GOVERNMENT

Lawmakers considering short-term help for school districts, funding formula fix unlikely during 2025 session

A Free Press Fest panel explored what funding changes are needed to address challenges facing Montana school districts.

Missoula chipping away at updated Long Range Transportation Plan

With an eye on future transportation, the City of Missoula is chipping away at its Long-Range Transportation Plan and prioritizing roughly 200 projects – many of which have no funding.

Community Conversation on Creating Digital Opportunities – 9/10 – Missoula & Livestreamed

This conversation will bring together Tribal leaders, educators, telehealth advocates, and community-based non-profits to discuss new funding opportunities for digital inclusion and best practices for initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities for Tribal and rural residents. This event will be livestreamed and open to press.

Dustup brewing over a roundabout in Ravalli County – “Lions and Tigers and Bears… Oh MY!”

Opponents say the proposal for Highway 93 an example of ‘woke’ ideology; traffic officials maintain the change is needed for the dangerous intersection.

Montana Senator Tester Secures $7 Million for Missoula to Hire More Firefighters

“When disaster strikes, Montana’s local fire departments are there to answer the call, but in order to do that, they’ve got to have enough folks on staff,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured this funding for the City of Missoula to hire and train more firefighters and ensure that the Missoula Fire Department is staffed up—because when our firefighters are supported, our communities are safer.”

Electric school buses are the future we deserve

The largest mass transit system in the United States is overdue for an upgrade.

In 2024, Montana ranks among the least “sticky” states, with only 13% of relocating residents staying in-state — far below the national average of 26%.

Montana’s real estate market booms have outpaced local incomes. Since 2020, home values have surged 60%, pricing out many long-time residents. Despite attracting newcomers, high housing costs and a rural economy have forced 87% of Montana’s movers to seek more affordable living options out of state.

Missoula County Commissioners Seek Applicants for Elections Advisory Committee

The EAC consists of up to nine members who study the efficiency of the elections process, advocating for fair, robust and trustworthy elections. The EAC’s objectives include listening to stakeholders, conducting sound research and learning best practices, and offering thoughtful advice and recommendations to the commissioners, with the goal of increasing public participation in the electoral process.

What Do Cities Need? MetroLab Program Intends to Find Out

Its newly launched Local Government Research and Development Agenda, a nationwide undertaking, looks to provide research and science to cities. Interviews and workshops with 20 munis are underway.

Montana’s Legislative Transportation Interim Committee Considering Autonomous Vehicle Legislation

PD 68 (formerly PD 65): An act providing for the use of autonomous vehicles on state public highways
PD 66: An act allowing the platooning of vehicles

MATR Sponsor (view all)

PFL Tech Inc. is a marketing technology company that provides sales enablement and marketing automation solutions, as well asprinting, mailing, and fulfillment services. They also provide some great Montana Jobs.

MATR Supporters (view all)

For over 25 years, Zoot Enterprises has been a global provider of advanced origination, acquisition, and decision management solutions.

SBA 504 Loans offered statewide! Real estate and equipment, acquisitions, renovation, and new construction. Low, fixed-rates up to 25 years with as little as 10% down.

As the hub of learning, creativity and innovation in Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley Community College is expanding