A year ago, most business and economic leaders in Missoula hoped the economy would find its way back to pre-pandemic norms by now. But as the pandemic grinds on, there’s a new realization that things may never be the same, and it’s time to plan for an altered economic future.

The Missoula Economic Partnership on Thursday detailed its work over the past year and presented its plans moving forward. On the up side, the local economy has performed better than the national average, with strong wage gains and a stable business environment.

But on the down side, new economic factors are at play including a limited labor force, rising housing costs and a change in how people work.

By Martin Kidston