Mike Nugent

The political landscape for municipal government began to take shape on Thursday with several incumbent members of City Council announcing their bid for re-election, along with the mayor.

Mike Nugent writes, "As we stand at this crossroads, I believe in Missoula, and that our best days are in front of us. There is so much to celebrate and so many opportunities for meaningful progress."

The two candidates vying for the title as Missoula's next mayor touched on their priorities Tuesday in a forum that covered housing, taxes, the local economy, and government needs versus wants.

Five candidates vying to finish the last two years of former Mayor John Engen's term gathered for the first time together at the Missoula Public Library on Monday night to answer questions ranging from housing to homelessness.

Nugent, who announced his plans to run for the seat in December, said he's running “to fight for those struggling to afford housing and the increasing cost of living” in Missoula.