Most of this property is surrounded by development, leaving it unsuitable for timber sales – the department’s largest source of revenue from the roughly 5.6 million acres it manages.
The range of programs aided by the funding include the Poverello's veterans program, food services and shelter operations. It also supports the Homeless Outreach Team, which has more than doubled over the past five years.
A number of bills passed by the Montana Legislature has the City of Missoula racing to amend portions of its zoning code to comply with new laws, including a reduction in parking, removal of certain design requirements, and adhering to shortened review periods.
A federal judge on Wednesday lifted an order blocking the city of Berkeley from sweeping a homeless encampment and set out guidelines for the city before it takes action.
Several Western cities filed an amicus brief on Sept. 25 asking the court to overturn previous rulings by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes district courts in Nevada, that the cities argue prevent them from ousting homeless camps.
Dozens of cities in the western U.S. asked the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on a decision by the Ninth Circuit that makes it all but impossible to enforce ordinances against homeless camps.
The agreement ensures Hellgate Meadows LLC funds certain improvements on that portion of Mary Jane that fronts its project, including the instillation of sidewalks and bike lanes.
While the City of Missoula works to reform its building and zoning codes to streamline the development process and create more housing, it's also racing to meet state-mandated deadlines regarding laws passed by the Legislature earlier this year.
The consolidated planning board recommended approval of a subdivision west of Frenchtown last week, clearing the way for Missoula County to make a final decision on Thursday.