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Missoula Grapples with Housing Crisis, Zoning Changes Proposed

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. with-housing-crisis-zoning-changes-proposed.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 11:24 GMT by Missoulian
      Locales: Montana, UNITED STATES

MISSOULA, MT - February 15th, 2026 - The City of Missoula is at a critical juncture in its ongoing effort to address a severe housing shortage and escalating affordability crisis. A recent meeting of the Zoning and Planning Committee signaled a potential shift in city policy, with proposed zoning changes and ambitious affordable housing initiatives taking center stage. The committee's discussions, held on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, centered on increasing housing density and streamlining the development of affordable units, drawing a robust response from both proponents and concerned residents.

The core of the debate revolves around amending existing zoning regulations to permit duplexes and triplexes in areas presently designated for single-family housing. This move, proponents argue, is a necessary step to increase the overall housing supply and alleviate pressure on the market. Current regulations, many believe, artificially limit the number of available units, driving up prices and forcing many Missoula residents to leave the city or face housing insecurity.

Committee member Christopher Wachter succinctly summarized the urgency of the situation: "We have a housing shortage in Missoula, and we have to look at all options to address it." This sentiment reflects a growing consensus amongst city officials that traditional approaches to housing development are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. The proposed zoning changes are intended to encourage "gentle density" - increasing the number of homes within existing neighborhoods without drastically altering their overall character.

However, the proposals are not without their detractors. Public comment during the meeting highlighted concerns about potential impacts on neighborhood aesthetics and infrastructure. Sarah Johnson, a long-time Missoula resident, voiced a common worry: "I worry about the impact this will have on the character of our neighborhoods." Concerns extended to increased traffic congestion, parking challenges, and the strain on existing city services like schools and utilities. These anxieties underscore the delicate balance the city must strike between addressing the housing crisis and preserving the qualities that make Missoula a desirable place to live.

Beyond zoning changes, the committee also explored innovative approaches to leveraging city resources for affordable housing development. A key component of this strategy involves utilizing city-owned land to build deed-restricted affordable housing units. This approach, officials say, provides a direct and efficient pathway to creating housing that remains affordable for the long term. Deed restrictions ensure that the units remain available to income-qualified residents, preventing them from being converted into market-rate housing.

Missoula Mayor Becky Armstrong championed the plan as a significant step forward. "This is a big step in addressing the affordability crisis," she stated. "We need to do everything we can to make sure that everyone in our community has access to safe and affordable housing." The city is also considering initiatives targeted at supporting renters, potentially including rental assistance programs, eviction prevention measures, and tenant education resources. These initiatives aim to stabilize the rental market and protect vulnerable residents from displacement.

The discussion at the Zoning and Planning Committee meeting follows years of escalating housing costs in Missoula. The median home price has risen dramatically in recent years, outpacing wage growth and making homeownership increasingly unattainable for many. The rental market is equally competitive, with vacancy rates consistently hovering near zero and rents steadily increasing. This has created a significant hardship for low- and middle-income families, as well as for essential workers who struggle to find affordable housing options close to their jobs.

The recommendations stemming from the committee meeting will now be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. The Council is expected to hold public hearings and further debate the proposals before making a final decision. The outcome of this process will have a profound impact on the future of housing in Missoula, shaping the city's character and determining the accessibility of affordable housing for generations to come. The City Council's decision is anticipated by late March, allowing for time to integrate any amendments and begin the process of implementation in early Spring 2026.