Missoula Downtown Association
What Is the Missoula Downtown Association (MDA)?
The Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting, supporting, and enhancing the vitality of Downtown Missoula.
The MDA currently has over 500 members located across Downtown, Midtown, and the greater Missoula area. The organization is guided by a 19-member Board of Directors made up of local business owners, corporate professionals, and city employees.
Missoula Downtown Association’s Mission
The MDA’s mission is to retain and promote Downtown Missoula as Western Montana’s center of business, culture, and entertainment; provide a forum for collaborative solutions to downtown challenges; encourage preservation and enhancement of the area’s physical beauty; and raise public awareness of Downtown’s historic and cultural significance.
What Does the Missoula Downtown Association Do?
The MDA is primarily responsible for Downtown advocacy, implementation of the Downtown Master Plan, service and support of membership, Downtown marketing and events, and beautification of Missoula’s city center.
Here is a snapshot of the initiatives and events tied to the MDA:
- Membership
- Downtown Gift Card Program
- Caras Park Venue Bookings
- Garden City BrewFest & Winter BrewFest
- River City Roots Festival
- Holidays on Higgins
- Out to Lunch & Downtown ToNight
- Teddy Bear Tea Parties
- Downtown Flower Baskets & Holiday Décor
- Downtown Boulevard Banners
- Downtown Holiday Party (Members Only)
- Annual Downtown Awards Banquet (Members Only)
- MDA BBQ (Members Only)
- Downtown on Tap & Downtown Dialogues
Missoula Downtown Association Membership
MDA Membership is available to local businesses, organizations, and individuals for an annual fee. Some of the benefits include:
- Option to accept Downtown Gift Cards
- A dedicated webpage on the missouladowntown.com
- Promotional opportunities on MDA’s social media platforms
- Inclusion in weekly e-newsletters about downtown happenings
- Access to the MDA member list via direct mail labels
- $100 discount on Caras Park venue bookings
- Invitations to members-only events
- Opportunities to serve on events, planning, and advocacy committees
Membership makes it easier to connect with other members and stay in the loop on key initiatives and projects shaping Downtown Missoula. Fees help fund the core initiatives and events led by the MDA.
When was the Missoula Downtown Association Formed?
The Missoula Downtown Association was established in 1975 and is currently celebrating its golden 50 anniversary of operation! The Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) was originally a retail committee of the Missoula Chamber of Commerce. In 1975, the downtown retailers separated from the Chamber and formed the Downtown Merchants Association. In response to changes in the Missoula community and the decline of downtown, the organization restructured in 1980 and broadened its membership and mission, becoming the Missoula Downtown Association.
MDA vs. DMP: What’s the Difference?
Missoula Downtown Association, Downtown Missoula Partnership, MDA, DMP — so confusing! Let’s clear things up: the Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) is a branch that operates under the umbrella of the Downtown Missoula Partnership (DMP).
In 2015, the MDA joined forces with the Missoula Business Improvement District (BID) and the Missoula Downtown Foundation to create a unified organizational structure. This formal partnership helps retain talented staff, share resources, and align skillsets to advance shared goals. Together, they form the Downtown Missoula Partnership, which collectively supports a thriving downtown.
So, when you hear MDA or DMP, consider them synonymous.