Zoning + Community Opportunity: Shaping a Missoula for Future Generations
You may have heard whispers about upcoming zoning changes in Missoula. But what does that really mean for you and your community? Let’s break it down and explore how these changes could be instrumental in addressing Missoula’s most pressing issue: housing. As an architect and community-builder, this is about much more than just homes. It’s about community, equity, preservation of land, management of limited city tax resources, and of course, addressing our housing crisis while preserving the charm of our beloved city (and more!).
Understanding Zoning and Its Impact
Zoning laws dictate how land can be used in our neighborhoods. They determine "what you can build, where you can build it, and how much." Currently, many areas in Missoula are restricted to single-family homes, which all but decimates any creative solutions to housing and community. In neighborhoods with single-family restrictive zoning, housing is out of reach for most people (by design).
Now, one could argue that this makes sense in some places. But what happens when the entire city becomes exclusive and out of reach? It’s not good. Even those who firmly believe in single-family housing won’t like the repercussions of a city that’s inhospitable to students, retirees, and anyone not earning high wages. Missoula is already pushing this boundary, and people who have lived here their whole lives are being forced out.
Single-family exclusive zoning also diminishes what I call Community Opportunity—the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships due to proximity, one of the greatest factors in consistent friendships (remember college?). Single-family housing inherently blocks Community Opportunity in favor of privacy. While that once made sense, it doesn’t anymore. In a time where America is facing an epidemic of loneliness, do we really need to design for isolation? I think not.
As housing costs continue to rise, it’s vital to recognize that this issue affects everyone—whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer. If we don’t adapt—and quickly—our kids and their kids will face enormous challenges in staying here. Heck - people are already struggling. I firmly believe that people who love and contribute to this place, especially those who have been here forever, should be able to call Missoula home, now and for generations to come.
Embracing Change for Community Living
So yes—change is here, and more is coming. Change can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Imagine the possibilities if we allowed three- and four-plexes in neighborhoods where they’ve been banned since the 1980s (but were previously allowed). These small multi-family units can foster creative living arrangements, enabling families to share resources and support one another. Picture living next door to friends, sharing a yard where kids can play freely, or having built-in childcare because your neighbors are right there. With these zoning changes, we can create vibrant communities that embrace collective responsibility while still enjoying our own space. This isn’t just a dream; it’s already happening in other places. Check out this inspiring video showcasing how a group of parents came together to build a mini-village, unlocking a new way of life through thoughtful design. This is the kind of innovative living that could become possible right here in Missoula.
Protecting Our Beloved Montana
By allowing more flexible housing options within existing neighborhoods—known as infill development—we can grow responsibly without encroaching on our beautiful landscapes. This approach not only addresses the housing crisis but also helps protect the natural spaces that make Montana so special.
Join the Conversation
If this vision excites you, I want to hear from you! Let’s discuss your ideas for our community and how we can work together to shape a future where everyone feels they belong. And YES - there are already development models that exists that support a group of families or individuals coming together to combine resources, and build the community of your dreams. Just check out our friends in Seattle: Frolic. Your voice is crucial as we navigate these zoning changes—let’s make sure Missoula evolves in a way that preserves what is most important about this place: the land, the people who make this town great, and the future generations of land-loving stewards to come.
📷 Image/Artwork credited to our friends at Frolic
