Officials: Missoula’s focus on social causes won’t hinder, slow economic efforts

When city leaders began crafting their new budget this year, they considered the results of a recent community survey that found housing, homelessness and mental health care among the top issues facing Missoula.

Over the past few months, the three issues have gardened a large portion of new public investment and much of the attention from elected officials and the media. The issues also dominated the 2021 race for both mayor and City Council, and they pushed advocates for new programs to victory.

By Martin Kidston