Our Missoula Growth Policy Update & Code Reform

The City of Missoula has embarked upon an extensive project to update Missoula’s vision for future growth and to modernize the development regulations. Since 2022, city staff have worked with the community to modernize, prioritize, policies and zoning codes. Last winter, the City Council adopted the new Growth Policy and Land-Use Map, and the last few months have been focused on updating the city’s zoning map and development codes.

The vision is to meet community needs and desires, attract new businesses, protect the environment, and plan infrastructure effectively. The goal is to complete the final phases of the major project by the end of summer 2025. For more information, visit https://www.engagemissoula.com/hub-page/our-missoula.

PROST (Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails) Plan

Missoula is home to 50+ developed parks and hundreds of acres of natural open spaces, trail networks, and recreation.n The PROST plan was launched in the fall of 2023 and should be completed in the fall of 2025. Replacing a 20-year-old plan, the PROST Plan will guide decision-making for all of the assets, programs, services, and operations on Missoula’s most beloved public spaces. For more information, visit https://www.engagemissoula.com/hub-page/prost-2.

Long Range Transportation Plan

Following a full year of public outreach and planning, the newly drafted Missoula Connect Long Range-Transportation Plan (LRTP) was published for final public review in April 2025. With federally required updates every four years, the 30-year plan outlines recommended projects to address the region’s future transportation needs. The plan also allows for priority programming such as Safe Routes to Schools, street typologies and design guidelines, and Transportation Demand Management (TDM). To learn more about long-range transportation in Missoula, visit https://www.engagemissoula.com/long-range-transportation-plan.

Mountain Line Strategic Plan

Missoula’s urban transportation district embarked upon an update of its five-year strategy plan to help better service riders, residents, and the broader community of Missoula. Evaluating service schedules and routes, improving the passenger experience, considering emerging technologies, understanding land-use development, exploring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and planning for a new operation center are key elements of the plan.

The Mountain Line Strategy Plan launched in partnership with the city’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, as the two are inextricably linked. With all routes leading to the Heart of Missoula, Mountain Line is an important service provider for Downtown stakeholders. For more information, visit https://mountainline.com/strategic-plan/.

Tourism Stewardship Plan

Led by Destination Missoula, the Destination Tourism Stewardship Plan is a 10-year strategic roadmap that includes a vision for Missoula as a destination, as well as goals and strategic initiatives to achieve that vision in the next 10 years.

With a goal of broadening the scope and impact, the stewardship plan aims to balance our residents’ quality of life with quality visitor experiences; define the ideal visitor who appreciates our places and helps preserve what makes these places special; and create strategies for responsible growth and management of the industry.

West Broadway River Corridor Project

The West Broadway River Corridor Project aims to improve ecological, recreational, and safety conditions along the Clark Fork River between McCormick Park and the California Street Bridge. The plan has several goals: restore critical floodplain and riparian habitat, enhance recreation access, increase public safety, and improve in-stream conditions. Visit https://www.engagemissoula.com/west-broadway-river-corridor for more information. 

Missoula Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan

Led by the City of Missoula, the Missoula Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Plan aims to support the implementation of EV infrastructure that addresses the needs and desires of the community, while advancing key priorities. Building a vision, identifying community concerns, and understanding what ideal EV infrastructure looks like are primary goals. For more information, visit https://www.engagemissoula.com/missoula-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-plan.