fee, security
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 62
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
deposit, and first and last month’s rent. The additional requirement of landlords wanting tenants to
make three times the income of the monthly rent payment is infeasible for a significant number of low-
income residents. One resident shared that when they were approved for a unit, they had three days to
come up with all upfront costs and were forced to take out a loan. Stakeholders and residents
emphasized that the City should not only focus on increasing the availability of affordable housing but
also removing these upfront barriers for low-income households.
How is affordability of housing likely to change considering changes to home values and/or
rents?
Rental Market
According to the Missoula Organization of Realtors, the rental vacancy rate in Missoula continues to be
extremely low. While vacancy rates between 5-8% indicate a healthy rental market, the MOR’s rental
data dashboard from their 2023 Five Valleys Housing Report shows that the first quarter of 2018 was the
last time the city of Missoula had a rental vacancy rate above 5%. Since then, the vacancy rate has
continued to decrease, falling to an average of 1.1% through all of 2022.
By housing type, in 2022, the vacancy rate for a studio was 0.7%, a one-bedroom unit was 1.6%, a two-
bedroom unit was 0.9%, a three-bedroom unit was 0.5%, and a unit with four or more bedrooms was
5%. The low vacancy rate has in turn contributed to rising rental prices. Between 2018 and 2022, the
average rental price for a studio increased 48% ($821), a one-bedroom unit increased 52% ($925) , a
two-bedroom unit increased 47% ($1,191), a three-bedroom unit increased 42% ($1,489) , and a unit
with four or more bedrooms increased 33% ($1800).
The tight rental market will continue to make it challenging for low-income households to find
affordable housing options in Missoula.
Homeownership Market
Low- and moderate-income households in Missoula continue to find themselves further and further out
of reach from buying a home, particularly over the last five years. The Missoula Organization of Realtors
reported that in the Missoula Urban Area, the 2018 median sales price was $290,000. In 2022, the
median sales price was $520,000 — a 79% increase over the last five years. According to 2021 5-year
ACS data, the median home value in Missoula was $324,700. Housing costs for new construction are
projected to continue increasing.
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard (JCHS) 2023 State of the Nation’s Housing
report, “single-family homebuilding declined significantly last year as buyers reacted to sharply higher
borrowing costs.” This trend is most likely to impact lower income households and first-time
homebuyers, with the report stating that “the decline in new homebuilding is particularly acute for
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 63
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
lower-priced homes, due to rising construction and land costs, limited lot availability, and regulatory
barriers.”
Stakeholders described that the populations in need of homeownership assistance is continuing to
increase. One stakeholder who works with residents trying to buy a home shared that every
organization in the city is struggling to meet the needs of populations making between 30-50% AMI with
homeownership opportunities. Another stakeholder shared that their organization has traditionally only
assisted households making 80% AMI or below with homeownership assistance. However, because of
escalating home sales prices in Missoula, they have expanded their programs for households making
120% AMI or below. They wanted to see more flexibility in the funding sources they receive to serve
more people in need. Other stakeholders stressed the importance of homeownership rehabilitation
programs to keep people who might be on the verge of losing their homes.
How do HOME rents / Fair Market Rent compare to Area Median Rent? How might this
impact your strategy to produce or preserve affordable housing?
Fair market rent is established by HUD based on rent surveys in the county and represent the average
rent in the area. The National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) calculates the affordability levels of
rental costs based on the definition that rent and utilities should not exceed 30% of income. Using fair
market rent data and assuming a 40-hour work week for 52 weeks per year, the NLIHC has determined
the average hourly wage for renters in the Missoula MSA is not sufficient to afford an average two-
bedroom apartment.
• Hourly wage needed to afford 1-bedroom unit @ fair market rent = $17.42
• Hourly wage needed to afford 2-bedroom unit @ fair market rent = $21.54
• Annual Income needed to afford 2-bedroom unit (average fair market rent) = $44,800
• Median renter household income = $43,744
Additionally, for a Missoula resident earning minimum wage ($9.95/hour), they would have to work 70
hours in a week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home at Fair Market Rent. For a two-bedroom
apartment at Fair Market Rent, a Missoula resident earning minimum wage would need to work 87
hours.
Discussion
Increasing prices of homes for rent and sale in Missoula continue to have a disproportionate impact on
low- and moderate- income households. Household median income increased at a higher rate (49%)
compared to median home value (40%) and median contract rent (43%) between 2010 and 2021.
However, rising interest rates and high downpayment costs make it increasingly difficult for lower-
income households to buy a home. In 2022, the median sales price for a home in the Missoula Urban
Area was $520,000. To afford a home at this price point, assuming a 5% downpayment, a household
would need to make an income of approximately $160,900 to make the mortgage payments and not be
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 64
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
cost burdened. Additionally, there is a current rental gap of approximately 3,500 units that are
affordable to households making less than $25,000 — households that are considered to be extremely
low-income. Overall, there is a total gap of 1,441 units available to renter households at affordable
prices.
While the City has made great strides at increasing housing development over the last few years,
escalating housing prices are still impacting low-income households’ ability to buy an affordable home
or find a place to rent. The City will continue working to minimize barriers and provide financial
incentives, where possible, and to promote the production and preservation of diverse, healthy, and
safe homes. Additionally, the City will continue to prioritize partnerships with affordable housing
developers and partners to increase affordable housing in the city.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 65
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-20 Housing Market Analysis: Condition of Housing – 91.210(a)
Introduction
According to 2021 5-year ACS data, 53% of owner-occupied housing and 51% of renter-occupied housing
in Missoula was built before 1980. As such, these homes are more susceptible to lead-based paint
hazards and more likely to have deferred maintenance and require energy efficiency upgrades. Of the
four factors that HUD uses to define housing problems, the most common housing problem for owner-
occupied households is cost burden, while severe cost burden is the most common housing problem for
renter-occupied households. Households experiencing cost burden often lack funds for housing repairs
and basic maintenance.
Definitions
HUD defines housing problems to include the following:
• Lack of a complete kitchen;
• Lack complete plumbing facilities;
• Cost burdened: A housing cost burden of more than 30% of the household income. Cost burden
is the fraction of a household's total gross income spent on housing costs. For renters, housing
costs include rent paid by the tenant plus utilities. For owners, housing costs include mortgage
payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities; and
• Overcrowded: Overcrowded is defined as more than one person per room, not including
bathrooms, porches, foyers, halls, or half- rooms.
The Condition of Units table below, pre-populated by HUD, utilizes "conditions" in a similar manner to
housing problems as defined above. In addition to this definition, HUD requires the jurisdiction to
provide a definition of "standard condition" and "substandard condition but suitable for rehabilitation."
For purposes of this Plan, "standard condition" is defined as a dwelling unit that meets all applicable
housing and building codes, and "substandard condition but suitable for rehabilitation" is defined as a
dwelling unit that does not meet some of the applicable housing and building codes, and its
rehabilitation would not exceed 50% of the replacement cost of the dwelling. Exceptions may be made
to the 50% of replacement cost threshold on a case-by-case basis, and the rationale will be documented.
Condition of Units
Condition of Units Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
With one selected Condition 3,320 22% 8,499 49%
With two selected Conditions 39 0% 231 1%
With three selected Conditions 0 0% 73 0%
With four selected Conditions 0 0% 0 0%
No selected Conditions 11,635 78% 8,436 49%
Total 14,994 100% 17,239 100%
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 66
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Year Unit Built
Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
2000 or later 4,378 29% 5,146 30%
1980-1999 2,772 18% 3,328 19%
1950-1979 4,759 32% 6,048 35%
Before 1950 3,085 21% 2,717 16%
Total 14,994 100% 17,239 100%
Table 30 – Year Unit Built
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard
Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
Total Number of Units Built Before 1980 7,844 53% 8,765 51%
Housing Units built before 1980 with children present 1,205 54% 645 43%
Table 31 – Risk of Lead-Based Paint
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS (Total Units) 2015-2019 CHAS (Units with Children present)
Vacant Units
Suitable for
Rehabilitation
Not Suitable for
Rehabilitation
Total
Vacant Units 0 0 2,318
Abandoned Vacant Units 0 0 0
REO Properties 0 0 0
Abandoned REO Properties 0 0 0
Data Source: 2021 5-year ACS
Need for Owner and Rental Rehabilitation
According to 2021 ACS data, an estimated 53% of owner-occupied housing and 51% of renter-occupied
housing in Missoula was built before 1980. Census Tracts (and their corresponding neighborhood(s) with
the highest percentage of housing units built before 1980 include:
• Census Tract 5.02 (88% of all housing units), University District;
• Census Tract 11 (81%), Rose Park;
• Census Tract 12 (79%), Rose Park and Lewis & Clark;
• Census Tract 3 (71%), Heart of Missoula; and
• Census Tract 2.03 (70%) Westside and Northside.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 67
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Additionally, CHAS data estimates that 54% of owner-occupied housing built before 1980 includes
children, as well as 43% of renter-occupied housing built before 1980. Homes built before 1980 are
more likely to lack complete kitchen and/or plumbing facilities, have deferred maintenance, as well as
have heating and cooling deficiencies. Generally, because lower income households are more likely to
live in these housing units, rehabilitation or maintenance of the unit is less likely to occur.
HUD CPD maps show that Census Tracts 2.05 and 2.06 have the greatest concentration of low-income
households living in substandard housing in Missoula. The Captain John Mullan and Grant Creek
neighborhoods are located within these Census Tracts.
Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low- or Moderate-Income Families with LBP
Hazards
Homes built before 1980 have the greatest risk of lead-based paint hazard, as the federal government
banned lead from paint beginning in 1978. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), nationally, 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contain lead-based paint, in addition to
69% of homes built between 1940 and 1950, and 87% of homes built before 1940. According to 2021
ACS 5-year data, there are 7,844 owner-occupied units and 8,765 renter-occupied units in Missoula built
before 1980 that are susceptible to lead-based paint. Of these units, there are 1,850 children living in
units built prior to 1980 in Missoula.
Typically, lead based paint is discovered during a construction project, and many households may not
know if their home contains such risk. As such, awareness of the potential hazards and education to
properly maintain, control, and abate lead-based paint is important. Applicants for state CDBG and
HOME funds receive information on dealing with lead-based paint hazards and may receive technical
assistance, training and assistance with the cost of lead-based paint removal activities. City of Missoula
subrecipients also receive information about lead-based paint hazards.
Discussion
The need for rehabilitation is typically in neighborhoods with high concentrations of older homes. In
addition to issues like deferred maintenance and lack of energy efficient features, older homes are also
more likely to be impacted by other toxins, such as radon, mold, and asbestos. There are several existing
programs operated through Missoula area non-profits and government agencies that address
rehabilitation in residential units:
• NeighborWorks Montana and Homeword: Home-buyer counseling and post-purchase
education classes address home maintenance needs.
• Human Resource Council: Homeowner Rehab and Repair Loans and Energy Conservation
programs are available for income-qualifying households.
• Montana Department of Commerce: The Housing Division administers Low-Income Housing Tax
Credits can be used for rehabilitation of multi-family properties.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 68
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Northwest Energy: Energy Conservation Education and Audits.
• Missoula County Health Department: Provides lead, radon, asbestos, and mold remediation
information to County residents.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 69
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing – 91.210(b)
Introduction
Created in 1978, the Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) serves low- and moderate-income persons living in Missoula and surrounding areas
(outside the city limits and within a ten-mile radius). The main programs the agency operates include:
• Affordable housing: MHA owns and manages the following properties that serve low-to-moderate income families throughout Missoula.
All of MHA’s affordable housing properties accept tenant-based vouchers, such as Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Shelter Plus Care,
and VASH.
• Subsidized housing: MHA offers housing choice vouchers to participants that live within the City of Missoula and within a 10-mile radius
outside the city limits and meet certain income thresholds. Additionally, MHA offers permanent housing for people who are unhoused
and project-based rental assistance.
• Programs for people who are unhoused: including a permanent supportive housing program, supportive housing with wraparound
services, and emergency voucher programs.
• Special vouchers: In addition to MHA’s affordable housing options, applicants may qualify for special programs that connect them with
housing. Special vouchers include those for veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people living with disabilities, foster youth, and
emergency housing vouchers for residents experiencing houselessness, those at-risk of experiencing houselessness, those fleeing or
attempting to flee domestic violence, stalking or human trafficking, or those recently homeless in a rapid re-housing program.
The Missoula Housing Authority currently has the designation of a “High-Performing PHA” and has never been designated as “troubled” or
“performing poorly.”
The following is a list of assisted multifamily properties in Missoula:
• Cottage Park (60 units) (low and very low, Section 8)
• Council Groves (72 units) (extremely low income)
• Grandview (48 family units) (Section 8)
• Eagle Watch Estates (24 units) (Disabled)
• Bruce Blattner Apartments (8 units) (Disabled)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 70
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Uptown Apartments (14 units) (Single homeless adults)
• Silvercrest Apartment Community (50 units) (62+ seniors)
• Valor House (17 units) (Veterans)
• Missoula Manor (126 unit) (Seniors, Section 8)
• Clark Fork Riverside Manor (134 units) (Seniors)
• Union Place I & II (LIHTC properties)
• Fireweed Apartments (12 low-income families)
• Equinox (35 units)
• Gold Dust Apartments (18 low-income families)
• Lenox Flats (10 low-income families)
• Orchard Gardens (35 units) (Low to moderate income)
• Phillips Street Apartments (8 units) (Low to moderate income)
• Russell Square Apartments (52 units) (LIHTC)
• Palace Apartments (60 units)
• River Ridge (70 units) (Seniors)
• Garden District (37 units) (LIHTC)
• Silvertip Apartments (115 units) (Low to moderate income)
• Burlington Square (51 units) (Seniors)
• Alder Park Apartments (74 units) (Section 8)
• Parkside Village (104 units)
• Creekside Apartments (161 units)
• Wildflower Apartments (96 units)
• COAD Apartments (three 6-plex units)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 71
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Totals Number of Units
Program Type
Certificate Mod-Rehab Public Housing Vouchers
Total Project -based Tenant -based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs Supportive Housing
Family
Unification Program
Disabled
*
# of units vouchers
available 14 0 1,108 245
863 (includes
SPV) 52 11 FYI 66 MS5
# of accessible units
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 32 – Total Number of Units by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Describe the supply of public housing developments:
In July 2021, the Missoula Housing Authority converted their remaining public housing units into project-based housing choice
vouchers. As such, there are no remaining public housing units or developments in the city of Missoula.
Describe the number and physical condition of public housing units in the jurisdiction, including those that are participating in an
approved Public Housing Agency Plan:
n/a
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 72
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Public Housing Condition
n/a
Table 33 - Public Housing Condition
Describe the restoration and revitalization needs of public housing units in the jurisdiction:
n/a
Describe the public housing agency's strategy for improving the living environment of low-
and moderate-income families residing in public housing:
n/a
Discussion:
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 73
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-30 Homeless Facilities and Services – 91.210(c)
Introduction
In 2011, the City of Missoula and Missoula County worked together to develop Reaching Home:
Missoula’s 10-year Plan to End Homelessness. The plan built upon community efforts to address
houselessness with the ultimate goal to make instances of houselessness rare, brief, and one-time only
in both the city and the county. The two fundamental principles of the plan include:
• Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing: Preventing houselessness is far less costly than trying to
address the problem once housing has been lost. Paying overdue rent or first month’s rent and a
deposit when individuals or families are in a crisis may be all it takes to keep people from losing
their housing. The longer people are without housing, the costlier and more difficult it is to get
them back in homes.
• Housing First: This model supports the idea that the best way to address houselessness is to
house people. It prioritizes supporting households to housing without any prerequisites or
requirements for service engagement, with the recognition that people must have safe and
stable housing before they can address other life challenges. Housing first encourages housing
solutions to be accompanied by supportive services, which are voluntary but readily available to
anyone who chooses to engage. Applying this model has helped communities reduce public
expenditures on emergency hospital services, jails, ambulance services and emergency shelters.
Assessment is key to determining who is at risk of becoming unhoused and providing a quick
response.
With the conclusion of the plan in 2022, one staff member described that while the plan did not end the
experience of houselessness in Missoula, “…it did make the connections needed to bring organizations
together to better understand houselessness while supporting and measuring creative efforts to make
real improvements for those experiencing houselessness.”10 A brief summary of the successes coming
out of the plan are articulated below.
• In 2016, the City of Missoula created its Housing and Community Development department
• In 2017, Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System was created, which “allowed for a single entry
point into service provision for all Missoulians experiencing houselessness. It [also] helped cut
down on competition between service providers, enabled centralized data about the population
and increased efficiency all around.”11
• In 2020,” the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space opened at its original site and the Emergency
Winter Shelter program at the Johnson Street Community Center opened in spring 2021. In
January 2023, the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space moved to a new expanded location, which
includes the addition of Pallet shelters.
10 https://pub-missoula.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=275193
11 https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoulas-plan-to-end-homelessness-10-years-later-whats-next
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 74
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• In 2020, United Way of Missoula County partnered with the City to create the Housing Solutions
Fund, a flexible financial assistance fund that has proven highly effective in keeping households
in their housing and/or helping households rapidly resolve a housing crisis.
• In spring 2021, the City and County jointly launched an initiative called Operation Shelter, which
set up an incident management team with operations and logistics experience to identify and
vet potential alternative locations to live for community members who are unhoused.
• In February 2023, the Trinity Apartments began leasing affordable rental housing to low-income
households in Missoula.
At the conclusion of the plan, the City hired a consultant to evaluate the efficacy of the plan. While the
plan generated many successes, challenges to end houselessness still exist. Below is a brief summary of
the recommendations coming from the evaluation.
• Create an updated plan that responds to the shifting landscape around housing and
houselessness and leverages the attention and focus housing and houselessness is currently
receiving from policymakers and elected officials;
• Continue to build on Reaching Home successes by building upon the infrastructure and
framework that Reaching Home developed to respond to and prevent houselessness;
• Improve communication and messaging to better highlight what actions the City and partners
are taking and how they are impacting houselessness;
• Strengthen community engagement to better help the community understand the complexities
of addressing houselessness and build community generated-solutions;
• Enhance data collection and use of Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System (MCES) to continue
to identify, track, and report data that reflect client interactions across multiple continuum of
care (CoC) levels and include factors that contribute to preventing the experience of
houselessness and/or sustaining and enabling an exit from houselessness;
• Increase affordable housing by pursuing creative ways to both increase the development of
affordable, low-income housing units and limit the ability of landlords and property managers to
raise rents and set prohibitive restrictions for applicants and tenants; and
• Support substance use disorder management to better support those with serious medical
management issues or disabilities find and remain housed.
As described in the Needs Assessment, collecting data on unhoused residents is challenging. While the
annual Point-in-Time Count provides a useful snapshot of the extent of houselessness in the city, it does
paint a complete picture. For example, 356 people were identified as experiencing houselessness in
Missoula at the time of the count in January 2023. However, in the Missoula Coordinated Entry System
(MCES), there were 1,047 people as of June 17, 2023. To better understand the realities of neighbors
who are living without shelter and what types of shelter or services they would like to see available, the
City implemented its own survey “Point-in-Time” survey during the summer of 2023.
The City surveyed 121 unhoused residents between July 31st and August 4th, 2023. Findings from the
survey included:
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 75
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• 64% of respondents reported previously being unhoused;
• 64% of respondents reported being unhoused for more than a year;
• Job loss was the most common self-reported cause for experiencing houselessness, followed by
“mental health,” “physical disability,” “family conflict,” and “eviction.”
• The top three answers for preferred temporary living environment were “hotel, motel, or
AirBnb,” “authorized campsite,” and “shelter.”
• Respondents were asked what would best foster support during their time experiencing
houselessness, with answers including “food,” “access to bathrooms,” “stable place to rest or
sleep,” and “friendship.”
The City of Missoula continues to make efforts to strengthen its data collection efforts on houselessness,
as well as share the data with the community.
Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households.
The Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) does not have real-time tracking of resources, which
includes beds, units, rental assistance, and case management enrollment. The table below provides an
estimate of facilities and housing targeted to residents experiencing houselessness.
Emergency Shelter Beds Transitional
Housing Beds
Permanent Supportive
Housing Beds
Year Round
Beds
(Current &
New)
Voucher /
Seasonal /
Overflow
Beds
Current &
New
Current &
New
Under
Development
Households with
Adult(s) and Child(ren) 178 12 0
Households with Only
Adults 282 6 194 0
Chronically Homeless
Households 0
Veterans 20 17 16
Unaccompanied Youth 0
Table 34 - Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households
Data Source Comments:
State of Montana Continuum of Care
The Poverello Center has the capacity to shelter between 125 and 132 individuals at its Broadway Street
location, as well as an additional 150 individuals at the Johnson Street Shelter. The Poverello Center also
provides 20 transitional housing units for Veterans through its Housing Montana Heroes program and
plans to build another facility that will serve an additional 16 veterans.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 76
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Additionally, the Meadowlark Family Housing Center, a joint venture between the YWCA and the
Missoula Interfaith Collaborative, provides 178 beds for families and survivors of domestic violence. The
YWCA also offers six transitional housing beds. Mountain Home Montana provides 12 transitional units
for mothers and their children.
Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the extent those services are used to complement services targeted to homeless persons
A network of public and private agencies in Missoula provides a variety of mainstream services through
referrals and cooperative service agreements:
• The Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC) has a specific certified Mental Health
Professional that coordinates discharges with the Montana State Hospital and attends the
Admission and Discharge Review Team (ADRT) meeting every other month; this also allows for
meeting with prospective and established clients face-to-face at the State Hospital. Locally,
WMMHC also coordinates discharges with Missoula’s two hospitals: St. Patrick Hospital and
Community Medical Center. In addition to ADRT, WMMHC has PATH (Projects for Assistance in
Transition from Homelessness) and PACT (Program of Assertive Community Treatment) teams
that offer various housing navigation, medication management, and housing retention services.
• Missoula has two part-time Community Liaison Outreach Specialists funded through the
Department of Public Health and Human Services. They provide transitional support to
individuals with mental illness being discharged from the Montana State Hospital and into
services offered in our community.
• St. Patrick Hospital is coordinating with the Montana State Hospital to receive signed releases of
information for patient’s being conditionally released; this helps ensure that if/when the
recently released patient is seeking services in the emergency department, the staff have some
background information.
• Partnership Health Center has a Community Care Team (CCT) which includes a Registered Nurse
and provides street medicine and connections to other behavioral and medical health services
directly to neighbors who are living without shelter.
• Partnership Health Center has three satellite health clinics, one at the Missoula Food Bank and
Community Center, one at The Poverello Center shelter, and one at Lowell Elementary School to
offer accessible medical care to neighbors who may visit those organizations for services. They
are working to open a fourth satellite clinic at the Trinity Navigation Center, which is intended to
open later this year. All satellite clinics are also open to the general public.
• Partners for Reintegration (PFR), a sub-committee of the Missoula Criminal Justice Coordinating
Council (CJCC), is a community coalition focused on improving reentry for returning citizens.
Safe, affordable housing is the current biggest difficulty facing returning citizens from both state
and county facilities, and also affects their families and children.
• In Missoula, the Emergency Solutions Grant rapid re-housing (RRH) program was used to
provide unhoused individuals in a three-county area with any of the following forms of
assistance: one to three months of rental assistance, a rental security deposit equal to no more
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 77
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
than two months’ rent, last months’ rent, a utility security deposit, rental application fees, utility
payments, utility arrears up to 12 months, and arrears from a prior rental.
• Missoula is actively involved in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Montana and provides a 40-hour
basic academy each year. CIT is a collaborative effort between law enforcement, mental health
agencies and community resource providers.
• Missoula has a Mobile Support Team (MST), operated through a partnership between the City of
Missoula’s Fire Department and Partnership Health Center. This team is dispatched through 9-1-
1 for emergency calls that are mental or behavioral health related.
• As shown in the 2023 PIT Count, Native Americans are over-represented in the population
experiencing houselessness in the city. Missoula includes All Nations Health Center in local
coordinated services and programming efforts to assure we are providing peer support and
culturally-sensitive interventions, when possible.
• All Nations Health Center (ANHC) provides sustainable healthy lives for Native people and the
surrounding community through culturally-based, holistic care. In addition to medical services
that provide culturally competent care to Indigenous residents of the Missoula community,
ANHC also provides dental, behavioral health, health promotion, and transportation services.
• Missoula Works is a non-profit subsidiary of the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative organization.
Missoula Works was founded in 2016 with the mission to provide employment opportunities,
both temporary and permanent, for the long-term unemployed in the Missoula community.
• The David J. Thatcher VA Clinic provides medical, mental health and social services to veterans
and their families.
• The At-Risk Housing Coalition has three committees and four working groups to help ensure that
resources from public and private sources are being utilized and kept up-to-date:
• General Committee
• The Executive Committee is comprised of executive directors and management level staff.
The committee meets to discuss agency projects, unhoused policy issues, and to offer input
and support for the implementation of the 10-year plan.
• The SOAR Committee ensures high quality SOAR applications are being submitted to the
local Social Security Administration by monitoring community outcomes, identifying and
resolving application challenges, identifying areas for SOAR expansion and exploring
strategies for ongoing funding and sustainability.
• The Point in Time Count workgroup meets each September through January to plan and
implement Missoula’s annual point-in-time houseless survey and housing inventory.
• The Homeless Persons’ Memorial workgroup meets in the fall to plan the annual Homeless
Persons’ Memorial held in December on the longest night of the year
• The Continuum of Care workgroup convenes in the summer to compile the necessary
information for Missoula’s HUD Continuum of Care applications and make
recommendations to ARHC for endorsement. Meeting times are dependent on Housing and
Urban Development process with the State CoC – Montana Continuum of Care Coalition.
• The Missoula Coordinated Entry System Oversight Committee meets every 1st Tuesday to
discuss improvements, questions, and updates within MCES.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 78
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• The Houseless Providers workgroup meets every 1st Thursday to discuss urgent needs and
weather-related challenges and engage in problem solving to support neighbors who are
unhoused.
List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services, describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations.
Chronically unhoused individuals and families
• As noted previously, Missoula has dedicated emergency shelter and transitional housing beds
for those who are chronically unhoused. The Missoula “Reaching Home -10-year Plan” included
strategies to address chronic houselessness, including supportive services and providing
permanent housing. As of 2023, the City is in the process of developing the next strategy to
address houselessness.
• The City of Missoula's HOME-supported Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program
provided rental housing assistance to unhoused households.
• Missoula’s Coordinated Outreach Team (WMMHC, Poverello Center, Open Aid Alliance,
Volunteers of America, Hope Rescue Mission, and others) provides outreach services to
neighbors who are unhoused in the city of Missoula, the urban area around Missoula, as well as
East Missoula and Bonner.
• Missoula Housing Authority, Homeword, and BlueLine Development developed the new Blue
Heron Place, which has 30 one-bedroom apartments dedicated to Permanent Supportive
Housing. These apartments will support neighbors who are chronically unhoused and the most
vulnerable in Missoula. The property will be managed by Missoula Housing Authority with
supportive services provided by Partnership Health Center and The Poverello Center.
• Missoula has a FUSE program – Frequent Users System Engagement – operated by Partnership
Health Center in coordination with Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System. This program identifies
the highest utilizers of crisis services (911, jail, hospital emergency rooms) and provides targeted
case conferencing and housing navigation to support those neighbors to housing solutions.
Neighbors who are on the FUSE list are the top priority in the Missoula Coordinated Entry
System prioritization policy for local housing resources such as housing vouchers.
• YWCA Missoula has a Family Housing Center that provides short-term shelter for families, as
well as shelter for survivors of interpersonal violence.
• The Poverello Center provides emergency shelter for adults over the age of 18. They also
provide food and entry to the Missoula Coordinated Entry System.
• The PATH program out of Western Montana Mental Health Center provides resources and case
management for individuals with a serious mental illness, or serious mental illness and
substance use disorder, who are experiencing houselessness or are at imminent risk of
becoming unhoused.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 79
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Families with Children
• Missoula provides 178 emergency shelter beds for unhoused families with children.
• 18 transitional housing beds are provided to unhoused families with children.
• 128 permanent housing beds are provided for families through various programs.
• Unhoused families with children are connected with any and all applicable services and
programs.
• District School Liaisons identify families and youth in Missoula school who are unhoused or at-
risk of being unhoused.
• Missoula County Public Schools participate in the Missoula Coordinated Entry System as a
partnering agency.
• Mountain Home Montana provides housing and supportive services for young mothers and their
children.
Veterans and their families
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Veterans Affairs Supportive
Housing (VASH) Program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for veterans who
are unhoused with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of
Veterans Affairs. The Montana Department of Commerce's Rental Assistance Bureau provides
this rental assistance for eligible veterans across the state.
• The Poverello Center’s Valor House provides permanent housing for veterans. The facilities offer
the following services: housing, case management, transportation, community service referrals,
laundry facilities, internet access, access to Veterans' Affairs and support services (medical,
dental, mental health and vision care plus employment services).
• There is a Veterans’ Affairs Office in Missoula, which provides outreach and services to Veterans
and receives referrals from primary health care providers, as well as HUD-VASH vouchers.
• Missoula Coordinated Entry System’s Prioritization Policy ensures that chronically unhoused
households and non-VASH eligible Veterans are prioritized first for Permanent Supportive
Housing. The aforementioned Prioritization Policy considers the scores of local vulnerability
assessment, the MAP (Matching to Appropriate Placement), in addition to other factors
associated with vulnerability. Those with the highest MCES scores are prioritized for limited
resources first. Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System ensures that Veterans are receiving VA
dollars first, whenever possible.
• Volunteers of America Northern Rockies supports Veterans and their families with housing
services through Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), providing rental assistance and
housing case management.
• Veterans Inc. provides case management, housing and employment support, and Supportive
Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) across the state of Montana.
Unaccompanied Youth
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 80
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• The Montana State Continuum of Care has a Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP)
grant and has developed an active and engaged Youth Action Board (YAB) which guides the
YHDP work and participates in all Montana CoC activities. The Youth Action Board is made up of
young people with lived expertise of houselessness.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 81
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services – 91.210(d)
Introduction
As discussed throughout the plan, the city of Missoula has a robust system of organizations and agencies
working to provide housing and other supportive services to the city’s most vulnerable populations. In
the face of declining state and federal resources, these organizations are finding it increasingly difficult
to adequately maintain facilities and provide robust supportive services for all those in need.
Compounding this situation is a growing aging population, as well as increasing costs of developing
affordable housing. The following section details the similar, yet unique, housing and supportive service
needs of these populations throughout the city.
Including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities (mental, physical, developmental),
persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families,
public housing residents and any other categories the jurisdiction may specify, and describe
their supportive housing needs
Elderly
As previously described in the NA-45 section, the elderly population has grown rapidly and is projected
to continue growing rapidly in Missoula over the coming decades. In Missoula, 11,948 households are
considered elderly (over the age of 62) and approximately 600 households are considered frail elderly
Current challenges faced by this population include:
• Fixed income makes it more difficult to afford rising housing costs;
• Housing instability or experiencing houselessness for older populations can often lead to a
breakdown of their support system;
• Access to affordable, trustworthy home maintenance, repair and modification is frequently
identified as a need.
• Lack of available, affordable home and community-based services can lead to negative
outcomes or premature institutionalization.
According to a housing needs model used for this analysis, 976 elderly households (8% of the elderly
population in Missoula) have housing or service needs. Of the estimated 600 households that include
residents considered “frail elderly”, approximately 50 of these households also have housing and service
needs. Older adults comprise households smaller than the average households, which will create a
demand for smaller, accessible units.
Several stakeholders spoke about how fixed income is a major challenge for seniors and contributes to
their economic and housing insecurity. Stakeholders shared that because of this, it can be difficult for
seniors to stay in their homes if they don’t have the financial resources to have caregivers and service
providers come to their home. Many stakeholders noted that in addition to medical, health, and care
services needed by this population, companionship is also another service greatly in need. Stakeholders
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 82
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
described that isolated elderly populations can be more at risk of health challenges. Additionally,
stakeholders felt that a lot of services targeted at seniors assume these populations have places to live.
One stakeholder described that a lot of elderly Missoulians are barely able to stay in their homes
because of property tax increases and accessibility challenges. Stakeholders felt that with more housing
options that met the needs of this population, there would be less of a reliance on the need for
intensive supportive service delivery.
Persons with Disabilities
According to 2021 ACS data, 11.3% of Missoula’s population or 8,189 people have some type of
disability. Among the general population, the most common type of disability is a cognitive disability
(5.6% of Missoula’s population) while among the population over age 65, the most common type of
disability is ambulatory (19.9% of Missoula residents over than 65), followed by hearing difficulty
(14.6%). Since many residents in this population rely on SSDI, it is increasingly difficult to find housing
that is affordable. Additionally, residents who want to age in place in their current home might not be
able to due to the high cost of rehabilitation. Moreover, the lack of accessible housing —housing with
universal design features—makes it that much more difficult for residents living with disabilities to age
in place.
According to a housing needs model used for this analysis, 2,285 households that include a person living
with a disability (28% of households with persons experiencing a mental, physical, and/or development
disability) are estimated to have housing or service needs in Missoula. As described in the Needs
Assessment section, stakeholders pointed to the lack of accessible housing as the greatest housing need
for populations living with disabilities. Stakeholders highlighted that even when accessible units are
built, it does not mean that a person living with a disability will be able to live in those units.
Stakeholders also emphasized that depending on the disability a person is living with (physical, mental,
or developmental), the housing and supportive service needs vary widely. In addition to the lack of
resources available to serve this population, many stakeholders talked about losing staff and capacity to
assist these populations due to the lack of affordable housing available for their staff. Case management
was another supportive service need articulated by stakeholders.
Persons with HIV/AIDS
According to AIDSVu, 119 of every 100,000 people in Missoula County are living with HIV. Based on the
state’s incidence rate of people living with HIV and AIDS, there are approximately 50 people in the city
of Missoula who are living with HIV/AIDS. However, this is likely an undercount.
Open Aid Alliance, an organization that serves the immediate needs of people living HIV/AIDS and fights
the stigma and fear associated with the disease, administers the Housing Opportunities for People with
Aids (HOPWA) program. This program provides access to affordable housing and support services to
people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, such as housing assistance, free counseling services,
support groups and social activities, and comprehensive case management services.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 83
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Additionally, several organizations in Missoula County offer counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS,
including All Nations Health Center and Partnership Health Center. While HOPWA is an invaluable
resource for this population, stakeholders stressed that more resources are needed for this population
to stay housed and receive the services they require. In addition to more housing assistance, case
management and more resources to help retain staff were other significant needs described by
stakeholders.
Substance Use
Stakeholder shared that people with unmet substance use and mental health needs disproportionately
utilize emergency city services, such as fire, ambulance, and the City’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
According to a housing needs model used for this analysis, of the estimated 11,673 Missoula residents
experiencing substance use and/or chemical dependency, 5,562 (48% of these households) are
estimated to have housing or service needs in Missoula. Permanent housing access and behavioral
health and substance use counseling are essential to support this population. Stakeholders expressed a
critical need for more addiction treatment services, as well as safe places for people to detox.
Stakeholders also emphasized a need for different segments of the population to have their own
dedicated facilities (e.g., women-only facilities). Stakeholders agreed that the greatest need for this
population was permanent supportive housing (with wraparound services).
Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health
institutions receive appropriate supportive housing
The following organizations provide mental health and disability services in Missoula.
Mental Health
• All Nations Health Center
• Western Montana Mental Health Center
• Providence Psychiatry – Saint Patrick’s Hospital
• Partnership Health Center
• Curry Health Center
• AWARE
• Blue Mountain Clinic
• Ag Worker Health & Services
• Private Providers
Disability Services
• Missoula Aging Services & Disability Resource Center
• Montana Advocacy program
• MonTech – Assistive Technology
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 84
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Opportunity Resources
• Jobs Inc.
• Summit Independent Living
Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address
the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with
respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year
goals. 91.315(e)
All four goals articulated in the Consolidated Plan aim to address not only the needs of residents
experiencing houselessness, but also the needs of special populations and residents who are at risk of
becoming unhoused. The Plan’s first goal is to increase housing options for extremely low, low, and
moderate-income households through new development, preservation, and rehabilitation. Housing
options that emphasize accessibility, are located near transit corridors and other amenities, and include
sustainable and climate-resilient approaches and practices will be prioritized by the City.
Additionally, the City will fund activities that improve housing stability for individuals and households
with critical needs, particularly special populations and populations at risk of experiencing
houselessness. The City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund updated its policies in December 2023 to
expand funding eligibility to housing case management and supportive services that results in people
staying in permanent housing. The City is also working with HUD to provide three fair housing trainings
in spring 2024, with one focused on housing service providers and another on tenants/residents.
The City will also look to address critical community needs by funding gaps that serve special
populations and households considered extremely low, low, or moderate income.
For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2))
Missoula’s community mental health center, Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC) has a
specific certified Mental Health Professional that coordinates discharges with the Montana State
Hospital and attends the Admission and Discharge Review Team (ADRT) meeting every other month; this
also allows for meeting with prospective and established clients face-to-face at the State Hospital.
Locally, WMMHC also coordinates discharges with Missoula’s two hospitals: St. Patrick Hospital and
Community Medical Center.
WMMHC also employs several staff at the Missoula County Detention Facility and they specifically have
a case manager that completes discharge planning at the jail. This person also works with households
after they are released for up to 90 days in attempt to reduce recidivism.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 85
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Missoula has two part-time Community Liaison Outreach Specialists funded through the Department of
Public Health and Human Services. They provide transitional support to individuals with mental illness
being discharged from the Montana State Hospital and into services offered in our community.
St. Patrick Hospital is coordinating with the Montana State Hospital to receive signed releases of
information for patient’s being conditionally released; this helps ensure that if/when the recently
released patient is seeking services in the emergency department, the staff have some background
information.
Partners for Reintegration (PFR), a sub-committee under ARHC, is a community coalition focused on
improving reentry for returning citizens. Safe, affordable housing is the current biggest difficulty facing
returning citizens from both state and county facilities, and also affects their families and children. PFR's
close working relationship with ARHC benefits both organizations and can increase community safety
and success in reintegration. PFR has been active for four years and is supported by over 300 people, as
reflected in their mailing list. This includes returning citizens, probation and parole, attorneys,
individuals in private practice as well as agencies already involved in ARHC.
The Human Resource Council operates an Owner-Occupied Rehab program to support homeowners
with low incomes staying in place and living in accessible, habitable housing. The program receives
funding from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
The Regional Access Mobility Program (RAMP) provides wheelchair ramps to homes of seniors and
people with disabilities to increase housing retention and visitability.
The Housing Solutions Fund is a flexible financial assistance fund to prevent households from entering
houselessness or quickly divert households from the houseless system through rapid resolutions. It’s
operated through a partnership between United Way of Missoula County and Human Resource Council.
All referrals are made through the Missoula Coordinated Entry System. The City is the lead entity
operating the Missoula Coordinated Entry System.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 86
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing – 91.210(e)
Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential Investment
There are several barriers inhibiting affordable housing development in Missoula. Regulatory
environment barriers, such as land use regulations that are incompatible with city housing goals, limited
land zoned for affordable housing, burdensome subdivision requirements, and lack of city/county
alignment around future growth, all play a part in slowing down the City’s ability to build affordable
housing. Barriers related to housing development, including expensive infrastructure requirements,
rising development costs due to labor shortages and inflation, neighborhood pushback on affordable
housing development, and uncertainty in development review processes also prove to be challenging.
Additionally, funding, cooperation and collaboration among partners, and lack of understanding about
housing issues on a community-level all contribute to developing affordable housing in the city.
Barriers and Challenges
In 2019, the City of Missoula adopted A Place to Call Home, the city-wide housing policy which was born
out of a community driven engagement process. A Place to Call Home is a comprehensive, community-
driven housing policy that aims to address the gaps in the city’s housing market and ensure the market
meets the needs of its residents. The adopted housing policy addresses constraints that were identified
through reports and community engagement, which are outlined below. The City actively addresses
local barriers through policy and programming. The City has limited powers related to regulating the
rental environment due to preemptions at the state level. For instance, state statute denies local
government the authority to license or regulate the behaviors and activities of landlords regarding
tenants beyond the provisions in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of 1977. (Subsections (1) and
(13) of 7-1-111, MCA)
Regulatory Environment
1. The City has not completely aligned its land use codes with the goal of infill and providing
affordable housing.
2. No performative standards for private developers to meet community housing needs. State
preemption on Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning enacted in 2023.
3. Land conservation requirements impacting development costs and ultimately, affordability.
4. State subdivision regulations are burdensome, particularly in the county without base zoning
and local processes are layered on top of that.
5. No clear long-term strategic approach to annexation.
6. Infill land use policies are at odds with neighborhood preservation.
7. Limited land zoned dense enough for affordable development.
8. Lack of city/county alignment around growth policy and definitions of infill, tension between
providing choice for both urban and rural areas
Housing Development
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 87
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
1. High up-front or uncertain infrastructure requirements.
2. Rising development cost driven by labor shortage and material cost inflation.
3. Neighborhood push-back to infill development.
4. Limited models for below-market rate homeownership development being deployed.
5. No meaningful incentives or clear performative standards for meeting ownership needs.
6. City and county lands are restricted due to infrastructure challenges.
7. Limited land for housing development.
8. Health department regulations uncertain.
9. Limited LIHTC credits for addressing statewide needs. LIHTC allocation on state level is
subjective and erratic.
10. Uncertainty in development review processes.
11. Developers feel infrastructure requirements are costly and unpredictable.
12. Public and policy maker perceptions of developers limit opportunities for partnership.
13. Limited education and pervasive perception of Tax Increment Financing makes values aligned
development challenging
Funding
1. Limited recurring local source of funding for housing construction.
2. Potential threats for federal funding.
3. Perception of high tax rates in the city.
4. Limited mechanisms for recapturing and recycling affordable housing funding
Other
1. Lack of community level understanding of housing issues.
2. Collaboration between public/private/nonprofit sectors not being fully leveraged.
3. Lack of communication/collaboration between real estate industry, banking, nonprofit and
public sectors.
4. NGOs need additional financial support to expand housing efforts.
5. Small pool of developers and providers to meet needs; capacity is limited.
Policy Framework to Address Challenges and Barriers
The City of Missoula Office of Housing & Community Development led an effort to engage community
partners in a conversation that resulted in the City of Missoula’s Housing Policy, called A Place to Call
Home: Meeting Missoula’s Housing Needs. The resulting recommendations aim to both spur and
harness the market to better provide housing at a wide range of entry points, and to ensure all Missoula
residents can obtain safe and decent homes. The recommendations coming out of the policy are
organized into four primary action areas, with the following bulleted recommendations:
• Track and analyze progress for continuous improvement;
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 88
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Align and leverage existing funding resources to support housing;
• Reduce barriers to new supply and promote access to affordable homes; and
• Partner to create and preserve affordable homes.
Align and leverage existing funding resources to support housing
• Establish the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF);
• Leverage and expand funding access with the Missoula Redevelopment Agency; and
• Create a unified application process to streamline work for applicants.
Reduce barriers to new supply and promote access to affordable homes
• Incentivize affordable housing development;
• Support housing consumers; and
• Promote infill through accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development.
Partner to create and preserve affordable homes
• Preserve existing affordable housing;
• Support affordable rental development; and
• Expand affordable homeownership options.
The Missoula Growth Policy is a long-range master plan for the city that was adopted in 2015. Objectives
in the Growth Policy to address the above issues include rezoning land for multi-family development,
modifying the zoning regulations to provide more options for affordable housing, in-fill development on
under-utilized parcels and potential redevelopment of brownfield sites. Currently, the City is working
with the community to update Missoula’s vision for future growth and to modernize its development
regulations to ensure its policies and priorities can be more responsive to current challenges, such as
housing affordability, equity, and climate change, as well as respond to the identified affordable housing
barriers and challenges in the city. During this process, an Equity in Land Use report was completed,
which will also help inform equity considerations for affordable housing .
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 89
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets – 91.215 (f)
Introduction
The City of Missoula is the regional hub for medical, retail, and business in western Montana and is also home to the University of Montana.
Other major employers include Missoula County Public Schools, Community Medical Center, and Providence St. Patrick’ Hospital. In 2021, the
University of Montana reported an increase in enrollment for the first time since 2011. In 2022, the University welcomed its largest first-year
class in the last six years. Even with cyclical enrollment over the last decade, the population base and economic base continued to grow.
However, that growth has not come without challenges. According to the County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS),
challenges that have emerged during Missoula’s rapid growth include “the decline in availability of qualified workers to fill jobs, the increasing
cost and decreasing availability of housing, a lack of suitable commercial facilities to accommodate growing companies, and the pace of
infrastructure expansion and improvement—ranging from roads and broadband to neighborhood parks and sidewalks—relative to increased
population and demand.” However, even with a relatively higher proportion of people in the 16-24 age group—a group that typically has a
higher unemployment rate—Missoula still boasts one of the lower unemployment rates in Montana. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Missoula had a 2.3% unemployment rate as of May 2023.
Economic Development Market Analysis
Business Activity
Business by Sector Number of
Workers Number of Jobs Share of Workers
% Share of Jobs
% Jobs less workers
%
Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction 390 405 1 1 0
Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations 5,368 6,085 11 12 1
Construction 1,964 2,027 4 4 0
Education and Health Care Services 14,275 15,321 30 30 0
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 2,836 2,908 6 6 0
Information 1,076 1,133 2 2 0
Manufacturing 1,443 1,537 3 3 0
Other Services 2,099 2,355 4 5 0
Professional, Scientific, Management Services 3,897 4,074 8 8 0
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 90
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Business by Sector Number of Workers Number of Jobs Share of Workers % Share of Jobs % Jobs less workers %
Administration and Support, Waste Management 2,589 2,881 5 6 0
Public Administration 2,776 2,820 6 6 0
Retail Trade 5,937 6,400 12 13 0
Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities 1,204 1,260 3 2 0
Wholesale Trade 1,811 1,870 4 4 0
Total 47,665 51,076 -- -- --
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 91
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table 35 - Business Activity
Data
Source:
2011-2015 ACS (Workers), 2015 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (Jobs)
Labor Force
Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force 45,631
Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over 43,179
Unemployment Rate 4.8%
Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24 11.4%
Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65 4.2%
Table 36 - Labor Force
Data Source: 2017-2021 5-year and 1-year ACS
Occupations by Sector Number of People
Management, business, science, and arts 17,131
Natural resources, construction, and
maintenance 2,968
Service 9,672
Sales and office 9,659
Production, transportation and material moving 3,749
Table 37 – Occupations by Sector
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Travel Time
Travel Time Number Percentage
< 30 Minutes 34,701 91%
30-59 Minutes 2,634 7%
60 or More Minutes 858 2%
Total 38,193 100%
Table 38 - Travel Time
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Education:
Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older)
Educational Attainment In Labor Force
Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor
Force
Less than high school graduate 557 83 407
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 92
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Educational Attainment In Labor Force
Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor
Force
High school graduate (includes
equivalency) 5,168 178 1,212
Some college or Associate's degree 8,958 459 2,006
Bachelor's degree or higher 16,950 451 1,686
Table 39 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Educational Attainment by Age
Age
18–24 yrs 25–34 yrs 35–44 yrs 45–65 yrs 65+ yrs
Less than 9th grade 5 152 137 130 119
9th to 12th grade, no diploma 528 154 183 291 285
High school graduate, GED, or
alternative 2,926 2,115 1,952 2,491 1,878
Some college, no degree 6,339 2,638 1,691 3,639 1,941
Associate's degree 465 1,681 667 1,111 627
Bachelor's degree 2,079 4,675 3,454 4,188 2,773
Graduate or professional degree 89 1,783 2,157 2,830 2,357
Table 40 - Educational Attainment by Age
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Educational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Educational Attainment Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Less than high school graduate 17,078
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 29,898
Some college or Associate's degree 30,490
Bachelor's degree 38,146
Graduate or professional degree 60,756
Table 41 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Data Source: 2017-2021 ACS
Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within
your jurisdiction?
The major employment sectors in Missoula include “Education and Healthcare Services”, “Arts,
Entertainment, and Accommodations”, and “Retail Trade.” The table reports the number of workers,
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 93
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
number of jobs, and calculates the totals and a final ration of workers to each job by business sector. A
negative number reflects an oversupply of labor for the sector (more workers than jobs) and a positive
number reflects an undersupply of labor (more jobs than workers). According to Table 45, every major
employment sector in Missoula has an undersupply of labor, with “Arts, Entertainment, and
Accommodations” having the greatest undersupply among the sectors. One likely reason for the
undersupply of labor are high housing costs in Missoula. According to the occupations by sector table,
the largest number of workers in the labor are “Management, Business, Science, and Arts”, followed by
“Service” and “Sales and Office”.
Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community:
The City of Missoula contributes funding to the Missoula Economic Partnership (MEP), a non-profit
organization that serves Missoula County. MEP undertakes strategic initiatives to support business
expansion, business recruitment, and business start-ups. The organization also has a goal to attract a
skilled workforce and to work with educational institutions to develop training programs. The MEP’s
2022-2026 Strategic Plan describes the current challenges facing the county and region:
“Three factors that challenge Missoula County’s economic future include cost of living, low wages, and
regional isolation. Missoula’s desirable quality of life contributes to the rising cost of living. High demand
for place does not necessarily lead to high housing prices but does so when demand is not met with
sufficient supply.
Today, businesses of all sizes and across all industries indicate that they are currently experiencing high
demand for their products and services and have strong potential for continued growth, but several
factors, including a high cost of living, make it difficult to recruit talent from elsewhere and force some
workers to leave. If Missoula is unable to attract or retain certain types of workers, some firms or
industries may become unviable. With the large increase in remote working, Missoula has become an
even more desirable place to relocate and bring an existing job. This has increased the competition for
limited housing, and has potentially displaced workers, replaced by residents who are not available or
motivated to take jobs offered by local firms.”
The 2022-2026 Strategic Plan lays out several strategies to support businesses, people, and place. A
sample of the strategies described are detailed below.
• Expand available workforce for businesses by providing businesses with knowledge and
resources to support families with young children;
• Support new commercial developments that enable growth of best-fit industries;
• Facilitate value added peer to peer education and networking opportunities in priority sectors;
• Expand access to higher wage jobs for all Missoula County residents through connection to
education, career development, specialized training, and work-based learning;
• Catalyze projects that increase the supply of affordable and middle-income housing for both
owners and renters;
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 94
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Support partner efforts to protect the natural environment that defines our quality of life and
standard of living; and
• Support local government efforts to expand and maintain the physical infrastructure that
connects all individuals and communities to regional opportunity.
Stakeholders confirmed these challenges experienced by businesses in Missoula. One stakeholder
shared that the greatest challenge for businesses trying to recruit employees and serve their clientele is
the escalating cost of housing and lack of affordable housing options. This stakeholder added that it’s
not just the biggest constraint to the economic health of the city, but it’s also impacting the “social
infrastructure of the community.” They added that Missoula used to be known for being a place where
people of all incomes could thrive, but that is not the case anymore.
Stakeholders added that current efforts are targeted at rebuilding a resurging manufacturing sector in
the city, as well as making economic development investments that are more environmentally friendly.
Stakeholders also noted that without significant federal investment, major infrastructure projects will
likely not occur over the next five years. However, one stakeholder noted that an immediate need is the
construction of basic infrastructure (e.g., street lighting and new sidewalks) in existing neighborhoods.
They added that many families do not let their children walk to and from school because of the lack of
infrastructure in their neighborhood. This stakeholder also noted that water and sewer infrastructure
will need to be built in areas of the city where new housing is proposed.
Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or
regional public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect
job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for
workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create.
C2M Beta – Housed within Blackfoot Communications, the C2M Beta Accelerator is a 12-week program
that brings together leaders of start-ups and corporations aiming to build connections and better
solutions for users. Supporting six cohorts since 2018, the Accelerator offers curated curriculums to help
advance ideas into implementation, pairs cohorts with mentors and experts, and provides access to
resources and investors to help their early-stage businesses achieve success.
Missoula International Airport - The Missoula International Airport is located just over four miles
northwest of the city center and is governed by the Missoula County Airport Authority, a nine-member
nonpartisan board. The airport’s 9,501-foot-long runway serves commercial and general aviation
activities including commercial flight operations, freight, recreational flying, corporate and business
activity, and emergency medical aviation. The airport also has a significant aerial wildland firefighting
presence and serves as a firefighting base for 215 U.S. Forest Service employees. The first phase of the
airport’s new terminal project was completed in 2022, which featured new and expanded ticketing,
screening, and boarding experiencing for passengers. Upcoming phases of the terminal expansion will
focus on expanding baggage claims, rental car, and passenger gates. Airport officials are also exploring
an update to the Airport’s master plan, which was last updated in 2008.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 95
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Transportation Projects – The City of Missoula’s Transportation Safety Team (TST) includes planners,
engineers, and Street Maintenance Division staff who collaborate frequently to improve safety and
operations for multi-modal system users. Current projects include traffic calming, trail crossing, surface
improvement, streets mobility improvements, and infrastructure improvement projects across the city.
Water & Sewer Projects –After taking over the water utility from private ownership in 2017, the City
completed a water system master plan the following year. The Plan describes the existing system and
projected water demands, evaluates existing facilities and infrastructure needs, and develops
recommendations for improvement projects to be included in a comprehensive Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP). Since 2020, the City’s Public Works department has completed several water main and sewer
force main replacements, drainage improvement, and maintenance projects. Current projects include
several water main replacements, water storage tank installments, and water main extension projects
throughout the city.
Stakeholders shared other proposed projects in the next five years that are anticipated to have a major
economic impact in the city. In October 2023, the State of Montana was selected as a “regional tech
hub” by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Following the state’s designation as a “regional
tech hub,” the City of Missoula and Missoula Economic Partnership applied for an EDA Regional
Technology and Innovation Hubs grant and expects to hear if they were chosen in summer 2024. If
selected, $75 million of capital would be available to support growth in technology and technology-
adjacent jobs in both Missoula and Bozeman. Stakeholders also noted that in the next five years, there
will be several projects related to housing and industrial land development in and around the city of
Missoula.
How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment
opportunities in the jurisdiction?
As mentioned previously, the Missoula Economic Partnership released the Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) for Missoula County in 2021. According to the CEDS, the best-fit industries
for the county include the following:
• Biosciences – University of Montana has necessary programs and majors to provide talent for
this industry.
• Creative Professional and Business Services - University of Montana has the necessary
programs and majors to provide talent for this industry.
• High Value Technology Service – The University of Montana and Missoula College offer various
technology degrees. There are also online programs and coding schools that offer alternative
training in the technology sector. Graduates in these programs are in high demand and lower
wages in Missoula are not competitive with national wages. Many graduates leave the state for
higher paying jobs so there is an on-going need for job training in this sector.
• High Value Manufacturing – University of Montana lacks an engineering school making the
county less attractive to recruit these types of industry. Missoula College does have some 2-year
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 96
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
programs offering training in the manufacturing sector (welding, precision machine technology
and computer-aided design.) Expansion of these 2-year programs, apprenticeship programs and
vo-tech programs at the secondary schools are recommended.
• Experiential Economy - University of Montana has the necessary programs and majors to
provide talent for this industry.
While Missoula’s educational opportunities are generally aligned with the best-fit industries for the
county, the CEDS report identified additional barriers currently impacting the growth of Missoula County
businesses:
• Housing cost and availability;
• Workforce skill and availability;
• Rising costs of goods and materials;
• Limited transportation and access to international markets; and
• Complex local and state government regulations.
Additionally, the CEDS identified barriers currently impacting startups in Missoula County:
• Access to capital;
• Declining availability of office and industrial sites;
• Workforce skills and availability; and
• Access to entrepreneurial support networks.
One stakeholder shared that historically, Missoula had an overabundance of overqualified and
underemployed residents. However, currently, workforce programs are being aimed at residents who
are more challenging to employ. To address this issue, Missoula Economic Partnership, in collaboration
with the City and County, have developed a workforce development program to match unemployed
residents with lower and middle skill training opportunities to help address capacity challenges of many
employers. This stakeholder noted that this program is mainly focused on getting residents employment
in the trades.
Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce
Investment Boards, community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts
will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan.
Current workforce training initiatives are offered by higher educational institutions, public schools, state
agencies and non-profits. These programs support the consolidated plan by providing supportive
services to low-income households, racial minorities (Native American), and special needs populations
such as veterans.
University of Montana & Missoula College – The University of Montana is located in Missoula and
offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Missoula College is the two-year unit of the University and
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 97
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
offers 2-year associate programs as well as occupational and technical certifications. In spring 2023, the
University of Montana reported a total enrollment of 10,109 students, a 3.1% increase from 2022. The
University’s strategic plan, A Flagship for the Future, Priority 2 is “Drive excellence and innovation in
teaching, learning, and research.” The strategies articulated to achieve this priority include growing
market-driven online programs and strengthening rural two-year education and workforce
development. Specific programs and efforts to achieve this priority include:
• University of Montana Online and Distance Offerings – Online programs for degrees,
certifications, and professional development.
• TRIO Student Support Services - TRIO provides support for educational opportunity for low-
income and/or first-generation students and Americans with disabilities.
• School of Extended and Lifelong Learning – The School of Extended & Lifelong Learning (SELL)
at the University of Montana creates and provides innovative and flexible education experiences
and personal growth opportunities for a variety of audiences.
• Blackstone Launch Pad - Experiential, campus program designed to introduce entrepreneurship
as a viable career path and develop entrepreneurial skills.
• Missoula College – Apprenticeship Programs for skilled labor.
Montana Job Service – The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has a Job Service office in
Missoula. The office provides services and training for job seekers. Also offers veteran job services and
links to apprenticeship jobs.
Missoula County Schools – Serves the entire city of Missoula and surrounding area. At the high school
level, the district provides Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual-credit classes that offer both high
school and college credit, and online classes through the Montana Digital Academy. Within the district
are high school programs for vocational/technical training, Indian education, and a Health Science
Academy.
Human Resource Council – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - Provides eligible out of school
youth ages 16 to 24 with assistance in achieving their educational and/or employment goals. Provides
services such as career counseling, tutoring, work experience, financial literacy, leadership development,
and employment plans.
Blackfoot Communications – C2M Betta Lab – A place where entrepreneurs, investors and mentors
come together in an incubator setting to help early-stage businesses achieve success.
Missoula Works — Missoula Works is a non-profit subsidiary of the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative
and provides employment opportunities, both temporary and permanent, for the long-term
unemployed in the Missoula community.
Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS)?
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 98
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Yes.
If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated
with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that
impact economic growth.
Established in 2010, the Missoula Economic Partnership (MEP) is a nonprofit organization that partners
with regional business leaders, the City of Missoula, and Missoula County to understand the factors that
shape the region’s economy and collaborate to bring about the greatest benefit to current and future
generations of community members.
Before its dissolution in 2017, the Bitterroot Economic Development District (BREDD), a Certified
Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) that covered the counties of Missoula, Mineral, and Ravalli
counties, prepared the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The Missoula Economic
Partnership assumed many of the economic development functions of the BREDD.
In 2021, the Missoula Economic Partnership put together the Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy (CEDS) for the Missoula region. The strategy is oriented around the following strategies:
• Economic strategies to support people. Strategies include measuring inclusive growth,
expanding access to higher wages through education and specialized training and work-based
learning, increasing access to childcare, and increasing the supply of affordable and middle-
income housing for both owners and renters.
• Economic strategies to support business. Strategies include business expansion and increased
productivity of businesses; new commercial developments that leverage best-fit industries,
support entrepreneurship and business innovation, and recruitment of businesses that align
with the County’s economic vision.
• Economic strategies to support place. Strategies include sustaining the natural environment
and surroundings that play a major role in public health, quality of life, and economic success,
and expand and maintain physical infrastructure.
Missoula Economic Partnership. The MEP released a 2022-2026 Strategic Plan that details its strategies
to improve the region’s economic conditions for businesses and people while protecting and enhancing
quality of life. In addition to supporting strategies outlined in the CEDS, the MEP will focus its efforts on
business development, talent development, land development, and communications and engagement.
Missoula Downtown Master Plan. The Missoula Downtown Master Plan was completed in November
2019 and lays out a vision, as well as strategies and actions, that focus on urban design; mobility,
transportation, and infrastructure; arts & culture, economic development, and historic preservation;
parks & open space, river access, and sustainability; and inclusiveness and affordability. The Plan has
several actions specific to housing, including plans to increase housing downtown, support the transition
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 99
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
of people experiencing houselessness into stable housing options, and increasing legal and other
services to protect tenants.
City of Missoula Growth Policy. Last updated in 2015, the Our Missoula growth policy establishes the
long-range vision and policy to inform land use, growth and development in the city of Missoula.
Currently, the City is working with the community to update Missoula’s vision for future growth and to
modernize its development regulations to ensure its policies and priorities can be more responsive to
current challenges, such as housing affordability, equity, and climate change.
A Place to Call Home: Meeting Missoula’s Housing Needs — In 2019, Missoula’s City Council adopted
this citywide housing policy that articulates over two dozen individual strategies to address increasing
housing costs in Missoula. The 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. The
recommendations from the policy balance support for the housing market while also ensuring long-term
affordability and preservation.
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) – Created in 1978, the MRA is a public agency that
operates in accordance with state law to revitalize Missoula's Urban Renewal Districts. MRA partners
with public and private entities to help improve economic vitality, create jobs and encourage investment
in its six urban renewal districts. MRA also invests in public improvements like parks, trails, streets and
sidewalks.
Discussion
Although Missoula has a low unemployment rate, barriers still impacting the growth of Missoula County
include housing cost and availability, workforce skill and availability, rising costs of goods and materials,
limited transportation and access to international markets, and complex local and state government
regulations. One major project currently underway is the Montana Innovation Corridor Gateway, a 10-
acre corridor that would help meet “…critical infrastructure needs for [Missoula’s] rapidly growing
bioscience startups.” Additionally, the project will aim to bring...a catalytic culture for growth that…will
bring jobs, capital investment, and an important pathway to long-term sustainability for UM’s economic
development initiatives.” (Missoula Current, October 2021). The project is a joint partnership between
the University of Montana and the Montana Technology Enterprise Center (MonTec).
Workforce training is necessary to increase participation in the workforce and productivity of the
regional economy. In addition to the workforce development programs and initiatives already in place to
address workforce skill and availability challenges, the County’s CEDS plan also highlights that “rapidly
rising home prices impact the working population of both attracting workers from elsewhere and
retaining employees whose housing is not secure. By far, housing affordability and availability was
identified as the most pressing issue in a current assessment of Missoula’s labor market.” In response,
the MEP has included relevant goals and actions from the City of Missoula’s “A Place to Call Home”
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 100
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
housing policy into the CEDS Implementation Plan, “…especially where the private sector can provide
additional capacity to advance goals.” (Missoula County CEDS, 2021)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 101
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion
Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated?
(include a definition of "concentration")
Lack of Complete Facilities & Overcrowding
According to 2017-2021 5-year ACS data, 99.1% of occupied housing units have complete plumbing and
kitchen facilities. There are no concentrations of housing units lacking plumbing or kitchen facilities.
Additionally, 0.9% of households experience overcrowding (more than 1 occupant per room) while 1%
of households experience severe overcrowding (more than 1.5 occupants per room). The census tracts
with the greatest concentration of extremely low-income households experiencing overcrowding are
found in Census Tract 1 (14.23% of ELI households) and Census Tracts 2.03 and 2.04 (8.79%). These
Census Tracts include the Westside, Northside, Upper Rattlesnake, and Lower Rattlesnake
neighborhoods.
For low-income households, the greatest concentration of low-income households experiencing
overcrowding are located in Census Tract 1 (14.23%), Census Tracts 2.03 and 2.04 (8.79%), and Census
Tract 7 (8.24%). Riverfront neighborhood is in Census Tract 7.
Substandard Housing
According to HUD CPD maps, Census Tracts 2.05 and 2.06 have the greatest concentration of low-
income households living in substandard housing in Missoula. The Captain John Mullan and Grant Creek
neighborhoods are located within these Census Tracts. As noted in “Section MA-20, Condition of
Housing,” homes with an effective age over 50 years, typically have not had any major upgrades and
often have plumbing and electrical systems that need replacement, doors and windows that are
deteriorated, and the floor plan and interior details that are outdated. Energy and water efficient
features and appliances are lacking.
Severe Cost Burden
As noted previously, the most common housing problem experienced by Missoula households is cost
burden (severe cost burden for renters). According to HUD’s CPD maps, Census Tract 9.01, the Two
Rivers neighborhood, has the greatest concentration of low-income households experiencing severe
cost burden (79.1% of low-income households). Additionally, Census Tracts 10.01 and 10.02 (72.1%),
Census Tracts 2.05 and 2.06 (70.8%), Census Tract 7 (69.4%), and Census Tract 11 (67.3%) also have high
concentrations of low-income households experiencing severe cost burden. These Census Tracts include
Franklin to the Fort, Southgate Triangle, Captain John Mullan, Grant Creek, Riverfront, and Rose Park.
Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income
families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration")
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 102
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
According to 2021 5-year ACS data, about 11% of Missoula’s population were non-white races and 4%
were classified as Hispanic of any race. An area of minority concentration is defined as census tracts
where the minority concentration is at least 5% greater than the City as a whole. Therefore, census
tracts or areas with 16% or greater minority population would be considered an area of minority
concentration. Missoula is not racially diverse and there are no census tracts in Missoula that meet the
definition of area of minority concentration. The largest minority groups are “Two or More Races,”
“Hispanic,” and “American Indian.” According to 2021 5-year ACS data:
• Asian residents make up 6.8% of the population in Census Tract 1 (Upper and Lower
Rattlesnake) and 4.8% in Census Tract 7 (Riverfront);
• American Indian or Alaska Native residents make up 8% of the population in Census Tract 12
(Lewis and Clark), 7% of the population in Census Tract 2.04 (Westside and Grant Creek), and
6.3% of the population in Census Tract 11 (Rose Park);
• Black/African American residents make up 1% of the population in Census Tracts 3 (Heart of
Missoula);
• Residents who identify as some other race make up 3.4% of the population in Census Tract 2.05
(Captain John Mullan);
• Residents who identify as two or more residents make up 13.1% of the population in Census
Tract 8.02 (Franklin to the Fort) and 11.1% of the population in Census Tract 11 (Rose Park); and
• Hispanic residents make up 8.5% of the population in Census Tract 1 (Upper and Lower
Rattlesnake) and 7.9% of the population in Census Tract 2.03 (Westside and Northside)
An area of low-income concentration is defined as an area where 51% of the population has income at
or below 80% AMI. According to HUD CPD maps, similar to the City’s last Consolidated Plan, the highest
concentration of lower income households is found in Census Tracts 2.03 and 2.04 (Northside and
Westside), Census Tract 3 (Heart of Missoula), and Census Tracts 8.01 and 8.02 (River Road and Franklin
to the Fort).
What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods?
Characteristics of Neighborhoods with Concentration of Low-Income Households
Census Tracts 2.03 and 2.04
• Geography –Census Tract 2.03 is located west of Census Tract 3, while Census Tract 2.04 is
located west and north of Census Tract 2.03. Collectively, the Census Tracts are bordered by
Interstate-90 to the north, the Clark Fork River on the south and Reserve Street on the west.
These Census Tracts generally correspond with the boundaries for the “Westside” and
“Northside” neighborhoods.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 103
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Land Use – There are large tracts of industrial area between the Interstate and the railroad and
large big box retail uses along Reserve Street. Multi-family dwellings can be found in districts
zoned for commercial or industrial.
• Housing – Collectively, just under a third of housing units in the Census Tracts are single-family
detached (30%). According to 2021 5-year ACS data, collectively, renters comprise 64% of the
households in these Census Tracts. Nearly 9% of low-income households in these Census Tracts
experience overcrowding, the second greatest concentration of low-income households
experiencing overcrowding in the City (after low-income households in Census Tract 1).
Census Tract 3
• Geography – This census tract is bordered by the Clark Fork River on the South, the railroad on
the north and west and Van Buren Street on the east. The boundaries generally correspond with
the “Heart of Missoula” neighborhood.
• Land Use – This tract encompasses the downtown area, government offices, and Saint Patrick
Hospital campus. It is a mix of commercial/institutional/single-family and multi-family uses.
• Housing– Single-family detached units comprise 18% of housing units in this tract. Households
are primarily renters, comprising 94% of households. Overcrowding is not an issue in this area.
Census Tracts 8.01 and 8.02
• Geography – These Census Tracts are bordered by the Clark Fork River to the north, 11th Street
on the south, Reserve Street on the west and Russell Street on the east. The boundaries
generally correspond to the “River Road” neighborhood and include some of the “Franklin to
the Fort” neighborhood.
• Land Use – The dominant land use is residential with medium to high density.
• Housing – Slightly below the city average for housing type and tenure, collectively, 44% of
housing units are detached single-family homes and 40% of households are owner-occupied in
these Census Tracts. Less than 2% of households are experiencing overcrowding.
Market Trends by Neighborhood
The Missoula Organization of Realtors (MOR) compiles information on median sales price by
neighborhood for the city and surrounding areas. MOR neighborhood boundaries are different than the
boundaries for the neighborhood councils. For the Westside and Northside neighborhoods, the
“Northside” neighborhood corresponds best with Census Tracts 2.03 and 2.04. For the Heart of Missoula
neighborhood, “Downtown” corresponds best with Census Tract 3. River Road and Franklin to the Fort
are neighborhoods reported in the MOR report (Census Tracts 8.01 and 8.02).
Below are the median sales prices for these neighborhoods in 2022:
• Northside - $392,000
• Franklin to the Fort - $413,000
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 104
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• Downtown - $437,000
• River Road $448,000
While these neighborhoods still represent a handful of the more affordable places to live in Missoula,
each neighborhood has seen their median home sales price increase significantly. Between 2018 and
2022, the median sale price increased by:
• 83% in the River Road neighborhood;
• 82% in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood;
• 59% in the Northside neighborhood; and
• 53% in the Downtown neighborhood.
Median Home Value by Census Tract
According to 2021 5-year ACS data, median home values for the Census Tracts are:
• $261,800 in Census Tract 2.03 (median home value not provided for Census Tract 2.04);
• $390,500 in Census Tract 3;
• $277,200 in Census Tract 8.01; and
• $289,500 in Census Tract 8.02.
With the exception of Census Tract 3, all other Census Tracts have lower median home values
compared to the city overall ($324,700).
Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods?
Schools, Parks, and Trails
Most Heart of Missoula parks are located along the Clark Fork River. In the Westside neighborhood the
residential area is located east of Russell Street. There is only one small neighborhood park in this area.
The River Road area has just two small neighborhood parks. There are pedestrian and bicycle trails in all
three neighborhoods but the connectivity for the trails continues to be improved. The Russell Street
reconstruction project in the River Road neighborhood will include improvements to the trail system.
There are no K-12 schools in the River Road neighborhood.
Transit
The Mountain Line Transfer station is located in the Heart of Missoula neighborhood. The
neighborhoods with the highest concentration of low-income households are adequately served by
transit lines. Additionally, the Mountain Line bus system is free to ride, ensuring that low-income
households are able to access the transportation system.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 105
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Sidewalks
The Heart of Missoula neighborhood has very good sidewalk coverage. There are significant residential
areas in both the Westside neighborhood and River Road neighborhood that are lacking sidewalks.
According to Missoula’s Pedestrian Facilities Master Plan (2018), the River Road neighborhood has the
greatest percentage of missing sidewalks (approximately 55%). The Northside neighborhood (46-47%)
also has a relatively high percentage of missing sidewalks. The Westside and Heart of Missoula
neighborhoods have the best coverage among neighborhoods in these selected Census Tracts. Lack of
sidewalks, lack of connectivity, and lack of adequate lighting also make it difficult to have safe routes of
schools.
Nutrition
According to the City-County Health Department “Community Health Map”, there is at least one grocery
store within or immediately adjacent to each of the subject census tracts. The farmer’s market is located
within Census Tract 3. Census Tracts 2.03. 2.04, and 8.01 have community gardens. Census Tract 2.04
and Census Tracts 8.01/8.02 have six Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers,
Census Tract 2.03 has four SNAP retailers, and Census Tract 3 has three SNAP retailers.
Several stakeholders and residents shared that the Missoula Food Bank is an invaluable resource for the
community and praised the organization for not only providing no-barrier access to food but also serving
as a hub for centralized services, including housing assistance, health services, mental health services,
and childcare.
Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas?
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 106
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
An agency of the City of Missoula, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) is responsible for the
revitalization of Missoula’s six Urban Renewal Districts (URD). MRA collaborates with public and private
entities to help improve economic vitality, create jobs, and encourage investment in the City’s six URD
districts.
URD II (Census Tracts 2.03, 2.04, 7, 8.01
and 8.02)—URD II was established in 1991
and has prioritized strategies to improve
the motorized and non-motorized
transportation network and upgrades to
the sewer and water infrastructure.
Programs available within the district
include Tax Increment Financing (TIF),
Façade Improvement Program (FIP), Code
Compliance Program (CCP), and the
Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program
(CRLP). With a planned sunset of URD II in
2031, the top five priorities of the district
include:
• Bitterroot Railroad Pedestrian Bridge;
• River & Riverbank Improvements and
Riverfront Trail Connections;
• Property purchases for housing
development;
• Bitterroot Trail Lighting; and
• California Street Reconstruction.
URD III (Census Tracts 10.01, 10.02, 11, 12, 13.03)—Established in 2000, URD III focuses on improving
traffic congestion, enhancing sidewalk connections, and supporting multi-modal transportation options.
URD III also aims to provide community and public facilities in the district, support residential and
commercial development, and improve air quality. Programs available within the district include Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) and the Façade Improvement Program (FIP).
North Reserve-Scott Street URD (Census Tract 2.04) – Established in 2014, the district focuses on
improving transportation connections, enhancing opportunities for industrial uses, and exploring the
potential for new homes and businesses that will stimulate Missoula's economy. Programs available
within the district include Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
Riverfront Triangle (Census Tract 3) – Established in 2008, the district has strategies to improve
infrastructure and parking needs, redevelop or remove deteriorating structures, and facilitate and
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 107
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
encourage private development of vacant and underutilized property in order for the area to realize
successful redevelopment. Programs available within the district include Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
Front Street URD (Census Tract 3) – Established in 2007, the district has strategies for both residential
and commercial redevelopment. The Front Street URD also proposes upgrades to water and sewer
infrastructure and improvements to parking and trail systems. Historic preservation and public art are
also part of the improvement plan. Programs available within the district include Tax Increment
Financing (TIF).
Hellgate URD (Census Tracts 1, 3, 4, 5.02) – Established in 2014, the Hellgate URD plan calls for the area
to become an “employment anchor” with residential uses, including student housing. The plan calls for
well-planned mixed residential and commercial uses that integrate with and enhance riverfront
aesthetics and recreation.
As of 2023, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency is currently working on the following major projects:
• Southgate Area Redevelopment Plan – identifies strategies for redeveloping vacant property
south of Southgate Mall and provides direction on how to best apply public and private dollars
toward that goal.
• Russell Street Corridor Design Study – examines urban design and land use regulations as part
of the City’s effort to shape future building design and land use along Russell Street from South
Third Street West to West Broadway.
• California Street Preliminary Design – MRA has undertaken a project to complete the
preliminary design of California Street from Dakota Street to S. 3rd Street W. in URD II.
• Greater Downtown Master Plan – MRA has part partnered with the Business Improvement
District, the Missoula Parking Commission, the Missoula Downtown Association, and numerous
business and property owners to create the first long range master plan for the downtown area.
• MRA URD II Montana Idaho Water & Sidewalk Project - The goal of the program is to complete
the City sidewalk network in URD II prior to the Sunset of the District. The next phase of URD II
sidewalk construction will take place on Idaho Street and River Street between California Street
and Russell Street.
• Front Street/Main Street Two-Way Conversion – This project combines several transportation
and safety projects along Front Street, Main Street, Higgins Avenue, and ADA access to Caras
Park.
• Riverfront Triangle Development – The city, through MRA, has prepared the Fox Site to
accommodate a model multi-use development which will be the anchor of the west entrance to
the downtown core and the east entry to the West Broadway corridor.
• Shaping the Future of West Broadway - In early Spring 2020, the MRA Board and City Council
authorized the City to use $1.1 million in TIF funds from URD II to purchase the former Sleepy
Inn (1427 West Broadway) for a non-congregate shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
Envision West Broadway Plan anticipated that the Sleepy Inn site would be one of the first to
redevelop when the site was no longer needed as a non-congregate shelter. As of September
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 108
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
2023, the property is listed for sale. Once sold, the proceeds will go to the City’s Affordable
Housing Trust Fund.
• Ravara-Scott Street Property - The Scott Street Development is a proposed new development
located at the former White Pine Sash location on Scott Street in the Northside neighborhood of
Missoula. The project consists of 9 acres total, with 3 acres dedicated for 70 permanently
income-qualified home ownership community land trust homes and 6 acres dedicated for
mixed-use (retail and 240 market rate apartments).
• West Broadway River Corridor Plan - The West Broadway River Corridor Project is designed to
improve ecological, recreational and safety conditions along the Clark Fork River between
McCormick Park and the California Street Bridge.
• Transforming the Brooks Street Corridor – In November 2021, the City of Missoula, in
partnership with the Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD/Mountain Line) was
awarded an $847,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Rebuilding
American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. As of November 2023,
MRA is inviting the community to provide feedback on multimodal challenges in the corridor.
Additionally, in 2021, the Montana Code Annotated, which guides the use of Tax Increment Financing in
Montana, was amended to add “workforce housing,” to the definition of infrastructure. In 2023, the
state further defined workforce housing as serving individuals or families earning between 60-140% of
the Area Median Income (AMI). In Missoula County, this equates to an income of $51,840-$120,960 for
a family of four. There are very few developers building workforce housing in Missoula and very limited
state and local resources to encourage construction of this type of housing. The MRA Board directed
staff to develop program guidelines to support acquisition, construction, and improvements to
workforce housing. In September 2023, the Workforce Housing Program was approved by the MRA
Board.
Opportunity Zones
In 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, establishing the Opportunity Zones program. A new
economic development program, this tool allows people to invest in distressed areas throughout the
United States with the purpose of spurring economic growth and job creation in low-income
communities. The tool provides a federal tax incentive for taxpayers who reinvest unrealized capital
gains into “Opportunity Funds,” which are specialized mechanisms dedicated to investing in low-income
areas called “Opportunity Zones.” Funds can be used for downtown revitalization efforts, workforce
development, affordable housing, infrastructure, and business startup and expansion.
In Missoula, Census Tract 2.01 has been designated an Opportunity Zone.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 109
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
In fall of 2019, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency Board approved $50,000 for the Missoula Economic
Partnership (MEP) “to develop a proactive package of potential projects and tools to attract new
investment in the Missoula Opportunity Zone.” According to the Missoula Current, in October 2019, the
MEP planned to showcase “…several pieces of property within the city’s new opportunity zone [in spring
of 2020] in hopes of attracting new investment that could help achieve a number of community goals
around housing, retail and office development.”
One of the largest projects coming out of the Opportunity Zone is the Scott Street Development, a nine-
acre project with three acres dedicated to 70 permanently affordable homes and six acres dedicated to
mixed-use development (retail and 240 market rate apartments). Other major projects in the
Opportunity Zone include a $3.5 million office building and a $7 million gastroenterology medical
facility.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 110
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-60 Broadband Needs of Housing occupied by Low- and Moderate-Income
Households - 91.210(a)(4), 91.310(a)(2)
Describe the need for broadband wiring and connections for households, including low- and
moderate-income households and neighborhoods.
According to 2021 1-year ACS data, 88% of households have access to a desktop or laptop while 95%
have access to a smartphone. Additionally, 69% of households have access to a tablet or other wireless
computer. Just under 3% of households do not have access to a computer.
Ninety-three percent of households have some type of access to broadband. Over three quarters of
households (76%) have broadband, such as cable, fiber, or DSL. Just 7% of Missoula households do not
have an internet subscription.
Lower income households in Missoula are less likely to have internet access than households with higher
income. According to 2021 1-year ACS data, 79% of households making less than $20,000 have a
broadband subscription while 20% of households do not have an internet subscription. Conversely, 95%
of households making between $20,000-$74,999 and 94% of households making more than $75,000
have a broadband subscription (5% and 6% do not have internet subscriptions, respectively).
One stakeholder with a local internet company shared that they are not able to widely serve lower-
income populations in Missoula because larger companies, like Spectrum, are able to offer more
affordable internet packages. This stakeholder reflected that while they wished they could serve these
populations, it is not “financially viable” for them to do so.
Describe the need for increased competition by having more than one broadband Internet
service provider serve the jurisdiction.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database, the city of Missoula is served
primarily by nine large broadband providers (figure below). In terms of coverage at 25/3 Mbps or
greater speed, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Viasat, Inc., and Hughes Network Systems,
LLC serve 100% of units in Missoula. They are followed by Charter Communications (90.9% of
households served), Lumen Technologies, Inc. (80.1%), Ravalli Electric Cooperative (56.1% of households
served), T-Mobile USA, Inc. (53.5%), Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (25.8%), and Verizon
Communications, Inc. (3.11% of households served), and Ravalli Broadband LLC (0.2% of households
served).
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 111
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map — Residential Broadband Providers, Missoula, MT.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 112
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Map — Area Summary of Missoula, MT.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 113
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
MA-65 Hazard Mitigation - 91.210(a)(5), 91.310(a)(3)
Describe the jurisdiction’s increased natural hazard risks associated with climate change.
In spring of 2020, the City of Missoula and Missoula County adopted the Climate Ready Missoula plan,
which identifies a broad range of strategies needed to protect Missoula’s community health and safety,
economy, and ecosystems. The plan identifies 29 goals and 77 strategies across eight sectors to address
climate impacts in Missoula County. Below are summaries of climate impacts currently being
experienced by city and county residents.12
• Wildfires. In the region, the frequency and severity of fires vary over forest types and location.
In some areas, fire suppression policies have resulted in denser forests and as a result, more
destructive and intense burns. Additionally, the expansion of the Wildland-Urban Interface
(WUI) and increased development in the WUI puts more people and structures at risk of
wildfire. As the County’s climate warms and summers become drier, wildfires are likely to
increase in size and frequency and fire season is likely to become longer.
• Wildfire smoke. With more wildfires in Montana and throughout the western United States, as
well as a longer wildfire season, city and county residents are likely to experience longer
stretches of unhealthy air quality. Vulnerable populations, such as elderly residents, youth, and
residents living with chronic illnesses, will be most at-risk of experiencing adverse impacts.
• Higher temperatures. As average temperatures rise, the average number of days with
temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit is projected to increase by 12-20 days by 2050. By
mid-century, Missoula County’s average annual temperature is projected to increase by about 3-
5 degrees, with the greatest temperature increased projects to occur in the later summer
months (July-September).Similarly, vulnerable populations will be more likely to experience
adverse impacts as a result of extreme heat.
• Wetter winters/springs and flooding. Climate projections indicate that Missoula County is likely
to experience increased year-round precipitation. Because year-round temperatures will be
higher, more precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow, especially at low elevations.
Throughout Montana’s history, rain-on-snow events have caused the most severe and
destructive floods. Some evidence suggests that warm and wet winter storms originating in the
Pacific Ocean will become more severe in the future, likely bringing more rain-on-snow events
to Missoula County. Additionally, increased flooding increases the threat to the city’s
infrastructure, as well as the overall public health and safety of the community.
• Drier summers and drought. Climate projections anticipate that summers will be significantly
drier. Higher temperatures are projected to reduce low-elevation snowpack, early snowmelt,
12 https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/community-development/community-planning-services/climate-
ready-missoula-
copy#:~:text=Building%20Community%20Climate%20Resiliency&text=The%20Climate%20Ready%20Missoula%20
plan,the%20face%20of%20these%20changes.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 114
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
and an earlier peak in spring runoff. Earlier snowmelt and decreased summer precipitation are
expected to reduce late-summer stream flows across the county. There is widespread
agreement that long-term droughts will be more severe when and where they do occur, which
could have significant impacts on the city’s water supply and local agriculture. Extreme drought
is also likely to contribute to an increase in the number and severity of wildfires.
• Climate variability. One plausible future scenario for Missoula County includes a significant
increase in year-to-year climate variability. While variability and unpredictability will affect all
sectors, agriculture, recreation, and tourism will find it particularly difficult to adapt to these
conditions. The county may experience some very wet years and other intense drought years,
with the concept of a “typical” year simply no longer being meaningful. Additionally, Missoula
may experience an increase in extreme weather patterns, such as wind or prolonged rain
events.
• Climate migration. Climate migration is one example of how Missoula County will ultimately be
affected not only by our changing climate, but by the impacts of climate change elsewhere in
the county and world. Missoula County will likely experience an increase in population due to
climate change.
The City is working to address the impacts of climate change in several ways. Currently, the City is in the
process of updating its growth policy and code regulations to respond to challenges such as housing
affordability, equity, and climate change. The City is also in the process of updating its Parks, Recreation,
Open Space, and Trails (PROST) plan which will influence the next 10-15 years and will consider climate
strategies in its assets, programs, services, and operations. Additionally, Missoula County’s Office of
Emergency Management, in partnership with the City, is currently undergoing an update to the County’s
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, which will help develop mitigation strategies that aim to minimize the
impacts of disasters and better prepare residents to respond to disasters. The County is currently
updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which is a community-based plan focused on
identifying and addressing local wildfire threats. The plan also helps determine what is at risk and
provide a roadmap of actions for the community to address its wildfire risk. Additionally, the City and
County are investing significant capacity and resources into carbon mitigation strategies to help curb the
future effects of climate change
Describe the vulnerability to these risks of housing occupied by low- and moderate-income
households based on an analysis of data, findings, and methods.
As part of the development of the City and County’s Climate Ready Missoula plan, a Vulnerability
Assessment was completed to identify and prioritize risks brought about by climate change to develop
strategies to address those risks. The report describes that climate change impacts are likely to increase
inequities, particularly among disadvantaged groups. It goes on to describe that “…people of lower
socioeconomic status are more likely to live in homes that are not well-insulated and that lack shade
trees, increasing their exposure to wildfire smoke and heat; and/or to live in low-lying areas, increasing
their exposure to flooding. People of lower socioeconomic status also have fewer resources to cope with
climate change impacts once they occur. For example, those without health insurance will be most
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 115
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
burdened by the increased healthcare costs associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease
related to wildfire smoke. Those with limited resources will be least likely to have the ability to rebuild
their homes after a flood.”
In the state of Montana’s 2021 Climate Change and Human Health in Montana, the report details
populations that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These groups include:
• People with existing chronic conditions
• People threatened by increased heat
• People living in proximity to wildfire and smoke.
• People facing food and water insecurity.
• People who are very young, very old, or pregnant
• People with limited access to healthcare services
• People living poverty
• American Indians
• People lacking adequate health insurance.
• People with mental health issues.
In addition to these populations, Missoulians who are unhoused (and intersect with many of the
population groups described above) are also disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change.
Stakeholders confirmed the greatest natural hazard risks associated with climate change are wildfires
and flooding. One stakeholder noted that while there have been large fires in Missoula, the greater
population has not been collectively impacted by wildfires, partially due to the density of the city. They
advocated to see growth and development continue to be directed into previously developed areas of
the city.
One stakeholder described that populations particularly vulnerable to the impacts of flooding are those
who live in trailer courts or mobile home parks in the floodplain and other high hazard areas. One of the
more concerning areas susceptible to flooding impacts identified by the stakeholder was the area south
of the Clark Fork River and north of 3rd Street.
Additionally, there are also significant efforts to address the impacts of wildfire smoke. Stakeholders
described that due to its location in the valley, Missoula is more prone to impacts from smoke inhalation
and poor air quality for longer period of time after a wildfire. One stakeholder said that “we know at-risk
populations are compromised when we have hazardous air quality for long stretches of time.” Several
strategies are being implemented to address this issue include providing portable air purifiers to at-risk
populations, education campaigns around prevention measures and where to buy portable air cleaners,
and efforts to assist schools improve their air purification systems. This stakeholder also added that
wildfire smoke will continue to have significant impacts on Missoula and it is important to account for
this when building facilities (e.g., schools, senior centers) and housing for at-risk populations.
V. STRATEGIC PLAN
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 1
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Strategic Plan
SP-05 Overview
Strategic Plan Overview
The City of Missoula’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan identifies the priority needs in the City and describes
strategies the City will undertake to serve the priority needs. The sections of the Strategic Plan include:
Geographic Priorities; Priority Needs; Influence of Market Conditions; Anticipated Resources;
Institutional Delivery System; Goals; Public Housing; Barriers to Affordable Housing; Homeless Strategy;
Lead-Based Paint Hazards; and an Anti-Poverty Strategy.
The Plan reiterates the priority goals and needs as established through public meetings and analysis
contained in the Needs Assessment and Market Analysis chapters. Missoula's Strategic Plan does not
target assistance by geography alone but directs assistance to where it is needed most - to extremely
low, low, and moderate income Missoulians.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 2
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-10 Geographic Priorities – 91.215 (a)(1)
Geographic Area
Area
Name:
Area
Type:
Other Target
Area
Description:
HUD
Approval
Date:
% of Low/
Mod:
Revital
Type:
Other Revital
Description:
Identify the
neighborhood
boundaries
for this target
area.
Include specific
housing and
commercial
characteristics
of this target
area.
How did your
consultation
and citizen
participation
process help
you to identify
this
neighborhood
as a target
area?
Identify
the needs
in this
target
area.
What are the
opportunities
for
improvement
in this target
area?
Are there
barriers to
improvement
in this target
area?
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 3
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Table 1 - Geographic Priority Areas
General Allocation Priorities
Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA
for HOPWA)
The City of Missoula does not allocate its entitlement funding on the basis of geography. Due to its
relatively small allocation, the City aims to have the necessary flexibility to fund and leverage projects,
programs, and other efforts that will have the greatest impact on low- and moderate-income
populations.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 4
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-25 Priority Needs - 91.215(a)(2)
Priority Needs
Table 2 – Priority Needs Summary
1 Priority Need
Name
Affordable Housing Options
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Moderate
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Affordable Housing Options
Description More affordable rental and for-sale housing was identified as a critical need by
residents and stakeholders throughout the community engagement process and
affirmed by HUD and local data and the City’s analysis of housing needs. The
analysis found that cost burden is the greatest housing problem impacting Missoula
homeowners, while severe cost burden is the greatest housing challenge faced by
renters in Missoula. The Needs Assessment found that approximately 10,100 low-
income households in Missoula have housing needs, with an estimated 500
additional low-income households projected to have housing needs over the next
five years. Residents and stakeholders described the increasing difficulty of trying
to find available and affordable rental housing that serves the needs of varying
households. Additionally, with increasing home prices and mortgage rates, the
ability to buy a home in Missoula continues to be further out of reach for low and
moderate-income households.
The City also recognizes the housing needs of special populations in the
community, particularly older populations and residents living with disabilities. The
Needs Assessment found that approximately 1,000 households with elderly
residents and 2,300 households that include a person living with a disability in
Missoula have housing and service needs. In both the city and county, the
proportion of older adults continues to grow, which will also likely increase the
number of residents experiencing disabilities.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 5
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Basis for
Relative
Priority
With more than 700 responses to the City’s housing and community needs survey,
residents and stakeholders both identified more affordable rental housing options
and homeownership opportunities as the City’s top two housing outcomes for
extremely low, low, and moderate-income households in Missoula. Stakeholders
also emphasized the need for the City to prioritize smaller, accessible housing units
in close proximity to health and supportive services to best serve older populations,
as well as populations living with disabilities.
With the robust housing needs of several cross-sections of the community, the City
of Missoula will continue prioritizing the development of affordable, accessible,
and available rental housing options. Additionally, with a homeownership rate that
lags far behind the state and housing costs that continue to trend upward for both
renters and owners, it will become increasingly difficult for low- and moderate-
income households to enter the homeownership market without targeted
interventions. As such, the City will look to support efforts that lead to an increase
in homeownership opportunities.
The City will continue to pursue strategies and leverage funding and other
resources that aim to increase the availability of affordable housing rental and for-
sale options for low- and moderate-income Missoulians.
2 Priority Need
Name
Housing Stability
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Housing Stability
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 6
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Description Missoula has continued to build and strengthen its network of community
organizations and service providers collectively working to make houselessness
rare, brief, and one-time only. Capacity and financial limitations continue to impact
the ability to provide assistance to all those in need. However, the continued
investment in Missoula’s Coordinated Entry System has proved to be an invaluable
tool in helping people who are unhoused get connected to the services they need
and reduce the burden in navigating those services. Nonetheless, houselessness
continues to be an issue facing the Missoula community.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Through the community engagement process and analysis of data articulated in the
Needs Assessment, houselessness remains a challenge in Missoula. Survey
respondents identified a need for more transitional housing to assist people who
are unhoused stabilize their housing situations prior to finding permanent housing
solutions. Survey respondents also identified increased access to mental health
care and addiction treatment services as critical services to be prioritized by the
City. Additionally, data from the Point-in-Time Count and the Coordinated Entry
System demonstrate that there is still a need to build more capacity and target
more resources to address houselessness challenges in the city.
3 Priority Need
Name
Community Needs
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Community Needs
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 7
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Description In addition to the significant housing challenges identified through the data analysis
and community engagement process, a variety of community needs were also
articulated by residents and stakeholders as priorities that should receive attention
by the City. The City aims to leverage its strong partnerships with non-profit and
other community organizations who serve low- and moderate-income residents
with its federal resources to be responsive to opportunities that can help improve
the lives of low- to moderate income Missoulians.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Throughout the community engagement process, residents and stakeholders
identified several gaps in community services and activities that can compound the
challenges of finding and securing housing. Several needs, including but not limited
to affordable childcare, mental health services, addiction treatment services, and
housing and employment services, were identified through the survey and
conversations with residents and stakeholders as significant hindrances to housing
stability and economic opportunity. The City will look to prioritize opportunities
that address needs identified by the community and contribute to the social and
economic well-being of low- and moderate-income residents.
4 Priority Need
Name
Planning and Administration
Priority Level High
Population Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Description Effective and holistic planning and administration of the City’s entitlement funding
sources ensures that the three priority needs articulated above are successfully
met and aligned with the City’s other strategic planning and policy efforts.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
In addition to implementing the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, holistic
planning and administration of these funds will help move forward the City’s
housing policy, efforts to address houselessness, and service delivery system in a
manner that provides the greatest benefit to low- and moderate-income
Missoulians. This priority will also give the City the opportunity to “learn on the fly”
and adjust strategies and resource deployment based on new data, information,
and community input.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 8
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Narrative (Optional)
The City’s priority needs were identified through a collective analysis of quantitative data and
feedback/information gathered from engagement with stakeholders and residents. As more affordable
housing, housing stability efforts, and community services were highlighted repeatedly as significant
needs throughout Missoula, all three priorities are considered “high.”
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 9
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions – 91.215 (b)
Influence of Market Conditions
Affordable
Housing Type Market Characteristics that will influence
the use of funds available for housing type
Tenant Based
Rental Assistance
(TBRA)
Low vacancy rates continue to characterize Missoula’s rental market. According
to the Missoula Organization of Realtors, the rental vacancy rate hit its lowest
point over the last ten years (1.15%) in 2022. While vacancy rates have
progressively improved over the last year (4.4% in mid-2023), Missoula’s rental
market is not expected to significantly soften over the next five years. Through
the community engagement process for the development of this plan, residents
and stakeholders overwhelmingly identified the need for more affordable rental
housing and homeownership opportunities. As such, while TBRA plays an
important role in keeping households at-risk of houselessness housed in the
short-term, the community has continued to indicate that the City should
prioritize its HOME allocation for production of units.
TBRA for Non-
Homeless Special
Needs
Low vacancy rates are the primary market conditions that affect TBRA for Non-
Homeless Special Needs. Throughout the community engagement process,
residents and stakeholders consistently voiced a desire for the City to use its
federal funding to prioritize longer-term housing solutions, including housing
units targeted at special needs populations.
New Unit
Production
New unit production in Missoula will be affected by several market conditions,
including building costs, land costs, and labor shortages. As articulated
throughout this plan, Missoula needs more affordable rental housing and
affordable homeownership opportunities. Given the large subsidy needed to
make homeownership units affordable, Missoula will continue to focus on
multifamily rental development, primarily LIHTC, which aligns with what was
heard throughout the community engagement process.
Rehabilitation A majority of Missoula’s housing stock was built prior to 1980 and has a higher
susceptibility of the presence of lead-based paint hazards. Additionally, as heard
throughout the community engagement process, large swaths of existing housing
stock continue to be in need of rehabilitation, including weatherization, energy
improvements, and kitchen, bathroom, and roof repairs. The City will continue to
focus its efforts on rehabilitation to help improve the physical condition of units,
but to also help maintain the affordability of rehabbed units that may otherwise
become too costly with needed repairs.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 10
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Affordable
Housing Type Market Characteristics that will influence
the use of funds available for housing type
Acquisition,
including
preservation
Land prices and median home sales in Missoula continue to increase. In addition
to rising development costs and a shorter building season, home prices continue
to remain out of reach for a growing segment of Missoula’s population,
particularly for low- and moderate-income residents. Land acquisition is an
integral part of the City’s affordable housing strategy, not only to take advantage
and leverage opportunities for new development but to ensure that the City does
not lose affordable housing that already exists.
Table 3 – Influence of Market Conditions
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 11
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.215(a)(4), 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The following section describes Missoula's CDBG and HOME resources for the upcoming year and other anticipated resources over the next five
years covered by this Consolidated Plan. This includes federal, state, local, and private resources expected to be available to the city to address
the priority needs and specific objectives identified in this Strategic Plan.
HUD Resources
The City of Missoula receives HUD entitlement funding through two programs: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and
the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program. In PY2024, the City anticipates receiving $555,089, in CDBG funding and $397,905 in
HOME funding. Additionally, the City receives program income from the two entitlement programs, which is earned from loan payments. In
PY2024, the City anticipates receiving program income of $29,370 from CDBG and $800 from HOME. Please note that official allocations have
not yet been released by HUD.
Federal
The City of Missoula's Brownfields Program facilitates the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of real property when complicated by the
presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. This funding is often leveraged to support affordable
housing development. The amount available for loans and/or grants from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund varies, depending on the number
of outstanding grants and loans, and when repayment of loans is expected. As of the beginning of 2024, the program has an estimated $200,000.
State
The Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) administers the state of Montana’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, which developers
can apply to. Additionally, the State’s Coal Trust Multifamily Homes Program provides $65 million of Coal Trust funds to be invested in loans to
projects providing multifamily rental homes. More specifically, the funds can be used for new construction, acquisition, and/or rehabilitation of
existing multifamily rental homes; acquisition of land for multifamily rental homes including land trusts for rental, mobile, or manufactured
housing projects; and development or preservation of a mobile home parks. Additionally, in 2023, the State of Montana passed House Bill 819,
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 12
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
which invests over $175 million to increase the supply of affordable workforce housing and $105 million to expand water and sewer
infrastructure.
Local
In 2023, the Missoula Redevelopment Authority Board (MRA) approved the MRA Workforce Housing Program, which allows for Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) to be used for the construction of workforce housing in the city’s six urban renewal districts. Missoula residents earning between
$51,840-$120,960 (family of four) are eligible to be served through this program. The City of Missoula is the first city in Montana to utilize TIF for
workforce housing. Additionally, MRA continues to invest TIF in building deconstruction and public improvements in the public right of way to
support both private and non-profit housing projects, as well as investment in publicly owner housing in the city’s urban renewal district.
Additionally, the City of Missoula adopted a citywide housing policy, A Place to Call Home, in June 2019. As part of the housing policy, the City
Council established the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) as a permanent and annually renewable source of revenue to help meet the
housing needs of the City’s low- and moderate-income households. The City is currently working on the FY 2024 AHTF Allocation Plan to
determine funding and allocation priorities. Since the AHTF was established, the City has received $1.7 million for the fund; it anticipates
receiving an additional $100,000 allocation from City Council in the FY24 budget.
Private
When opportunities arise, the City works to support projects that leverage private equity through the LIHTC program.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 13
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Anticipated Resources
Program Source of
Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount Available
Remainder of
ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services $555,089 $29,370 $300,525 $952,920 $2,300,
Annual allocation awarded to
the City of Missoula as an
Entitlement City plus program
income.
HOME public -
federal
Acquisition
Homebuyer
assistance
Homeowner rehab
Multifamily rental
new construction
Multifamily rental
rehab
New construction
for ownership
TBRA
Annual allocation awarded to
the City of Missoula as a
Participating Jurisdiction plus
program income.
General
Fund
public -
local
Admin and Planning
Other
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 14
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Program Source of
Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount Available
Remainder of
ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
Other public -
federal
Housing
Multifamily rental
new construction
New construction
for ownership
Public
Improvements
Table 4 - Anticipated Resources
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
Due to its limited resources, the City makes a concerted effort to leverage its federal funding with other local, state, and private resources, as
well as volunteer labor and in-kind support, where applicable. With the creation of the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) in July 2020,
the City administers the Unified Application Round, which provides the opportunity for local organizations/agencies to apply for both local and
federal funding in the same process. With all of the City’s funding sources allocated through a singular process, the City and its partners can
ensure that resources are being maximized and leveraged in alignment with the City’s housing policy and other goals, as well as ensuring that
resources are not allocated to duplicative efforts.
HOME Match. The HOME Program requires participating jurisdictions to provide a 25 percent match on most HOME entitlement funds expended
each program year. Match is a permanent contribution to affordable housing of non-federal funds. Applicants for HOME-CHDO set-aside funds
are encouraged to demonstrate matching funds. Matching funds are reported and approved by CPDI annually. HOME-funded projects and
match resources are reported in the annual CAPER.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 15
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs
identified in the plan
The City is continuously reviewing its available vacant public lands to see what might be used to address the community's needs. Given the need
to produce more affordable housing, the City is evaluating these parcels to determine which may be most appropriate for housing or mixed-use
development.
Two large affordable housing construction projects were completed in PY23. The Villagio is a 200-unit project priced to be affordable to
individuals and families making at or below 60% AMI. The Trinity Apartments are located on two sites in Missoula and offer 200 affordable units,
which will eventually be accompanied by a navigation center, for Missoula’s long-term unhoused neighbors.
A redevelopment plan is underway for City-owned land of which, as proposed, three acres will be given to a Community Land Trust dedicated for
46 permanently affordable homes. These will be income restricted for people making 120% AMI and below. Additional acreage will be used for
lease housing and retail/commercial uses. The property sits in one of the city’s urban renewal districts. The plan also analyzes infrastructure
needs related to development of other nearby vacant parcels owned by the City, MRL and Republic Services.
The City of Missoula is in the process of developing comprehensive building and zoning code reforms to streamline construction of housing
across all incomes and ensure development meets city standards. Addressing barriers to affordable housing will include rezoning land for multi-
family development, modifying the zoning regulations to provide more options for affordable housing, in-fill development on under-utilized
parcels, and potential redevelopment of brownfield sites.
Discussion
The resources listed here are financial and thus are not all-encompassing. Funds come from other sources that are not within the purview of
HUD-sponsored programs, but still contribute to the vitality of the City and CDBG- and HOME-funded projects. Missoula staff and volunteers
who provide their personal time and money to assist their fellow Missoulians every day cannot be adequately captured here. Most boards are all
volunteer, and every nonprofit relies heavily on volunteer support to accomplish its work. Volunteer labor and in-kind support are often
captured in project budgets but are difficult to quantify in all instances. The City's CDBG and HOME funding decisions try to leverage and capture
the value of those contributions and support projects with varied and robust funding and support bases.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 16
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure – 91.215(k)
Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan
including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.
Responsible Entity Responsible Entity
Type
Role Geographic Area Served
City of Missoula
Community Planning,
Development and
Innovation
Government Economic
Development
Homelessness
Non-homeless special
needs
Planning
neighborhood
improvements
public facilities
public services
Jurisdiction
Missoula Housing
Authority
PHA Public Housing Jurisdiction
Missoula
Redevelopment Agency
Redevelopment
authority
Economic
Development
Jurisdiction
Missoula County Government Homelessness
Non-homeless special
needs
public services
Jurisdiction
Table 5 - Institutional Delivery Structure
Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System
The Community Planning, Development and Innovation Department works to maintain strong
partnerships with its public, private, and non-profit organizations to effectively administer its resources.
The entities listed above are established partners that the City works closely with to address its housing
and service delivery goals. The City works closely with the Missoula Housing Authority on housing issues
pertaining to low- and moderate-income residents, as well as the Missoula Redevelopment Agency on
improving economic vitality, job creation, and private investment in targeted areas around the city.
Additionally, Missoula County is a strategic partner to the City with a shared City-County Health
Department, a collaborative Grants and Community Programs Division, and provides strategic funding to
many of the City’s supported programs and projects. The City has also made efforts to work with private
and non-profit developers to identify strategic opportunities for housing development, which will help
implement the housing options goal identified in this plan. The primary strength of the city’s
institutional delivery structure is the continuing stewardship of strong partnerships and relationships in
the community.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 17
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
However, one significant gap in the institutional delivery system is the lack of capacity and financial
resources to address the demand for services in the community. Through the community engagement
process, many partner organizations described losing staff for two primary reasons: lack of competitive
pay and the inability for their staff to afford housing in Missoula. While partner organizations and
stakeholders lauded the system overall, they described a significant need for more affordable housing
for their workforce in order to provide services in a robust and efficient manner.
Homelessness Delivery Structure
The institutional structure of Missoula's Homelessness System continues to evolve, with significant
strides made in addressing the challenges of houselessness. However, gaps remain in the system to
completely solve the issue. Following the conclusion of the City’s 10-year homelessness plan, Reaching
Home: Missoula’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, in 2022, an evaluation of the successes and
remaining gaps of the City’s homelessness delivery structure was prepared.
Successes of the plan included collaborative partnerships and input from several different types of
organizations people, city leadership, key funding resources, and the creation of the Missoula
Coordinated Entry System (MCES). The City has also helped expand shelter options for those
experiencing houselessness, as well as helped residents experiencing houselessness access housing
more efficiently.
In addition to increases in staff capacity, the City and its partners implemented several programs to help
first responders and partner agencies work more collaboratively to address the needs of residents
experiencing houselessness. These programs include the Mobile Support Team (hosted by the Missoula
Fire Department, Frequent Users of Systems Engagement (FUSE) program (created by the City and
Partnership Health Center), Homeless Outreach Team (hosted by the Poverello Center), and the Crisis
Intervention Team (hosted by the Missoula Police Department).
The most significant gaps identified in the City’s homelessness delivery structure include a lack of
reliable, long-term funding sources, as well as limited staff and resources among partner agencies and
social service providers. As noted above and highlighted in the evaluation, the greatest gap in this
system is the lack of a continuum of housing options, which as the evaluation articulates, “…requires the
development and expansion of housing infrastructure which requires money, time, and political and
social willpower.” The evaluation also found that while the creation of the MCES has greatly helped the
City connect residents to housing and services more quickly, “there are gaps in data completeness and
quality, which makes it difficult to understand the outcomes of individuals moving through Missoula’s
system of services.” However, the evaluation also noted that data quality is improving and residents are
spending less time in the MCES.
The Community Planning, Development and Innovation department is committed to address these gaps
in the system, as reflected in this Plan's first and second goals.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 18
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream
services
Homelessness Prevention
Services
Available in the
Community
Targeted to
Homeless
Targeted to People
with HIV
Homelessness Prevention Services
Counseling/Advocacy X X X
Legal Assistance X
Mortgage Assistance X
Rental Assistance X X X
Utilities Assistance X
Street Outreach Services
Law Enforcement X
Mobile Clinics
Other Street Outreach Services X X
Supportive Services
Alcohol & Drug Abuse X X X
Child Care X
Education X
Employment and Employment
Training X
Healthcare X X X
HIV/AIDS X
Life Skills X
Mental Health Counseling X X X
Transportation X
Other
Table 6 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary
Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed
above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and
families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth)
Chronically homeless individuals and families
The 2023 Point-in-Time Count found that approximately 40% of the unhoused population during the
count were considered to be chronically unhoused, a 21-percentage point increase in the number of
individuals who were considered to be chronically unhoused in the 2018 Point-in-Time Count. As
described above, the Missoula Coordinated Entry System has been instrumental in serving chronically
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 19
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
unhoused individuals in a quick and efficient manner. However, as stakeholders articulated throughout
the community engagement process, chronically unhoused residents typically need a more robust set of
services and interventions to stabilize their housing situations. Due to lack of long-term funding and staff
capacity, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the existing level of service delivery to completely fulfill
the needs of these residents.
Families with Children
The Meadowlark Family Housing Center provides 178 short-term emergency shelter beds for families
and survivors of domestic violence who are unsheltered, as well as support and resources to find a
permanent home. The YWCA also provides six transitional housing beds, while Mountain Home
Montana provides 12 transitional units for mothers and their children. Through the Coordinated Entry
System, families with children experiencing houselessness are connected with all applicable services and
programs. Additionally, Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) District School Liaisons identify at-risk
and homeless families and youth in Missoula Schools and also work to connect them to the appropriate
services. Stakeholders also shared that the Housing Advocate Network, under the umbrella of the
Missoula Interfaith Collaborative, is comprised of volunteers who assist and support individuals and
families experiencing houselessness in their housing search.
Veterans and their families
The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental
assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services, which is administered by
the Montana Department of Commerce. The Poverello Center provides 20 transitional housing units for
Veterans through its Housing Montana Heroes program and plans to build another facility that will serve
an additional 16 veterans. In 2023, the Missoula Housing Authority reported that they will create new
permanent housing for Veterans at Valor House, which will support the placement of HUD VASH
vouchers at the site. Additionally, the Veterans Affairs Office in Missoula provides outreach and services
to Veterans, as well as referrals from primary health care providers. Finally, the MCES ensures that
Veterans are connected to VA resources, when available. Veterans are identified as the first population
of focus for Missoula’s Built for Zero efforts. Built for Zero partners in Missoula set a community aim to
achieve functional zero for veterans by November 11, 2026. This goal will catalyze additional targeted
efforts and system improvements in the system of services supporting veterans who are unhoused.
Unaccompanied Youth
In 2019, the Montana Continuum of Care Coalition applied for a Youth Homelessness Demonstration,
receiving $3.4 million to help reduce the number of youth experiencing houselessness throughout
Montana. In addition to connecting unhoused youth with immediate, safe, and supported housing
options, the YHDP also aims to support strategies that address social-emotional well being, education,
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 20
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
and employment for this population. Grants were awarded to twelve agencies throughout the state. The
District XI Human Resource Council administers the YHDP for Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli counties.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 21
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population
and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed
above
The strengths and gaps of the service delivery system described above also translate to serving special
needs populations experiencing houselessness in Missoula. Namely, there remains a lack of sufficient
financial resources and staff capacity from organizations serving these populations to provide the level
of services and attention needed. Special needs populations with acute service needs include justice-
involved youth, children in the welfare system, members of the LGBTQ+ community, single parents,
residents with significant mental health and chemical dependency challenges, and Indigenous residents.
While the City and partner organizations have made significant strides to address the housing challenges
and service needs of these special populations, including expanding shelter options for unhoused
residents and helping these individuals access housing and services more efficiently, there are not
enough resources available to holistically address the needs of all special populations.
Throughout the community engagement process, residents and stakeholders identified increased access
to mental health and chemical dependency services as priority outcomes the City needs to pursue.
Additionally, several stakeholders spoke about the need for demographic-specific facilities and programs
to address the different needs of special populations. One stakeholder advocated for a detox center
specifically for women, while several other stakeholders articulated a significant need for more
culturally-responsive service delivery and programs, particularly for Indigenous residents. In October
2023, the MCES reported that 25% of unhoused residents currently in the system identified as American
Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous, while only representing 1.5% of the general population.
Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and
service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs
The primary gaps identified in this section include:
• Financial resource and organizational capacity constraints;
• Lack of resources for special needs populations;
• The need for increasing and evolving partnerships and relationships community-wide.
While finding a long-term funding source to address houseless in Missoula will remain a challenge in the
near future, the City will overcome these gaps by building upon the successes of the Reaching Home
plan. This includes continually working to improve the Missoula Coordinated Entry System to ensure
that residents are connected with housing and services that meet their needs in an efficient manner, as
well as supporting existing programs and partners working collaboratively to address the needs of
Missoula’s unhoused residents. Missoula is participating in Built for Zero, a program of Community
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Solutions, which provides collaborating partners with a framework and toolbox to strengthen MCES and
work towards achieving Missoula’s first community aim to achieve functional zero for veterans by
November 11, 2026. The City also contracted recently with Homebase to embark on a process to create
Missoula’s next community strategy to address houselessness. The is envisioned to be co-created with
community members, including people with lived expertise of being unhoused, general public, and
community partners. The City is also currently engaged in a research project with NYU graduate
students to explore capacity limitations in Missoula for sheltering and supportive services. The project
will produce findings from a survey of community partners to better understand barriers that they face,
along with case studies of how other communities are overcoming similar limitations. The City will
continue to look for opportunities to leverage its strong partnerships and existing resources to increase
a continuum of housing options for residents most in need.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 23
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-45 Goals Summary – 91.215(a)(4)
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Housing Options 2024 2028 Affordable
Housing
Homeless
Rental Housing
Homeownership
$3,017,850 Rental Housing Rehabilitated:
220 Household Housing Units
Homeowner Housing Added:
5 Household Housing Units
Homeowner Housing
Rehabilitated:
60 Household Housing Unit
2 Supporting
Vulnerable
Populations
2024 2028 Homeless Homelessness $421,490 Overnight/Emergency
Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds
added:
50 Beds
3 Community
Services
2024 2028 Public Services Public Services $202,848 Public service activities other than
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit:
300 Persons Assisted
4 Planning and
Administration
2024 2028 Planning and
Administration
Planning and
Administration
$476,870 Other:
3 Other
Table 7 – Goals Summary
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 24
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Housing Options
Goal
Description
Increase and preserve affordable housing options for extremely low, low, and
moderate-income households emphasizing accessibility, energy efficiency, and
proximity to community amenities and services.
This goal will aim to leverage, incentivize, and fund efforts that support the
development, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing options in
Missoula for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households, particularly
projects that emphasize serving residents with accessibility limitations, are located
near transit corridors and other community services, and that include sustainable and
climate-resilient approaches and practices in their efforts.
2 Goal Name Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Goal
Description
Improve housing stability for individuals and households with critical needs,
particularly those experiencing or at-risk of houselessness, by creating permanent
supportive housing and providing emergency and transitional housing services.
This goal will aim to provide housing stability for unhoused residents and residents
at-risk of becoming unhoused through the provision of emergency, transitional, and
permanent supportive housing options, as well as targeted and comprehensive
service provision. Funding will be prioritized for capital and/or public services projects
that increase the efficiency of service delivery, continue to build systemic capacity in
the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, and projects and/or programs that
implement a Housing First approach.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 25
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
3 Goal Name Community Services
Goal
Description
Address critical community needs by funding gaps in services for extremely low,
low, and moderate-income individuals and households.
This targeted approach aims to address pressing community needs that have been
identified as having significant impacts on the quality of life for low- and moderate-
income residents. The City will strategically target projects, programs, and other
efforts that increase access to community services, such as, but not limited to,
affordable childcare, increased access to mental health care and chemical
dependency services, and employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income
Missoulians. The City will continue to engage the community over the next five years
to ensure that funding is directed at community services that address the greatest
needs voiced by Missoula residents.
4 Goal Name Planning and Administration
Goal
Description
The City will plan annually to ensure it is successfully meeting the first three goals
identified in this plan. Ensuring that planning for our HUD-funded programs align and
complement other community planning efforts and the City’s housing policy are top
priorities over the next five years. Additionally, we will work to establish additional,
flexible funding sources to support our housing and community development goals.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 26
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families
to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2)
Through robust engagement with residents and stakeholders in the community, as well as an analysis of
HUD and local data on housing and community needs, the City of Missoula has developed four goals for
the 2024-2028 Program Years:
• Increase and preserve affordable housing options for extremely low, low, and moderate-income
households emphasizing accessibility, energy efficiency, and proximity to community amenities.
• Improve housing stability for individuals and households with critical needs, particularly those
experiencing or at-risk of houselessness, by creating permanent supportive housing and
providing emergency and transitional housing services.
• Address critical community needs by funding gaps in services for extremely low, low, and
moderate-income individuals and households.
• Planning and administration.
Throughout the plan development process, affordable housing, both for rent and for sale, was
continually identified as a critical need in Missoula. Aligned with the primary objective of the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, the City has
created these goals to strategically utilize its federal funding with other resources to address the
housing, service, and community needs of Missoula’s most vulnerable populations.
The City’s short-term goals are articulated in the PY24 Annual Action Plan, which includes the funding of
several affordable housing rehabilitation projects and an affordable housing acquisition for placement
into a community land trust. As noted above, with the implementation of the City’s Housing Policy in
June 2019 and the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2020, the City has created the
Unified Application process to strategically allocate both local and federal funding that will support the
construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income
Missoulians. Over the next five years, the City estimates rehabilitating existing affordable units for
approximately 200 extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 27
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement – 91.215(c)
Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary
Compliance Agreement)
The Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) has fulfilled the necessary number of accessible units throughout
all properties. MHA consistently makes efforts to improve the accessibility of units through reasonable
accommodations and strategic investments at turnovers or during rehabilitation projects. The Missoula
Housing Authority offers a “Tenant Handbook” for residents in its affordable housing properties that
includes information on how to request a reasonable accommodation or modification.
Activities to Increase Resident Involvements
Missoula Housing Authority employs three Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator to work with residents on
basic life skills and resident relations, as well as job training, job searches, educational opportunities,
and overcoming other barriers to self-sufficiency. MHA holds public meetings and regularly hosts
resident meetings at properties including holiday gatherings and group meals.
Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902?
No.
Plan to remove the ‘troubled’ designation
N/A. The Missoula Housing Authority is not designated as a troubled agency.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 28
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.215(h)
Barriers to Affordable Housing
There are several barriers inhibiting affordable housing development in Missoula. Regulatory
environment barriers, such as land use regulations that are incompatible with city housing goals, limited
land zoned for affordable housing, burdensome subdivision requirements, and lack of city/county
alignment around future growth, all play a part in slowing down the City’s ability to build affordable
housing. Barriers related to housing development, including expensive infrastructure requirements,
rising development costs due to labor shortages and inflation, neighborhood pushback on affordable
housing development, and uncertainty in development review processes also prove to be challenging.
Additionally, funding, cooperation and collaboration among partners, and lack of understanding about
housing issues on a community-level all contribute to developing affordable housing in the city. From a
climate perspective, rising energy costs can be a barrier to affordable housing, particularly because
many older buildings do not have adequate weatherization to maintain safe and comfortable
temperatures without high cost during extreme winter and summer weather events.
Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable Housing
While challenging, the City is making significant strides in addressing barriers highlighted above. In June
2019, the City of Missoula adopted “A Place to Call Home”, a citywide housing policy aiming to address
increasing housing costs in Missoula. The policy outlined four strategy areas:
• Track and Analyze Progress for Continuous Improvement
• Align and Leverage Existing Funding Resources to Support Housing
• Reduce Barriers to New Supply and Promote Access to Affordable Homes
• Partner to Create and Preserve Affordable Homes
To address regulatory environment barriers, the City is currently undergoing an update to its growth
policy, called Our Missoula. The growth policy will guide future urban growth and development over the
next 20 years that aim to address social, cultural, and racial inequities; housing shortages and rising
housing costs; and the causes, as well as accelerating effects, of climate change. As part of the Growth
Policy update, the City commissioned an “Equity in Land Use” report, which evaluated Missoula’s land
use policy and zoning regulations to assess how well they currently support its social equity goals,
including advancing housing affordability and reducing barriers to historically disadvantaged populations
from thriving in the community. The report found four key findings related to Missoula’s current zoning
and land use regulations:
• A high share of land is reserved for low density, exclusive single-dwelling housing that is
unaffordable to all but the most affluent households.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 29
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• A very small share of land allows housing at density levels high enough to deliver housing
affordable to middle- and lower-income households.
• The spatial distribution of zone districts has contributed to, and perpetuates, segregation along
lines of class and race and exclusion of lower income households from neighborhoods with high
economic and educational opportunity.
• The spatial distribution of zone districts has also concentrated lower income households in the
same neighborhoods where new development activity is concentrated, contributing to a higher
risk of gentrification and displacement of lower income households in those neighborhoods.
Coming out of the “Equity in Land Use” report, the City will explore recommendations that effectively
advance equity through land use policy and regulations. Recommendations include:
• Distributing opportunities for affordable housing types broadly throughout the city
• Enabling density levels that open up the possibility for smaller, more affordable units, which are
more energy efficient
• Avoiding concentrated upzoning in vulnerable neighborhoods
• Providing zoning incentives for income-restricted affordable housing
• Focusing regulations more on the form of buildings and less on the number of units in the
building
• Designing reforms that increase opportunities for adding amenities and services within a
walkable distance of all households.
Exploring and pursuing these recommendations will aim to improve equitable outcomes in land use
policy and regulations, community resiliency, and affordability. Smaller units, especially those in
multifamily or mixed-use buildings, tend to be much more energy efficient than single family dwellings
or larger units. The resultant lower energy bills contribute to the overall affordability of the housing unit.
Additionally, developing walkable neighborhoods relieves pressure on urban sprawl and saves residents
money on transportation costs.
Additionally, the City’s Our Missoula Development Guide (OMDG) is a tool that tracks and reports out on
residential development trends occurring within the Missoula urban area. This area includes the city
proper, as well as the Urban Fringe Area that extends into the County (also known as the Growth Policy
Boundary).
The OMDG report was first developed in 2007 and has been updated on a semi-annual basis. The report
focuses primarily on residential and infrastructure development that supports residential uses. Staff use
building permit data to categorize residential development into types, regions, and other metrics, and
measures infrastructure improvements such as roads, sewer and water, multi-modal commuter trails,
and new or improved parks and open spaces. The City’s most recent OMDG, Looking Forward 2018-
2028, estimates that there is enough capacity in the Urban Services Areas over the next ten years to
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 30
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
accommodate 6,500 new dwelling units. The report also notes that better utilizing densities as allowed
by land use could add an additional 5,000 units to what is allowed by current zoning.
While funding continues to be a barrier to affordable housing development, the City established its
Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) in 2020 with the intention of providing a targeted and sustainable
source of funding to increase and preserve affordable housing in Missoula. The AHTF has currently
committed $1.7 million to preservation and acquisition of affordable housing, as well as consumer
housing services to assist households with housing access/retention and homebuyer and financial
education. The City’s housing policy and climate teams continue to work on combining weatherization
and clean energy measures with affordable housing projects to ensure energy costs remain low and
predictable for residents. Additionally, the City created a Unified Application process to reduce time and
process for applicants and leverage federal funding.
Other barriers impacting affordable housing include a lack of community-level understanding of housing
issues in Missoula, lack of communication among different sectors that intersect with housing,
continued collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and additional financial support
for nonprofit organizations to expand housing efforts. Through the efforts described above, the City is
making intentional efforts to strengthen coordination and collaboration among partners and to educate
the broader public about the collective benefits of affordable housing in the community.
The City will continue to implement its housing policy and identify strategic opportunities that
contribute to addressing affordable housing barriers in the community.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 31
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-60 Homelessness Strategy – 91.215(d)
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
In 2012, the City of Missoula and Missoula County adopted Reaching Home: Missoula’s 10-Year Plan to
End Homelessness (Reaching Home). The Plan was built around four fundamental themes:
• Homeless prevention and rapid re-housing
• Providing a Continuum of Housing Options
• Service Collaboration and Coordination
• 10-year plan implementation
A third-party evaluation of Reaching Home’s progress found that the plan:
• Set a common vision and dedicated program staff within the City of Missoula’s Community
Development Division
• Created a simpler way to access services and resources by introducing the “no wrong door”
philosophy across the city through the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, which is important
in gathering measurable results and connecting people experiencing houselessness with the
best available resources.
• Supported and started creative programs to improve first responder interactions, add shelter
options, and provide behavioral health resources.
This Plan's Housing Options (Goal 1) and Supporting Vulnerable Populations (Goal 2) goals build upon
the success of the Reaching Home plan by aiming to provide safe, stable, and appropriate housing
situations for unhoused residents while also providing targeted services. This goal also intends to
increase the efficiency and capacity of the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, which aims to prevent
and divert households from entering into houselessness, reduce duplication of services, provide data to
improve outcomes, and result in prioritizing limited housing resources.
Additionally, this goal was also informed by residents currently experiencing houselessness. A focus
group was held at the Poverello Center’s Johnson Street Shelter to better understand the needs of
people experiencing houselessness. Overall, one of the most significant needs identified by these
residents was the availability of more subsidized, accessible housing. Other needs articulated included
services to help residents obtain identification cards, housing navigation services, mental health care
services, and post move-in assistance.
The Missoula community is embarking on the development of a new Strategy to Address Houselessness
that should be completed by the end of 2024. This new strategy will build on the success of Reaching
Home and chart the course for the community for the next several years. It will be co-created with the
broader Missoula community, including people with lived expertise of being unhoused, general public,
and community partners. This will include direct involvement of people with lived expertise of
houselessness on the leadership committee steering this strategy development.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 32
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 33
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
This Plan’s Supporting Vulnerable Populations Goal (Goal 2) addresses the emergency and transitional
housing needs of unhoused residents. The goal explicitly identifies the need for more emergency and
transitional housing options in the city. Throughout the community engagement process, the need for
more emergency housing/shelter space, as well as more transitional housing, were identified as
significant needs. Several stakeholders identified transitional housing as a critical need, particularly
transitional housing that allows residents to stay up to two or three years. Stakeholders who work with
unhoused residents shared that longer-term transitional housing gives people the opportunity to work
through and heal from their trauma, find stable employment, and find places to care for their children.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again.
This Plan's Housing Options (Goal 1) and Supporting Vulnerable Populations (Goal 2) goals build upon
the success of the Reaching Home plan by aiming to provide safe, stable, and appropriate housing
situations for unhoused residents while also providing targeted services. This goal also intends to
increase the efficiency and capacity of the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, which aims to prevent
and divert households from entering into houselessness, reduce duplication of services, provide data to
improve outcomes, and result in prioritizing limited housing resources. Additionally, these goals were
also informed by residents currently experiencing houselessness.
Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families who are likely to become homeless after being
discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are receiving
assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education or youth needs
This Plan's Housing Options (Goal 1) and Supporting Vulnerable Populations (Goal 2) goals build upon
the success of the Reaching Home plan by aiming to provide safe, stable, and appropriate housing
situations for unhoused residents while also providing targeted services. This goal also intends to
increase the efficiency and capacity of the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, which aims to prevent
and divert households from entering into houselessness, reduce duplication of services, provide data to
improve outcomes, and result in prioritizing limited housing resources. Stakeholders who work with
residents impacted by the justice system helped inform these goals. In addition to the need for more
affordable housing options for this population, additional investments in substance use intervention and
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 34
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
mental health services were highlighted as significant needs. Stakeholders also spoke to continuing to
strengthen coordination and communication across service providers and sectors.
SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards– 91.215(i)
Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards
The City of Missoula works to address lead-based paint (LBP) hazards on any city project, where
applicable, including new construction on sites that require site contamination cleanup (using
Brownfields funds), homeownership rehabilitation projects, and down payment assistance loans. All
homeowner rehabilitation or rental assistance projects funded through the City’s HOME or CDBG
programs require that units constructed prior to 1978 must pass a visual inspection for lead-based paint
by certified inspectors. Owners or managers are required to complete a disclosure certification of their
knowledge of the use of lead-based paint in the unit, provide tenants or potential buyers information
outlining lead-based paint hazards, and a Lead Warning Statement is attached to the rental lease or
home purchase documents. If required, mitigation procedures must be successfully completed prior to
occupancy and a second inspection is done to verify compliance. If the owner/landlord is unwilling to
abate identified lead-based paint hazards, the assisted client is directed to find another unit.
How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards?
Any housing built before 1978 is at risk of containing some amount of lead-based paint. Older housing is
more likely to have lead-based paint and the amount of lead pigment in the paint tends to increase with
the age of the housing. Approximately 16,600, or 51% of the housing units in Missoula, were built in
1979 or earlier. The Census Tracts with the highest percentage of housing units built prior to 1980
correspond with the following neighborhoods: University District, Rose Park, Lewis & Clark, Heart of
Missoula, Westside, and Northside.
Young children who could ingest lead-based paint are at a higher risk from lead poisoning than adults.
Children of very low- and low-income families are disproportionately at risk for lead poisoning, as they
tend to reside in older homes. According to 2021 American Community Survey data, there are 7,844
owner-occupied units and 8,765 renter-occupied units in Missoula built before 1980 with a higher
susceptibility to lead-based paint. Additionally, of the approximately 16,600 units built prior to 1980,
there are approximately 1,850 pre-1980 units with children present in Missoula. In 2021, approximately
18% of Missoula children under 5 years old live below the poverty level.
Lead-based paint screenings, mitigation (when necessary), and informing homeowners and tenants of
the hazards of lead-based paint are actions that will help reduce the extent of lead poisoning,
particularly for the low-income households that are served by the City’s HOME and CDBG programs.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 35
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures?
All CDBG and HOME contracts entered into between the City and recipients of funding from those
programs include language that stipulates that recipients must comply with lead-based paint regulations
and policies as established by City, State, and Federal laws and regulations, including specific policies
related to lead-based paint in the CDBG and HOME programs.
Once under contract, CDBG and HOME subrecipients are required to follow the procedures outlined
above to ensure that lead-based paint and other health and safety issues are detected and mitigated, if
present. Subrecipients must also ensure that clients being served through HUD programs are fully
informed of hazards and their rights pertaining to health and environmental safety.
Additionally, in accordance with HUD Notice CPD-23-103 on Addressing Radon in the Environmental
Review Process, the City of Missoula will require that all CDBG and HOME contracts entered into
between the City and recipients of funding from those programs include language that stipulates that
recipients must comply with radon testing procedures. This will involve utilizing approved testing
methods outlined by HUD and adhering to the recommended protocols for accurate measurement.
Subsequently, if elevated radon levels are detected, the City will require effective mitigation measures in
collaboration with qualified professionals. Additionally, each project will maintain detailed records of
radon testing and mitigation efforts to comply with HUD reporting requirements.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 36
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy – 91.215(j)
Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level Families
As articulated throughout the Consolidated Plan, housing costs continue to rise in Missoula, impacting a
significant proportion of the community. Between 2018 and 2022, the median sales price in Missoula
increased by 79%. Compounding the impacts on low- to moderate-income residents pursuing
homeownership are the rising costs of construction and land, limited availability of suitable parcels, and
regulatory barriers. According to 2021 American Community Survey data, 94% of both owners and
renter households experience cost burden in Missoula. For households making between $20,000-
$35,000, 79% of renters and 36% of owners experience cost burden. For households making between
$35,000-$49,999, 50% of owner-occupied households are cost burden and 40% of renter households are
cost burden. Low wages and increasing housing costs continue to disproportionately impact families and
individuals living in poverty.
Three factors identified by the Missoula Economic Partnership (MEP) as significant factors in the growth
of Missoula’s economy include the cost of living, low wages, and regional isolation. Additionally, MEP
reported that businesses and industries of all sizes are experiencing high demand for their products and
services, however, the high cost of living is making it difficult for these employers to retain their
workforce. As such, housing affordability and economic growth are inextricably linked. In coordination
with other City efforts, the primary objectives of the Consolidated Plan are to provide more affordable
housing options, support unhoused residents, and offer targeted community services, which will not
only provide housing stability but will also better position households and families to improve their
economic situations.
How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this
affordable housing plan
Over the last five years, the City of Missoula has taken immense strides to address alleviate poverty and
improve the quality of life of all Missoulians, particularly low- and moderate-income residents. In
addition to the goals articulated in the Consolidated Plan, the City has implemented a comprehensive
housing policy to address the housing needs of Missoulians, including establishing an Affordable Housing
Trust Fund. Additionally, the City is currently updating the Our Missoula Growth Policy to better align its
land use strategies with stated community goals. As part of that effort, the City conducted an “Equity in
Land Use” to identify how the City’s current code and policies fall short in support social equity goals
and addressing community needs. Moreover, the City will look to build upon the successes of the
Reaching Home plan and continue to serve its unhoused populations. These efforts align with the goals
of the Consolidated Plan to reduce poverty by provide more affordable housing options, support
vulnerable populations, and offering more targeted community services.
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 37
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
SP-80 Monitoring – 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities
carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with
requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the
comprehensive planning requirements
The City of Missoula is responsible for ensuring that Subrecipients comply with all regulations and
requirements governing their administrative, financial, and programmatic operations. This includes
ensuring that performance goals are achieved within the scheduled timeframe and budget, as well as
ensuring that the Subrecipient is taking appropriate actions when performance problems arise.
Monitoring of the Subrecipient continues over the course of the project.
Each year, the Community Development division (CD) develops a monitoring plan for both CDBG and
HOME. Monitoring will take various forms ranging from desk reviews to on-site monitoring visits. CD
utilizes a risk analysis tool in order to identify those CDBG subrecipients that may require more in-depth
and on-site monitoring. CD staff utilizes Chapter 5 of the Managing CDBG guidebook as guidance for
CDBG monitoring as well as the CPD Monitoring Handbook.
Monitoring Process
City staff will conduct an ongoing monitoring process in order to review the programmatic and financial
aspects of the Subrecipient’s activities. CPDI staff will review draw requests and quarterly reports
submitted by the Subrecipient for compliance with federal regulations regarding the use of federal funds
and the implementation of the program. The monitoring process is oriented towards resolving
problems, offering technical assistance, and promoting timely implementation of programs. To this end,
CPDI staff may require corrective actions of the Subrecipient.
In accordance with HOME guidance found in Monitoring HOME, CD utilizes the following on-site
monitoring schedule for HOME-assisted activities:
For any activity administered by a subrecipient, while contract is in effect:
• Tenant-based rental activity: Annually
• Project development activities during all phases of the project through to occupancy and project
completion; provided that development has begun: At least annually, but may occur more frequently
• Post completion, for rental projects with 1-4 total units in the project: Every 3 years until period of
affordability expires
• Post completion, for rental projects with 5-25 total units in the project: Every 2 years until period of
affordability expires
• Post- completion, for rental projects with 26 or more total units in the project: Annually until period
of affordability expires
Consolidated Plan MISSOULA 38
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
CD utilizes the Monitoring HOME guidebook as well as the CPD Monitoring Handbook as guidance for
monitoring. For both CDBG and HOME on-site monitoring, CD issues a written report to the Subrecipient
and allows them an opportunity to respond to any of the observations, findings, or deficiencies. With
respect to minority and women-owned business outreach, Section 3, labor standards, and other federal
requirements tied to construction projects, CD staff conducts pre-construction meetings with CDBG-
HOME subrecipients to ensure that they are familiar with all requirements and have the required
documents and forms to include in bid and construction documents. Throughout the year, CD staff are
reviewing draw requests, demographic reports, and narrative and financial reports to review CDBG and
HOME-funded projects for compliance with all applicable federal regulations. If CD identifies any issues
as part of this review, staff promptly notifies the Subrecipient to discuss the issue and identify any
necessary corrective actions.
VI. ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
Action Plan Portion starts at AP15
AP-15
Introduction
The City has a history of collaborating with nonprofit service organizations to address priority housing needs. The table that immediately follows
and the subsequent text describes Missoula's CDBG and HOME resources over the next five years covered by the Consolidated Plan. This
includes federal, state, local, and private resources expected to be available to the City to address the priority needs and specific objectives
identified in the Strategic Plan.
HUD Resources Due to delays in receiving actual allocation amounts from Congress, the HOME and CDBG allocated amounts listed below are
estimates based on the PY2023 award. All proposed project budgets will be proportionally increased or decreased from the estimated funding
levels to match actual allocation amounts. Upon receiving the final allocation amounts from HUD, the plan will be updated to reflect those
amounts.
HUD entitlement funding is the primary resource to achieve goals in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. In PY2024, the City will receive
approximately $555,089 (CDBG) and $397,905 (HOME). In addition, the City anticipates receiving program income of approximately $96,676
(CDBG) and $59,065 (HOME) in PY2024. Program income is earned from loan payments.
Federal Resources
The City of Missoula's Brownfields Program facilitates the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of real property when complicated by the
presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. This funding is often leveraged to support affordable
housing development. The amount available for loans and/or grants from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund varies, depending on the number
of outstanding grants and loans, and when repayment of loans is expected.
State Resources
Developers may access state resources through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program. This program is administered by the
Montana Board of Housing (MBOH). The MBOH also facilitates and operates a number of down payment assistance loans that are available to
qualifying households in Missoula. Additionally, the State’s Coal Trust Multifamily Homes Program provides $65 million of Coal Trust funds to be
invested in loans to projects providing multifamily rental homes. Specifically, the funds can be used for new construction, acquisition, and/or
rehabilitation of existing multifamily rental homes; acquisition of land for multifamily rental homes including land trusts for rental, mobile, or
manufactured housing projects; and development or preservation of a mobile home parks.
The 2023 Legislative session created several new housing resources. House Bill 819, the Montana Community Reinvestment Act, includes
funding for homebuyer assistance, infrastructure investment for below market projects through low interest bonds and loans, additional funding
for the Permanent Coal Tax Trust Fund and planning funding to advance housing goals. As a result of HB 819, the MRA is collaborating with the
Montana Board of Investments to bond on a public/private partnership that will result in the creation of 89 for sale homes, 46 of which will have
dedicated use and affordability parameters.
Local Resources Over the next five years, the city will continue to explore using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to meet housing goals. The
State of Montana has authorized local governments to utilize TIF in designated areas. TIF in Montana is segregation of new property taxable
value over a base year that may be used for certain activities within the specified areas. Through the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA),
the City of Missoula currently administers six urban renewal districts, each of which are unique in terms of size, uses, and TIF capacity. Use of TIF
is primarily limited to clearing development sites, providing adequate utility infrastructure, as well as land cost subsidy for permanently
affordable housing projects. Several of the urban renewal districts have the capacity to fund or bond for substantial amounts for eligible
activities related to construction of affordable housing. Following a legislative change made in 2021 that permitted costs related to vertical
construction for workforce housing development, the MRA convened a working group to develop a workforce housing policy in mid-2023. The
approved workforce housing policy expands the use of TIF funding to include housing development that has a dedicated use for people earning
between 60-140% of AMI.
Three years after the development of the City of Missoula’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the fund has resulted in permanent housing
connection or preservation for 149 households who were experiencing houselessness or housing instability. Six hundred twenty-nine households
benefited from homebuyer and financial education and 213 homes were preserved or acquired to ensure lasting affordability. Housing policy
staff have created tracking and measurement protocols, completed qualitative data collection and analysis to evaluate community need related
to displacement, developed a Voluntary Incentives Program to build and strengthen relationships with developers, participated in policy
development to leverage other local resources like Tax Increment Financing, and engaged in the City’s code reform process to ensure barriers to
new supply are removed.
Private Resources
Whenever possible, the City works to support projects that leverage private equity through LIHTC. Investments from the private sector make
these projects work and bring new resources into the community.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services
555,089 96,676 300,525 952,290
2,320,000
This is the estimated annual allocation
award based on last year’s allocation, plus
prior year resources and program income.
Projects chosen for funding will be
proportionally increased or decreased
from estimated funding levels to match
actual allocation amounts.
Rental and homeowner rehabilitation,
including ADA improvements, have been
chosen for funding this year.
Program Source
of Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
HOME public -
federal
Acquisition
Homebuyer
assistance
Homeowner
rehab
Multifamily
rental new
construction
Multifamily
rental rehab
New
construction for
ownership
TBRA
397,905 59,065 64,329 521,299
1,800,000
This is the estimated annual allocation
award based on last year’s allocation, plus
prior year resources and program income.
Projects chosen for funding will be
proportionally increased or decreased
from estimated funding levels to match
actual allocation amounts.
Rental housing rehabilitation,and the
acquisition of a single family home to be
placed into a community land trust, and
CHDO operating assistance will be funded
this year. Note – PR01 prior year
resources of $868,990 are adjusted here
to include uncommitted CHDO set-aside
of $123,339, and the exclusion of
$928,000 for 2 projects previously
reported under the HOME Affordable
Housing Development and Rehabilitation
project.
Program Source
of Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
General
Fund
public -
local
Admin and
Planning
Other
$916,859 0 0 $916,859
3,320,000
Community Planning, Development &
Innovation dedicates significant portions
of its general fund budget to the
administration of HUD grant programs
($82,699), affordable housing policy and
fair housing activities ($157,160), and
houseless programs ($577,000). In
addition, $100,000 from the General Fund
was allocated to our local Affordable
Housing Trust fund in FY24.
Other public -
federal
Housing
Multifamily
rental new
construction
New
construction for
ownership
Public
Improvements
200,000 0 0 0 800,000
The City’s Brownfields Program
facilitates the expansion, redevelopment,
or reuse of real property when
complicated by the presence or potential
presence of a hazardous substance,
pollutant, or contaminant. Federal
funding cycles and the project-specific
nature of Brownfields projects make
projections challenging, but the City
anticipates spending, in the next five
years, $300,000 in Brownfields
assessment funding and $700,000 in
cleanup funding. A majority of this
funding is expected to benefit the Goals
outlined in this plan.
Table 1 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
Federal funding will leverage private, state, and local funds as well as leveraging other types of support such as volunteer labor and in-kind
support. In each award decision, the ability of a project or agency to demonstrate sustainable services by both maximizing other sources of
funding and minimizing or eliminating the need for ongoing CDBG or HOME support is an important ranking criterion. An agency or project must
ensure that they are not duplicating services already available and that other sources of funding have been explored.
For Program Year 2024, agencies receiving HOME and CDBG funding are leveraging other resources to carry out their programs. Although not
required, the City of Missoula asks CDBG subrecipients to provide match as well. Based on financial information submitted with each application,
CDBG subrecipients are estimated to leverage $190,700 from a variety of sources.
HOME Match. The HOME Program requires participating jurisdictions to provide a 25 percent match on most HOME funds expended each
program year. Match is a permanent contribution to affordable housing of non-federal funds. Applicants for HOME-CHDO set-aside funds are
encouraged to demonstrate matching funds. Matching funds are reported and approved by CD annually. HOME-funded projects and match
resources are reported in the annual CAPER. For the PY24 HOME program, based on financial information submitted with each application,
HOME subrecipients are estimated to leverage $451,250.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
8
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that
may be used to address the needs identified in the plan
The City is continuously reviewing its available vacant public lands to see what might be used to address
the community's needs. Given the need to produce more affordable housing, the City is evaluating these
parcels to determine which may be most appropriate for housing or mixed-use development.
One large affordable housing construction project was completed in PY23. The Villagio is a 200-unit
project priced to be affordable to individuals and families making at or below 60% AMI. Another large
202-unit project, located on two sites in Missoula, is nearing completion. The Trinity Apartments, which
offers 200 affordable units, will eventually be accompanied by a navigation center, for Missoula’s long-
term unhoused neighbors.
A redevelopment plan is underway for City-owned land of which, as proposed, three acres will be given
to a Community Land Trust dedicated for 46 permanently affordable homes. These will be income
restricted for people making 120% AMI and below. Additional acreage will be used for lease housing and
retail/commercial uses. The property sits in one of the city’s urban renewal districts. The plan also
analyzes infrastructure needs related to development of other nearby vacant parcels owned by the City,
MRL and Republic Services.
The City of Missoula is in the process of developing comprehensive building and zoning code reforms to
streamline construction of housing across all incomes to ensure development meets city standards.
Addressing barriers to affordable housing will include rezoning land for multi-family development,
modifying the zoning regulations to provide more options for affordable housing, in-fill development on
under-utilized parcels, and potential redevelopment of brownfield sites.
Discussion
The resources listed here are financial and thus are not all-encompassing. Funds come from other
sources that are not within the purview of HUD-sponsored programs, but still contribute to the vitality
of the City and CDBG- and HOME-funded projects. Missoula staff and volunteers who provide their
personal time and money to assist their fellow Missoulians every day cannot be adequately captured
here. Most boards are all volunteer, and every nonprofit relies heavily on volunteer support to
accomplish its work. Volunteer labor and in-kind support are often captured in project budgets but are
difficult to quantify in all instances. The City's CDBG and HOME funding decisions try to leverage and
capture the value of those contributions and support projects with varied and robust funding and
support bases.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
9
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
10
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Housing Options 2024 2028 Affordable
Housing
Homeless
Housing Options
481,509 HOME
585,000 CDBG
Rental Housing Rehabilitated:
50 Household Housing Unit
Homeowner housing added:
1 Household Housing Unit
Homeowner Housing
Rehabilitated:
13 Household Housing Unit
GOI for CHDO: “Other”: 160
beneficiaries
2 Supporting
Vulnerable
Populations
2024 2028 Homeless Supporting
Vulnerable
Populations
$173,009 CDBG
Overnight/Emergency
Shelter/Transitional Housing
Beds added:
12 Beds
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
11
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
3 Community
Services
2024 2028 Public Services Public Services $83,263 CDBG Public service activities other
than Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
65 Persons Assisted
4 Planning and
Administration
2024 2028 Planning and
Administration
Planning and
Administration
111,018CDBG
39,790 HOME
Other: 2
0 Other
Table 2 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
12
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
1 Goal Name Housing Options
Goal
Description
CDBG funds will support the preservation of 64 affordable housing units across its projects. This includes CDBG funds that
will support low-income households with the installation of modular aluminum wheelchair ramps and other exterior
access improvements for low-to moderate-income seniors or peoples with disabilities who have limited mobility and are in
need of improved accessibility in their homes. In addition, the North Missoula Development Corporation will use
CHDO Operating Assistance to support their efforts to plan and develop new housing developments that will result
in increased rental and homeownership units that are affordable for low- to moderate-income households
(estimated beneficiaries is 160).
This goal will aim to leverage, incentivize, and fund efforts that support the development, preservation, and rehabilitation
of affordable housing options in Missoula for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households, particularly projects
that emphasize serving residents with accessibility limitations, are located near transit corridors and other community
services, and that include sustainable and climate-resilient approaches and practices in their efforts.
2 Goal Name Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Goal
Description
In PY24, CDBG dollars will be reserved to support eligible public facility and infrastructure projects to support unhoused
residents. Although no project is available at the moment, the addition of 12 beds is estimated.
This goal will aim to provide housing stability for unhoused residents and residents at-risk of becoming unhoused through
the provision of emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing options, as well as targeted and
comprehensive service provision. Funding will be prioritized for capital and/or public services projects that increase the
efficiency of service delivery, continue to build systemic capacity in the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, and projects
and/or programs that implement a Housing First approach.”
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
13
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
3 Goal Name Community Services
Goal
Description
In PY2024, CDBG public service dollars will be reserved to fund public service projects. Although no project has been
chosen, assistance for 65 persons is estimated. Local affordable housing trust fund dollars have been allocated to support
a rental assistance program, leaving CDBG dollars available for other projects.
This goal aims to address pressing community needs that have been identified as having significant impacts on the quality
of life for low- and moderate-income residents. The City will strategically target projects, programs, and other efforts that
increase access to community services, such as, but not limited to, affordable childcare, increased access to mental health
care and chemical dependency services, and employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income Missoulians. The
City will continue to engage the community over the next five years to ensure that funding is directed at community
services that address the greatest needs voiced by Missoula residents.
4 Goal Name Planning and Administration
Goal
Description
In PY24, Community Development will continue to undertake annual planning and administration tasks for CDBG and
HOME, including grants administration, financial reporting, and development of the Annual Action Plan and Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
14
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Projects
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
Missoula's Community Development (CD) division recommends funding seven CDBG and HOME
projects, which include funding for administration and planning up to HUD limits. The projects will be
funded with 2024 CDBG-HOME allocations.
Due to delays in receiving actual allocation amounts from Congress, the HOME and CDBG allocated
amounts listed are estimates based on the PY2023 award. All proposed project budgets will be
proportionally increased or decreased from the estimated funding levels to match actual allocation
amounts. Upon receiving the final allocation amounts from HUD, the plan will be updated to reflect
those amounts.
Other departmental factors have contributed to a change in the use of funding sources as the City
adapts to leveraging all city assets and funding sources available to support underserved needs,
especially in the realm of housing affordability. Missoula's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) was
established in July 2020. Program Year 2024 is the third year of the unified application round for CDBG,
HOME and AHTF. This year, the AHTF was able to fund one project to support vulnerable citizens and
keep them in their rental units or help them find suitable housing.
CD will comply with all federally mandated percentage limits including:
• HOME: 15% minimum CHDO set-aside; 10% maximum Administration and Planning; 5% maximum
CHDO Operating Assistance; 10% maximum CHDO predevelopment loan (as percentage of total CHDO
set-aside)
• CDBG: 15% maximum Public Services; 20% maximum Administration and Planning.
Projects
# Project Name
1 PY24 CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation
2 PY24 CDBG Public Services
3 PY24 CDBG Public Facilities & Infrastructure
4 PY24 HOME Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation
5 PY24 HOME CHDO Operating Expenses
6 PY24 CD CDBG Planning and Admin
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
15
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
# Project Name
7 PY24 CD HOME Planning and Admin
Table 3 - Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
CDBG & HOME
For PY24, the City has combined the application for projects into a Unified Application cycle that
includes HOME, CDBG, and the local Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). Combining funding sources
has allowed the City to better leverage the funds available to support underserved needs, especially in
the realm of housing affordability. This is the third year that the City was able to fund projects with the
city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which has helped leverage CDBG/HOME dollars across affordable
housing projects.
CD staff reviewed guidelines and grant-ranking criteria with prospective applicants and members of the
public at the Unified Application Workshop on January 9, 2024. Ranking criteria for the funds included
the following: Project Design, Demonstrated Knowledge of Community Needs, Impact and Outcomes,
Financial Feasibility, and Readiness/Timeliness.
The twelve applications submitted for funding were reviewed by staff from the Community
Development, Planning, and Innovation Department, and members of the City Council, and ranked
according to the criteria established in the application guidelines. The review team assigned points
based on the above criteria and then ranked the projects based on average points received. Once this
ranking was complete, funds were awarded to the top-ranking projects.
Despite the City’s increased efforts to leverage additional resources, including the Affordable Housing
Trust Fund, Brownfields, and LITHC, requests for funding from HOME and CDBG far exceed available
funds, which is the primary obstacle to addressing underserved needs.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
16
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
17
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
1 Project Name PY24 CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation
Target Area
Goals Supported Housing Options
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Options
Funding $585,000 CDBG
Description Activities to include rehabilitation of rental or homeownership units
made available to households at or below 80% AMI. This includes
support to install ADA-compliant ramps for seniors and those living
with disability.
Due to a delay CDBG allocation funding, this project will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
At least 48 low-and-moderate income families will benefit from these
PY24 activities.
Location Description City of Missoula
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
18
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Planned Activities $410,000 of CDBG will help support rehabilitation on an affordable
Missoula property: Orchard Gardens. These improvements will
positively impact the lives of 60 Missoulians living in the 35 units.
Human Resource Council, District XI plans to use $100,000 in CDBG
funds to continue the owner-occupied rehabilitation program in
Missoula, which will provide loans for up to 3 owners with incomes at
80% AMI or less. A financial capacity analysis will be conducted to
compute applicant’s repayment ability and loan terms. HRC will
provide consultation services that allow the borrower to address
conditions necessary to assure that their home is safe, decent, and
sanitary, its structural integrity is preserved, further deterioration is
prevented, and the unit is brought up to applicable codes for both site-
constructed and off-site constructed.
In addition, $75,000 of CDBG will go to support the installation of a
minimum of 10 modular aluminum wheelchair ramps and other
exterior access improvements for low-to moderate-income seniors or
peoples with disabilities who have limited mobility and are in need of
improved accessibility in their homes. Ramps are constructed of
modular aluminum components, which allows us to repurpose them
when clients change. By reusing ramp components, we are able to help
more clients at reduced cost.
These activities help support the Equity Plan goals of providing housing
stability and increasing affordable housing options throughout the city.
2 Project Name PY24 CDBG Public Services
Target Area
Goals Supported Community Services
Needs Addressed Community Needs
Funding CDBG: $83,263
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
19
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Description CDBG funds will provide support for a variety of public service activities
eligible under the CDBG program to benefit low-and-moderate income
individuals and households. CD will reserve a portion of its allocation
for public services, not to exceed the 15% cap.
Due to a delay CDBG allocation funding, this project will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
At least 65 individuals may be supported through public service
activities.
Location Description City of Missoula
Planned Activities A variety of non-construction social service activities that benefit low-
and moderate-income citizens, not to exceed the regulatory cap of 15%
of the City of Missoula’s CDBG annual allocation.
4 Project Name PY24 HOME Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation
Target Area
Goals Supported Housing Options
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Options
Funding HOME: $ 461,614
Description Activities to include acquisition and rehabilitation of rental or
homeownership units made available to households at or below 80%
AMI. In addition, the City of Missoula will reserve a portion of its HOME
funds for HOME Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation
Activities.
Due to a delay HOME allocation funding, these projects will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD.
Target Date
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
At least 16 affordable units will be supported with HOME funds.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
20
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Location Description City of Missoula
Planned Activities HOME funds will support exterior rehabilitation on an affordable
housing complex in Missoula. In addition, a single-family home will be
acquired and placed into a community land trust to ensure permanent
affordability. These projects will address Con Plan Goal: Housing
Options. These activities also help support the Equity Plan goals of
providing housing stability and increasing affordable housing options
throughout the city.
5 Project Name PY24 HOME CHDO Operating Expenses
Target Area
Goals Supported Housing Options
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Options
Funding HOME: $19,895
Description CHDO Operating Assistance will provide assistance to support our local
Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). The funds
will provide general operating assistance to CHDOs and will not exceed
the 5% cap.
Due to a delay HOME allocation funding, this project will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
160 beneficiaries
Location Description City of Missoula
Planned Activities Activities will include overall support of North Missoula Community
Development Corporation to grow their community land trust
program.
6 Project Name PY24 CD CDBG Planning and Admin
Target Area
Goals Supported Planning and Administration
Needs Addressed Planning and Administration
Funding CDBG: $111,018
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
21
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Description Administrative activities undertaken by the Community Development
division to administer CDBG funds for program year 2024.
Due to a delay in allocation funding, this project will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD and
will be in keeping with the 20% cap on CDBG administration and
planning dollars.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description
Planned Activities Administrative activities undertaken by the Office of Housing &
Community Development to administer CDBG funds for program year
2024.
7 Project Name PY24 CD HOME Planning and Admin
Target Area
Goals Supported Planning and Administration
Needs Addressed Planning and Administration
Funding HOME: $39,790
Description Administrative activities undertaken by the Community Development
division to administer HOME funds for program year 2024.
Due to a delay in allocation funding, this project will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD and
will be in keeping with the 10% cap on HOME administration and
planning dollars.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Planned Activities Administrative activities undertaken by the Community Development
division to administer HOME funds for program year 2024.
8 Project Name PY24 CDBG Public Facility and Infrastructure
Target Area
Goals Supported Housing Stability
Needs Addressed Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Funding CDBG: $173,009
Description The City of Missoula will reserve a portion of its CDBG funds for CDBG
Public Facility and/or Infrastructure Activities.
Due to a delay CDBG allocation funding, this project will receive a
proportionally adjusted increase or decrease in the amount of awarded
funds once the City has received their annual allocation from HUD.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
12
Location Description
Planned Activities Activities such as the acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities and improvements to
improve or create access to suitable living environments or necessary
services that primarily benefit individuals earning less than 80% AMI.
If an activity is funded under this project, it would support the Equity
Plan goal of supporting vulnerable populations.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
23
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and
minority concentration) where assistance will be directed
N/A
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
Table 4 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
The City of Missoula does not allocate its entitlement funding on the basis of geography. Due to its
relatively small allocation, the City aims to have the necessary flexibility to fund and leverage projects,
programs, and other efforts that will have the greatest impact on low- and moderate-income
populations.
Discussion
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
24
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
As described in the Needs Assessment section of this plan, nearly two-thirds of the households in
Missoula making less than 80% AMI have housing needs. An additional 500 more households making
less than 80% AMI are projected to have housing needs over the next five years. The housing problem
impacting the greatest number of Missoula homeowners is cost burden, while renter-occupied
households with housing needs are most likely to experience severe cost burden. For households
making between 0-30% AMI, 72% of Missoula renters and 54% of Missoula homeowners are severely
cost burdened.
More affordable housing in Missoula was the single most articulated need throughout the community
engagement process for this Plan, particularly for low- to moderate income populations, unhoused
populations, and special populations, such as seniors, residents living with disabilities, and single
mothers. As such, the City has prioritized its entitlement funding and local resources to facilitate
affordable housing production and preservation throughout the community. Previous years’ funds have
gone to support the construction of 402 affordable rental units for residents qualifying between 30%
and 80% of the Area Median Income, as well as the placement of a single-family homes into a
community land trust to ensure permanent affordability. While a significant achievement in itself, the
additional units are not enough to ease the affordable housing burden many Missoulians face every day.
During the 2024 Program Year, HOME and CDBG funds will be used to preserve affordability and
livability across 48 rental units. Funds will additionally be used to support the rehabilitation of three (3)
low to moderate income homeownership units, and to install a minimum of 10 modular aluminum
wheelchair ramps and other exterior access improvements for low-to moderate-income seniors or
peoples with disabilities who have limited mobility and are in need of improved accessibility in their
homes.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported
Homeless 0
Non-Homeless 51
Special-Needs 10
Total 61
Table 5 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through
Rental Assistance 0
The Production of New Units 0
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
25
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through
Rehab of Existing Units 60
Acquisition of Existing Units 1
Total 61
Table 6 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type
Discussion
The City of Missoula will continue to pursue opportunities that increase and improve the affordable
housing stock in the city and reduce housing cost burden for renters and owners. This will be primarily
done by implement the City’s Housing Policy, which looks to minimize barriers and provide financial
incentives, where possible, to promote the production and preservation of diverse, healthy, and safe
homes for Missoulians.
The City continues to work closely with several affordable housing development partners whose
mission-driven approach provides opportunities to increase affordable housing in the City. To assist with
these efforts, the City developed a Voluntary Incentives Program, which builds relationships with
builders and developers in exchange for city resources that result in public benefits. To date, the
program has produced eight one-bedroom condominiums sold below market to buyers earning at or
below 120% of AMI. Additionally, staff completed a year-long listening project focused on housing
displacement, which resulted in the development of a dozen policy and programmatic
recommendations.
Looking ahead, City staff remain focused on implementing strategies that measure impact and leverage
opportunities to improve housing outcomes in the community. Program Year 2024 was the third year
for the City of Missoula’s Unified Application, in which CDBG, HOME, and local Affordable Housing Trust
Fund (AHTF) dollars were combined. The AHTF comes with less restrictive conditions for funding and can
help those up to 120% AMI, which allows the City to better leverage available funds to support
underserved needs, especially in the realm of housing affordability. This year, the fund will help one
project.
City resources, including CDBG and HOME dollars, have been and will continue to be strategically
devoted to construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income
Missoulians.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
26
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
The City of Missoula’s public housing authority is the Missoula Housing Authority. The Missoula Housing
Authority (MHA) provides quality-housing solutions for low- and middle-income households in Missoula
and the surrounding area.
Missoula voters created the Missoula Housing Authority in 1978. Currently, Montana state law states
that public housing authorities shall address the problems of poor building conditions, improper
planning, excessive land coverage, and unsafe conditions caused by overcrowding. To solve these
problems, MHA is authorized to purchase property, demolish and rebuild areas of unsafe housing, and
build new housing projects.
MHA operates and administers Housing Choice Vouchers (previously known as Section 8), Shelter Plus
Care (permanent supportive housing for the homeless), Single Room Occupancy (SRO), and housing for
homeless veterans' programs. It also develops affordable rental properties and provides rental
management services to a number of affordable housing projects in Missoula. MHA originally operated
public housing but converted its portfolio into Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers in 2021. MHA also
receives a variety of special purpose vouchers serving the disabled, homeless veterans, foster youth at
risk and other at-risk populations. MHA provides subsidized housing (HCV, SPC) for over 1,200 families,
and owns (sometimes in partnership) and manages affordable housing for more than 1150 other
households.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing
MHA completed a new HUD program referred to as “Streamlined Voluntary Conversion.” This program
converted all Public Housing units to project-based Housing Choice vouchers. The homes will continue to
be owned and managed by MHA with very little disruption, if any, to the current residents. The
conversion places these important subsidized units on a more stable funding platform, providing tenants
with more security and the option of portability, which is not available to them under the Public Housing
program. The rent they pay remains the same and they will still have access to the Family Self-
Sufficiency Program, a program that assists them with overcoming barriers to employment. The
conversion took place late spring 2021.
MHA received awards of 66 Mainstream vouchers for non-elderly disabled residents, 52 HUD VASH
vouchers for Veterans, 11 Foster Youth Initiative vouchers for at-risk youth aging out of foster care, and
16 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) for homeless or at-risk families. However, the EHV program is
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
27
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
currently winding down and the vouchers will sunset as people turn them over.
Missoula Housing Authority completed a 12-unit apartment complex that will house chronically
homeless individuals in the community who are frequent utilizers of services. The Villagio, a new 200-
unit affordable housing complex, was completed in 2024 and includes 32 units with project-based
vouchers. This allows the project to benefit lower income households than would be possible without
the vouchers.
Another exciting project that completed leasing in PY 2023 is Trinity Apartments. This project is a
collaboration among another non-profit developer, a private developer, and supportive service
providers. Situated on two separate sites, it includes 202 units of affordable homes people can afford.
Thirty permanent supportive housing vouchers will be placed in one of the sites, along with a navigation
center to provide supportive services for residents and others in the community. MHA has placed 30 of
its SPC vouchers in the Trinity building named “Blue Heron Place”. Blue Heron Place has 30 one-
bedroom units; all placements are filled via the Missoula Coordinated Entry System prioritization policy.
MHA deployed 20 of its Mainstream vouchers to stabilize the Bridge Apartments as it changed
ownership. The plan is to “project-base” them when the permanent owner takes over. MHA converted
its long-standing Veterans’ housing project, Valor House, from transitional housing to permanent
housing and “project-based” its HUD VASH vouchers into Valor House, as well as Cornerstone
Apartments. MHA is actively looking for additional opportunities to project-base HUD VASH vouchers.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and
participate in homeownership
MHA no longer has public housing and no longer has a resident advisory board. For many years, MHA
has had a Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program, which is open to voucher participants,
including former public housing residents who are now in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Residents are offered the services of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinators. A key component of the
FSS program are the escrow accounts made available to families, many of whom utilize these funds for
homeownership.
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
28
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
provided or other assistance
The Missoula Housing Authority is a high-performing agency.
Discussion
n/a
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
29
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)
Introduction
Missoula’s Continuum of Care (CoC) strategy includes triage, housing problem solving, crisis stabilization
through outreach, emergency shelter, and information and linkages using the coordinated entry system;
assistance with securing resources and essential social services; housing stabilization through prevention
programs, rapid re-housing assistance, transitional housing, and case management; permanent
supportive housing; and finally, interdependency in the market economy.
Missoula’s strategy was developed and is implemented and coordinated by the At-Risk Housing Coalition
(ARHC). ARHC is an ongoing formal task force comprised of representatives of health and human service
agencies and City and County governmental agencies. Since its inception in 1993, ARHC has worked to
establish a common understanding of the issues surrounding low-income housing and homelessness in
Missoula, and to develop a comprehensive plan with long- and short-term solutions. Projects are
supported by ARHC-member agencies, and through grant funding administered on behalf of the
community by local government or private non-profit entities.
The City and County have been key collaborators in the Missoula CoC and in community-wide planning
processes designed to address the issue of providing adequate housing for low-income residents. The
Community Planning, Development, and Innovation Department guides the work of ARHC by providing
meeting coordination, facilitation of communications and strategies, and clerical support.
In October of 2012, the Reaching Home Work Group, convened by Mayor John Engen, released
“Reaching Home: Missoula’s 10-year plan to end homelessness (2012-2022).” In September 2013, a
Reaching Home Coordinator was hired to begin implementation of the 10-year plan. The ARHC Executive
Committee, comprised of the executive directors or upper-level managers of government and social
service agencies that give direct assistance to people who are unhoused or are at-risk of becoming
unhoused, works closely with the Reaching Home Coordinator on plan development and
implementation.
Since inception, Reaching Home has doubled in staff size evolving into: a Houseless Program Manager,
Houseless Operations Specialist, and a Coordinated Entry Specialist. The City hired an evaluation group
to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the 10-Year Plan upon its ending in October 2022. Findings of
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
30
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
that evaluation were released in spring of 2023. Key findings included:
Recognition of key successes such as creating a shared community vision, creation and growth
of the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, and new creative programs to improve first
responder interactions, add shelter options, and provide behavioral health resources
Recognition of key challenges including limited ongoing funding and challenges in staff capacity
across service providers and the public sector
Ongoing gaps in prevention services, retention services, transitional housing to bridge people
into stable housing, and communications and community engagement
Sources of information included interviews with individuals who have experience being
unhoused (N=23), interviews with individuals working to serve those experiencing houselessness
(i.e., city and partner agency staff (N=29), a partner agency staff survey (N=39) and focus group
(N=8)), a community-based survey (N=601) and two focus groups with community members
(N=18).
Lastly, client-level data collected through the Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES, N=
3308) was used to look into how individuals used services over time and whether they became
housed or not.
Following that evaluation, City Houseless Programs released a limited solicitation for a group to lead
Missoula through the process to create a new strategy to address homelessness. The City selected and
contracted with Homebase at the start of 2024 and work is underway on that project. City staff and
Homebase hope to complete strategy creation by the end of the 2024 calendar year. Missoula is also
participating in Built for Zero, a project of Community Solutions. Missoula joined Built for Zero in
summer 2022 and has made great strides since then. Achievements thus far include achieving Quality
Data for single adults, veterans, and chronically unhoused neighbors; hosting a two-day, in-person
learning session in November 2023 with nearly 50 attendees from 26 different organizations where
participants set the community aim to achieve functional zero houselessness for veterans by November
11, 2026; and receiving a Capacity Building Grant from Built for Zero to hire a full-time staff person to
lead the City’s Built for Zero work.
Challenges in addressing houselessness are felt across the State and nation. Missoula, like many
localities, is attempting to respond to a national issue with limited local resources. In many ways,
Missoula partners are stepping up to the challenge, but continue to face significant barriers in funding
and services capacity.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
31
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
including
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
Several programs in Missoula specialize in reaching out to unhoused residents, assessing their individual
needs, and providing a wide range of unduplicated services. As part of Missoula’s Coordinated Entry
System, the City operates a Community Outreach Team comprised of staff from:
• Poverello Center’s Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.);
• Western Montana Mental Health Center’s federally-funded PATH program (Projects for the
Assistance in Transitioning from Homelessness);
• Open Aid Alliance’s Peer Support and harm reduction “Uncovery” treatment program;
• Volunteers of America;
• Staff from the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) at Human Resource Council;
• Cross-organizational Community Health Workers; and
• Hope Rescue Mission.
The group assesses needs and identifies access barriers for people experiencing chronic houselessness
and households that need to be met “where they are” – literally and circumstantially. The Homeless
Outreach Team serves as a Coordinated Entry System Access Point, providing basic need survival items,
like food, tents and clothing items, as well as access to the Coordinated Entry process. They may at
times also provide short-term case management, as well as testing services (HIV, HEP C and Syphilis),
syringe exchange services, overdose prevention training and supplies, and peer services.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The Poverello Center serves as Missoula’s primary emergency shelter for adults who are unhoused.
Currently, the Poverello offers 135 shelter beds with room for an additional 15 people to sit inside and
be safe and warm, as well as 20 transitional housing beds for Veterans. Additionally, the Poverello
Center contracts with the City to operate the Johnson Street Temporary Emergency Shelter, which is a
low-barrier shelter with 165 beds and room for an addition 15 people to sit inside and be safe and
warm. The Johnson Street Shelter was used as a winter-only Emergency Winter Shelter for three winters
(2020-2023). In the summer of 2023, Missoula saw a clear need for additional emergency shelter
capacity year-round, so with advocacy from community service providers, the City and County allocated
funding to re-open the building used for Emergency Winter Shelter for full year-round operations
instead, now called the Johnson Street Temporary Emergency Shelter. The shelter currently has funding
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
32
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
until September 2024; after that, its future is unknown.
Missoula continues to have the second largest population of unhoused families in the state, per the
2023 Point-in-Time count. Missoula’s dramatic shift in real estate values—a 57% increase from 2020 to
2023 affects a broad cross section of the community. In addition, in the past four years, Missoula public
schools report that the number of students from unhoused families has increased from 326 in 2020-
2021 to 546 in 2023-2024. The lack of affordable housing is the primary contributor to family
homelessness, followed by domestic violence. Additional factors include poverty and low wages, leading
to cost-burdened households.
YWCA Missoula opened the doors to The Meadowlark in the spring of 2021; the facility has gone
through various periods of being full since that time. When planning for the new facility, the YWCA knew
that because of the strong intersection between domestic violence and family homelessness,
participants from both of these programs often required the same or very similar trauma-informed
comprehensive services to rebuild their lives. After looking at shelters across the country, it was
determined that a model to provide these linked services would have to be custom designed. The
Meadowlark is a single facility with two wings designed to help children and families take flight. This
facility includes the Missoula Family Housing Center in one wing with 25 rooms for unhoused families,
the YWCA Missoula Domestic Violence Shelter in the other wing with 13 rooms for individuals and
families fleeing domestic and sexual violence and trafficking with a high safety risk.
In FY23, YWCA Missoula provided emergency shelter to 108 families (comprised of 113 women, 49 men,
one trans/non-binary adult and 189 children). This represents an 18% increase in the number of families
sheltered compared to last year, and a 52% increase from two years ago. The Family Housing Center also
provided walk-in support and services to an additional 195 households, including 325 additional
children. Across all housing programs, which includes Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing, 344
households made up of 837 individuals received shelter, housing, housing assistance or other housing
services from YWCA Missoula. This represents a 32% increase in the number of households assisted
compared to last year, and a 50% increase from the number of households assisted two years ago.
Because of the increase in demand, the Meadowlark’s model has adapted and continues to adapt based
on focus groups and feedback from participants. Staffing has been restructured to provide targeted
intensive case management, balanced with daily supports. In addition, intake, orientation, and general
policies and procedures have been restructured through an equity lens that considers race, ethnicity,
ability, and gender. As the Meadowlark and the Family Housing Center continue to work through each of
their processes and policies, they are strengthening channels for regular evaluation and feedback from
residents that will continue to inform the process. All these changes support one of their primary
programmatic goals: that participants leave their programs better able to take advantage of life’s
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
33
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
opportunities and respond to challenges.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again
Missoula currently provides several forms of rental assistance and supportive housing to shorten the
length of houselessness and facilitate a successful transition into safe, stable, and permanent housing.
In Missoula, ESG funding is awarded directly to the Human Resource Council (HRC). The ESG rapid re-
housing (RRH) program can be used to assist homeless individuals with any of the following: one to
three months of rental assistance, a rental security deposit equal to no more than two months’ rent, last
months’ rent, rental application fees, and arrears from a prior rental. The ESG RRH program targets
individuals who meet the “literally homeless definition” and are prioritized via the Missoula Coordinated
Entry System.
Missoula also established a Housing Solutions Fund (HSF) in March 2020. The HSF operates as a flexible,
creative, financial resource program, offering support to literally homeless or at-risk households and
individuals. HSF funding has covered rental assistance and deposits, rent and utilities in arrears,
relocation costs, personal identification and rental application fees, and other creative housing
solutions. HSF strives to cover costs that are ineligible for other funding sources and at the lowest-
barrier application threshold possible. As funding and processes became more stable, starting in 2021,
over $350,000 has been dispersed to 490 households to move into, get closer to, or stay within their
current housing. In 2023 alone, $253,000 was distributed to 277 households for an average of $913 per
approved request. Having HSF as a local resource is invaluable; HSF can serve households where they’re
at and bolsters self-identified goals, while simultaneously decreasing the number of households entering
the houseless response system (inflow) and increasing the number of households exiting the system to
permanent housing (outflow).
The Family Housing Center (FHC) serves homeless one and two-parent families with children. This
population is largely comprised of low-income women and their children. Members of the BIPOC
community are over-represented compared to the general population. The FHC serves and meets their
needs in several ways. Above all, providing shelter on the same day a family loses their housing, along
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
34
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
with immediate access to staff and services 24-hours a day is paramount. Private sleeping rooms and
bathrooms help families take the first step towards safety and dignity. Nightly dinners build community
and helps families save money. The indoor and outdoor safe structured play spaces for children create
opportunity for healing (and represent a positive change from children playing in motel parking lots).
Evaluations and surveys guide service delivery so they are truly trauma-informed and address root
causes, so residents are empowered to overcome the barriers that led them to shelter.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly
funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities,
foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving
assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education, or youth needs.
The Missoula community has a robust collaborative effort that engages in system level planning aimed
at addressing prevention, systems of care, and planning for successful discharges.
The At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC) convenes and monitors the Salvation Army’s Winter Shelter rental
assistance program. This program operates each December through April with the mission of keeping
people housed during the coldest months by providing eviction prevention rental assistance to those at
risk of homelessness.
The Community Supported Reentry Program (CSRP) is run by the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office within
the detention facility. The CSRP was developed to assist in reducing the pretrial population within the
detention facility and provide innovative strategies to address the high demand, high needs offender
population by accessing services available within the community. The program focusses on Native
American adults, female adults, and individuals that have established a pattern of frequent interaction
with the criminal justice system. The CSRP Team is made up of a Reentry Coordinator, a Reentry
Program Specialist, a Native American Peer Support Program Specialist, and a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker/Licensed Addiction Counselor. Team members screen eligible inmates in jail using the CSRP
Intake Needs Assessment Screening Tool.
Discussion
The Strategic Goals in the action plan and in the five-year Consolidated Plan contribute to the City's
overall efforts to address houselessness collectively across public and private sector agencies. The
ending of Reaching Home: Missoula's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness brought to light a number of
successes from that plan, as well as a number of gaps and areas for opportunity given how much our
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
35
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
community changed since that place was launched in 2012. Community partners are currently guided by
the Missoula Coordinated Entry System and Built for Zero priorities and will come together under a new
shared vision through the current process to create a new community strategy to address
houselessness. The At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC), which is Missoula's Continuum of Care
organization, implements the Coordinated Entry System, aims to prevent and divert households from
entering the homeless system, reduce duplication of services, provide data to improve outcomes, and
result in prioritizing limited housing resources. Coordinated Entry not only saves lives, but local
resources, too.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
36
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction:
There are several barriers inhibiting affordable housing development in Missoula. Regulatory
environment barriers, such as land use regulations that are incompatible with city housing goals, limited
land zoned for affordable housing, burdensome subdivision requirements, and lack of city/county
alignment around future growth, all play a part in slowing down the City’s ability to build affordable
housing. Barriers related to housing development, including expensive infrastructure requirements,
rising development costs due to labor shortages and inflation, neighborhood pushback on affordable
housing development, and uncertainty in development review processes also prove to be challenging.
Additionally, funding, cooperation and collaboration among partners, and lack of understanding about
housing issues on a community-level all contribute to developing affordable housing in the city. From a
climate perspective, rising energy costs can be a barrier to affordable housing, particularly because
many older buildings do not have adequate weatherization to maintain safe and comfortable
temperatures without high cost during extreme winter and summer weather events.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve
as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning
ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the
return on residential investment
While challenging, the City is making significant strides in addressing barriers highlighted above. In June
2019, the City of Missoula adopted “A Place to Call Home”, a citywide housing policy aiming to address
increasing housing costs in Missoula. The policy outlined four strategy areas:
• Track and Analyze Progress for Continuous Improvement
• Align and Leverage Existing Funding Resources to Support Housing
• Reduce Barriers to New Supply and Promote Access to Affordable Homes
• Partner to Create and Preserve Affordable Homes
To address regulatory environment barriers, the City is currently undergoing an update to its growth
policy, called Our Missoula. The growth policy will guide future urban growth and development over the
next 20 years that aim to address social, cultural, and racial inequities; housing shortages and rising
housing costs; and the causes, as well as accelerating effects, of climate change. As part of the Growth
Policy update, the City commissioned an “Equity in Land Use” report, which evaluated Missoula’s land
use policy and zoning regulations to assess how well they currently support its social equity goals,
including advancing housing affordability and reducing barriers to historically disadvantaged populations
from thriving in the community. The report found four key findings related to Missoula’s current zoning
and land use regulations:
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
37
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
• A high share of land is reserved for low density, exclusive single-dwelling housing that is
unaffordable to all but the most affluent households.
• A very small share of land allows housing at density levels high enough to deliver housing
affordable to middle- and lower-income households.
• The spatial distribution of zone districts has contributed to, and perpetuates, segregation along
lines of class and race and exclusion of lower income households from neighborhoods with high
economic and educational opportunity.
• The spatial distribution of zone districts has also concentrated lower income households in the
same neighborhoods where new development activity is concentrated, contributing to a higher
risk of gentrification and displacement of lower income households in those neighborhoods.
Coming out of the “Equity in Land Use” report, the City will explore recommendations that effectively
advance equity through land use policy and regulations. Recommendations include:
• Distributing opportunities for affordable housing types broadly throughout the city
• Enabling density levels that open up the possibility for smaller, more affordable units, which are
more energy efficient
• Avoiding concentrated upzoning in vulnerable neighborhoods
• Providing zoning incentives for income-restricted affordable housing
• Focusing regulations more on the form of buildings and less on the number of units in the
building
• Designing reforms that increase opportunities for adding amenities and services within a
walkable distance of all households.
Exploring and pursuing these recommendations will aim to improve equitable outcomes in land use
policy and regulations, community resiliency, and affordability. Smaller units, especially those in
multifamily or mixed-use buildings, tend to be much more energy efficient than single family dwellings
or larger units. The resultant lower energy bills contribute to the overall affordability of the housing unit.
Additionally, developing walkable neighborhoods relieves pressure on urban sprawl and saves residents
money on transportation costs.
Additionally, the City’s Our Missoula Development Guide (OMDG) is a tool that tracks and reports out on
residential development trends occurring within the Missoula urban area. This area includes the city
proper, as well as the Urban Fringe Area that extends into the County (also known as the Growth Policy
Boundary).
The OMDG report was first developed in 2007 and has been updated on a semi-annual basis. The report
focuses primarily on residential and infrastructure development that supports residential uses. Staff use
building permit data to categorize residential development into types, regions, and other metrics, and
measures infrastructure improvements such as roads, sewer and water, multi-modal commuter trails,
and new or improved parks and open spaces. The City’s most recent OMDG, Looking Forward 2018-
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
38
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
2028, estimates that there is enough capacity in the Urban Services Areas over the next ten years to
accommodate 6,500 new dwelling units. The report also notes that better utilizing densities as allowed
by land use could add an additional 5,000 units to what is allowed by current zoning.
While funding continues to be a barrier to affordable housing development, the City established its
Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) in 2020 with the intention of providing a targeted and sustainable
source of funding to increase and preserve affordable housing in Missoula. The Fund provides a
dedicated, flexible local funding source to support housing activities in Missoula and to provide the
consistency and predictability that enable long-range planning, multi-year projects, and measured risk-
taking in order to address the city’s severe housing needs. It is a revolving fund with a competitive
application process intended to allow the leveraging of other outside resources and decrease the need
for annual fund-seeking from other federal and private sources. The AHTF has currently committed $1.7
million to preservation and acquisition of affordable housing, as well as consumer housing services to
assist households with housing access/retention and homebuyer and financial education. The City’s
housing policy and climate teams continue to work on combining weatherization and clean energy
measures with affordable housing projects to ensure energy costs remain low and predictable for
residents. Additionally, the City created a Unified Application process to reduce time and process for
applicants and leverage federal funding.
Other barriers impacting affordable housing include a lack of community-level understanding of housing
issues in Missoula, lack of communication among different sectors that intersect with housing,
continued collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and additional financial support
for nonprofit organizations to expand housing efforts. Through the efforts described above, the City is
making intentional efforts to strengthen coordination and collaboration among partners and to educate
the broader public about the collective benefits of affordable housing in the community.
Discussion:
The City will continue to implement its housing policy and identify strategic opportunities that
contribute to addressing affordable housing barriers in the community.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
39
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
The Community Development (CD) division of the Community Planning, Development, and Innovation
Department administers the City of Missoula’s HOME and CDBG allocations, although additional funding
efforts add value to these investments. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency administers Tax
Incremental Financing (TIF) in six Urban Renewal Districts. Whenever possible, CD leverages TIF
resources from MRA to support HOME and CDBG-funded projects. In addition, the City of Missoula
administers EPA Brownfields Assessment and RLF Cleanup funds and often utilizes these funds to
facilitate affordable housing development.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
The Missoula City Council adopted a comprehensive citywide Housing Policy, entitled "A Place to Call
Home: Meeting Missoula’s Housing Needs" on June 24, 2019. This policy aims to leverage all city assets
and funding sources available to support underserved needs, especially in the realm of housing
affordability. An overarching goal of the policy is to improve the experiences of housing consumers. This
is achieved through funding direct service programs, building partnerships to expand access to housing
and other resources and offering education around access. Staff in the Community Development
division have Fair Housing education and partner with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal
Opportunity to offer Fair Housing education to various stakeholders and audiences.
The City has combined the application for projects into a Unified Application cycle that includes HOME,
CDBG, and the local Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). Combining funding sources has allowed the
City to better leverage the funds available to support underserved needs, especially in the realm of
housing affordability.
The primary obstacle to addressing underserved needs is the fact that funding levels are simply
insufficient to meet the needs. Requests for funding from HOME, CDBG, and AHTF far exceed funds
available. To address the obstacle of limited funding, the City employs ranking criteria for the funds
weighing most heavily on the community impact that will result from these investments.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
Most of the barriers to affordable housing identified in Missoula are due to regulatory restrictions, a lack
of funding sources, and a lack of partnership and community cohesion around affordable housing. As
described above, the City is implementing several actions and strategies to address the community’s
shortage of affordable housing, including implementing the City’s Housing Policy, updating its Growth
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
40
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Policy, streamlining and leveraging available funding sources, and strengthening coordination and
collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners in the community.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City of Missoula works to address lead-based paint (LBP) hazards as applicable on any city project.
This includes new construction on sites that require site contamination cleanup (using Brownfields
funds), homeownership rehabilitation projects, and down payment assistance loans. All homeowner
rehabilitation or rental assistance projects funded through the City’s HOME or CDBG programs require
that units constructed prior to 1978 must pass a visual inspection for lead-based paint by certified LBP
inspectors. Owners or managers are required to complete a disclosure certification of their knowledge
of the use of LBP in the unit; potential tenants or buyers are provided a brochure outlining LBP hazards,
and a Lead Warning Statement is attached to the rental lease or home purchase documents. If required,
mitigation procedures must be successfully completed prior to occupancy, and a second inspection is
done to verify compliance. If the owner/landlord is unwilling to abate identified LBP hazards, the
assisted client is directed to find another unit. The Missoula City-County Health Department provides
lead testing upon request and provides brochures and a video about the hazards of lead in paint and
other materials.
Additionally, in accordance with the HUD Notice CPD-23-103 on Addressing Radon in the Environmental
Review Process, the City of Missoula will require that all CDBG and HOME contracts entered into
between the City and recipients of funding from those programs include language that stipulates that
recipients must comply with radon testing procedures. This will involve utilizing approved testing
methods outlined by HUD and adhering to the recommended protocols for accurate measurement.
Subsequently, if elevated radon levels are detected, the City will require effective mitigation measures in
collaboration with qualified professionals. Each project will maintain detailed records of radon testing
and mitigation efforts to comply with HUD reporting requirements.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
The City of Missoula and the Community Development division make conscious efforts to coordinate
and closely align action plan goals for HUD-Funded Programs with other City planning efforts. This plan
and the goals contained within it are meant to work closely with other existing efforts to alleviate
poverty in Missoula. The first three goals of this plan, Increasing Housing Options, Supporting Vulnerable
Populations, and Community Services, complement and reinforce existing and ongoing efforts to
address housing cost burden and other challenges experienced by Missoula families living in poverty.
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
41
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The current Community Development (CD) division, previously named the Office of Housing and
Community Development, was created in July 2016. As part of a city-wide reorganization and
realignment, the Community Development division became a part of the Community Planning,
Development, and Innovation Department (CPDI). The mission of the Community Development division
is to empower our neighborhoods, increase quality of life, and address sustainability across the
community. The office often has interns from the University of Montana as a part of the team as well.
Currently, CD consists of a Deputy Director, a Community Development Coordinator, and four programs:
a houseless program, a policy program, and a grants program. The programs work in conjunction to
ensure a cohesive strategy to address Missoula’s housing and houseless needs. In addition, the grants
program is looking to expand its role to further leverage funding resources to better support the
Missoula community.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social
service agencies
Missoula has various public and private housing and social services agencies that coordinate a number
of activities through different avenues.
The At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC), a coalition of health, human service, and local government
agencies that was formed in 1992, works on issues concerning low-income housing and homelessness in
Missoula and coordinates local efforts to plan and deliver comprehensive services through a Continuum
of Care (CoC). In January of each year, ARHC organizes a Project Community Connect event: a one-day,
one-stop event aimed at connecting homeless persons (sheltered and unsheltered) and those at-risk of
becoming homeless with core social service agencies. The event offers an opportunity to assess and
address the needs of many of Missoula’s homeless persons who are unassisted.
Nonprofit housing developers, primarily Community Housing Development Organizations, meet
occasionally to discuss future projects and local issues affecting housing. Private for-profit housing
developers, realtors, nonprofits, and others are also part of those discussions from time to time. The
annual Unified Application workshop has also become an avenue for discussion and coordination of
efforts, as well as a key time to synchronize timing of applications for local and state funding for projects
to maximize available funds and increase the success rate for projects to be developed in Missoula.
Missoula participates in the statewide Montana Housing Coordinating Team, which is organized by the
Montana Department of Commerce. Meetings are held quarterly to discuss affordable housing, new
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
42
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
developments, funding opportunities and other currently available resources and plans.
Additionally, through the implementation of the comprehensive housing policy, the City of Missoula has
seated an Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee. The committee, which consists of 12
members and an even split between renters and owners, creates and oversees funding policies and
priorities for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Community Development hosts a monthly Community Partners Forum to facilitate communication and
partnership among agencies across the community. Attendees include non-profits, for-profit assisted
housing providers, and representatives of the community’s private and governmental health, mental
health, and service agencies
Discussion:
n/a
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
43
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
All CDBG funds expected to be available during the program year include program income that will have
been received before the start of the next program year. Because the City does not have programs for
Section 108 loans, surplus from urban renewal settlements, line of credit for planned use not included in
prior plans, or float-funded activities, there is subsequently very little program income from these
programs. All program income will be expended before or in conjunction with allocated CDBG or HOME
funds, and for activities that benefit persons of low- and moderate-income.
HOME funds expected to be available during the program year include program income that will have
been received before the start of the next program year and will be spent for activities that benefit
persons of low- and moderate-income. HOME funds are not used to refinance existing debt secured by
multifamily housing that may be rehabilitated with HOME funds.
The City of Missoula does not have program funds for ADDI, HOPWA or ESG.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the
next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 29370
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the
year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic
plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has
not been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 29370
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
44
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that
benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive
period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum
overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and
moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00%
HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(2)
1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is
as follows:
(1) A participating jurisdiction may invest HOME funds as equity investments, interest-bearing loans
or advances, non-interest-bearing loans or advances, interest subsidies consistent with the purposes
of this part, deferred payment loans, grants, or other forms of assistance that HUD determines to be
consistent with the purposes of this part. Each participating jurisdiction has the right to establish the
terms of assistance, subject to the requirements of this part.
(2) A participating jurisdiction may invest HOME funds to guarantee loans made by lenders and, if
required, the participating jurisdiction may establish a loan guarantee account with HOME funds.
The HOME funds may be used to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest or payment
of the outstanding principal and interest upon foreclosure of the loan.
Missoula does not intend to use any other form of investment beyond those listed above.
2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used
for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:
In awarding HOME funds for homeownership, including down payment assistance, closing costs or
other HOME assistance provided directly to the homebuyer, the City of Missoula has adopted the
recapture provisions as specified by 24 CFR 92.254 and described in detail below. Homebuyers
assisted under HOME will be required to adhere to recapture guidelines applied to their home. An
organization awarded HOME funds (the “Subrecipient”) for homebuyer assistance will be instructed
to use the recapture or resale method and must submit their policy for the applicable method if a
home is sold during the period of affordability.
In accordance with 24 CFR 92.254(a)(5)(ii)(A)(5), which states “If the HOME assistance is only used
for the development subsidy and therefore not subject to recapture, the resale option must be
used,” if the City of Missoula provides HOME assistance as development subsidy only, it will follow
the resale provisions detailed in the full City of Missoula Resale and Recapture Policy. In accordance
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
45
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
with HUD guidance, these resale provisions will apply to all Program Year 2024 HOME-assisted
housing development activities as well as any homebuyer development projects that were approved
in previous program years and are completed during PY2024.
To see the full City of Missoula Resale and Recapture Policy, contact the Community Development
division at (406) 552-6330 or visit https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/3071/HUD-Grants.
3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired
with HOME funds? See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows:
To enforce HOME Program requirements, a Restriction Agreement, Subordinate Deed of Trust, and
Promissory Note are used and contain the following provisions:
• amount and use of the loan;
• requirement that the property be the primary residence of the family;
• period of affordability;
• equity share provision upon sale of the home purchased with HOME fund assistance;
• equity sharing based on the ratio of subsidy provided to the purchase cost of the home; and
• recapture provision based on net proceeds available from sale, transfer or foreclosure of the
home.
4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is
rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that
will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows:
The City of Missoula does not currently use or plan to use HOME funds to refinance existing debt
secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds.
5. If applicable to a planned HOME TBRA activity, a description of the preference for persons with
special needs or disabilities. (See 24 CFR 92.209(c)(2)(i) and CFR 91.220(l)(2)(vii)).
6. If applicable to a planned HOME TBRA activity, a description of how the preference for a specific
category of individuals with disabilities (e.g. persons with HIV/AIDS or chronic mental illness) will
narrow the gap in benefits and the preference is needed to narrow the gap in benefits and services
received by such persons. (See 24 CFR 92.209(c)(2)(ii) and 91.220(l)(2)(vii)).
7. If applicable, a description of any preference or limitation for rental housing projects. (See 24 CFR
92.253(d)(3) and CFR 91.220(l)(2)(vii)). Note: Preferences cannot be administered in a manner that
Annual Action Plan for Con Plan
2024
46
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
limits the opportunities of persons on any basis prohibited by the laws listed under 24 CFR 5.105(a).
The City of Missoula is committed to complying with all applicable CDBG and HOME regulations.