Missoula Must Move Quick to Secure Affordable Housing Funds

Missoula leaders are confident they can secure the funding needed for the city's latest affordable housing development, a project that will add more than 200 new units to the Midtown inventory.

And the project announced this week for the "North MRL Triangle" promises to have more than 190 of those units as "deed restricted", available to owners eligible for various levels of affordability qualifications.

The plan involves the remaining 8 acres of the 12-acre site, purchased at a discounted price from Montana Rail Link a few years ago. The homes would be placed on the land just north of the Montana Rail Link Park, with adjacency to the Bitterroot Trail, not far from Southgate Mall and Brooks Street.

Mayor Andrea Davis says the project would meet the city's goals for a mix of affordable housing, and additional "market rate" units for traditional buyers.

A new beginning for this site

The site had been the location for a former warehouse, used for a while as a community church, and then an emergency homeless shelter,

starting during the pandemic. Now, that's being deconstructed to clear the land for future use.

17 funding sources are needed to finance this one

Tyson O'Connell, President of United Housing Partners, says his firm has been actively involved in renovation and restoration projects across the state, but new construction is difficult now, and not as straightforward as it has been.

"That's not the case anymore," O'Connell explains. "There are 17 sources of funds in this low-income housing tax credit development. 17. And that's what it takes to put it together.

The city is a big, big, huge part of that. And it would not be possible without them, but it also wouldn't be possible without housing credits."

"It wouldn't be possible without the GO Housing funds, which is a new program in Montana National Housing trust funds, seller note from the Missoula Housing Authority."

Land needs minimal improvements

City Council President Mike Nugent says the site will need some infrastructure for the interior, but because of the location, water lines and other infrastructure are more readily available than on other city properties.

      Ground could be broken next year, if the partnership can secure funds in the coming weeks.