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Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita   

The Missoula County commissioners host "The Agenda" podcast, which aims to help county residents better understand how local government works and how it affects their lives. In each episode, the commissioners sit down with fellow staff, elected officials and community partners to discuss public sector projects and trending topics.

The podcast, formerly titled Tip of the Spear, received the 2022 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.

The Communications Division at Missoula County produces this podcast with support from Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT). If you have something you’d like to add to the conversation, email communications@missoulacounty.us. 

Missoula County is grateful to have MCAT as partner in local government, as that partnership allows us to use their podcast recording equipment free of charge, and it allows us to produce a high-quality podcast without the County needing to purchase this necessary equipment.

 

Click on the titles below to listen online or listen on one of these podcast platforms: 

Buzzsprout | Spotify* | Apple Podcasts*

*Please note: It can take between 12-24 hours for the podcast to populate to apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc under the title “The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners,” but you can always listen online via Buzzsprout. Transcriptions of each episode are provided on the Buzzsprout page.

 

Most Recent Episode:

 

Celebrating 50 Years of The Poverello Center

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of The Poverello Center, Missoula’s nonprofit homelessness shelter and advocacy organization. This week the Missoula County Commissioners spoke with Jill Bonny, director of the Pov, about the history, changing demographics and current challenges of serving individuals in need of housing, food and human connection. [June 19, 2024]

Related links:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Economic Impact of Homelessness in Missoula

Homelessness has been at the center of local, regional and national debate in recent years, with tensions rising between residents, advocates, business owners and politicians.

This week, local economist Bryce Ward joined the Missoula County commissioners to discuss the findings of his most recent report, “Economic Impact of Homelessness in Missoula.” In this episode, they answer questions like “how does Missoula’s homeless population compare to other communities in Montana?” and “what does homelessness look like in rural areas?” Bryce also addresses common myths about the demographics of homelessness, plus the surprising link between our social lives and our personal stability. [May 22, 2024]

Reports and resources mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecology and Extension: The Other Kind of Weeds and Grass (and Gardening, Land Management, Invasive Species)

Rivers are thawing, the call of the western meadowlark is floating through air, and other signs of spring are emerging in Missoula County. Maybe you’re inspired to pick up some plants for your patio, start an herb garden or even raise some livestock on your property. But where do you begin?

The Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension can help you with all of this and more. From their new headquarters at the G.W. Marks Exploration Center, down to the Lolo Mosquito District and up to the Clearwater Watercraft Inspection site, Ecology and Extension staff are experts in land resources and management.

This week the commissioners sat down with Bryce Christiaens, self-described plant nerd and director of this department, to hear about what programs are available to residents. [April 24, 2024]

If you’re looking for more information on how the G.W. Marks Exploration Center came to be, click here to listen to this episode from 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spirit of the Snake: A Brief History of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, located minutes from downtown Missoula, is part of the Lolo National Forest. Many know the Rattlesnake as Missoula’s backyard, offering ample outdoor recreation opportunities and access to the adjoining wilderness area. But did you know that in the 1930s there were homes, mines, a school and telephone lines scattered through the forest?

This week, the commissioners were joined by Andy Kulla, the former National Recreation Area and Wilderness Manager for the Rattlesnake. Andy details how the grassroots efforts to preserve the area from development led to its designation by Congress in 1980. They also discuss how changes in the logging industry, wildfire research and recreation trends influence public land management. [April 11, 2024]

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Remarkable opportunities: A conversation with Mayor Andrea Davis

Andrea Davis was elected as the 52nd Mayor of the City of Missoula in Nov. 2023 and in her first few months of office she has been addressing the hot topics of housing, homelessness, public meetings and other issues. 

This week the Missoula County Commissioners caught up with Mayor Davis to discuss what has surprised her since taking office, how the city and county governments collaborate for their constituents and so much more. [March 28, 2024]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Ashes: How the Office of Emergency Management Responds to Disasters Near and Far

When disasters like wildfires, floods and hazardous waste spills strike, Missoula County is ready to respond, thanks to the work of the Office of Emergency Management and the Western Montana Incident Management Team. 

On this week's podcast, the commissioners sit down with Deputy Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinators Nick Holloway and Ken Parks to talk about their recent deployment to help with recovery efforts in wildfire-ravaged Lahaina, Maui. They also discuss the importance of being prepared for emergencies on both the personal and government levels, and how the inter-state partnerships help strengthen communities across the country following disasters. [March 20, 2024] 

 

 Icon of the Agenda podcast with Missoula County logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Response: Advocating for survivors, children and families

Domestic violence, also often referred to as intimate partner violence, can be difficult to address and has lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. Missoula County’s Just Response program, made up of mental and medical health professionals, law enforcement, advocacy groups, child protection and criminal justice organizations, works to respond to DV cases and increase overall community safety. 

The commissioners recently sat down with Erin Shreder, Just Response coordinator, to discuss the tangible results of this inter-agency collective, the upstream causes of domestic violence and more [Feb. 28, 2024].

This episode deals with difficult topics like relationship and domestic violence. The Crime Victim Advocate Division of Missoula County is here to help you. Please call 406-258-3830 or visit their office at 317 Woody Street. YWCA Missoula is another resource and their crisis line is 1-800-483-7858.

Related links and resources:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's Going On With All These Bridges?

The Agenda's foray into transportation issues continues this week with Shane Stack, director of Missoula County Public Works, and Erik Dickson, county engineer.

With the recent closure of Maclay Bridge in Target Range, residents have a lot of questions about how we got here. The commissioners, Shane and Erik tackle those questions and much more in this episode. Be sure to follow this project on Missoula County Voice for more updates and information. 

This episode has a lot of acronyms and engineering terms, so be sure to follow along with this glossary. [Feb. 8, 2024]

 

Reserve Street: The Sequel

This week the Missoula County Commissioners continue their discussion with transportation planner Aaron Wilson. They discuss the concept of 15 minute cities and how creating diverse, accessible transportation choices can reduce traffic congestion. Aaron also gives updates on the safety studies and plans for accommodating growth in areas like Brooks Street in Missoula and Highway 200 in East Missoula.

Don’t miss part two of this series on planning, traffic and transportation! [Jan. 24, 2024]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Infamous Reserve Street

In the latest episode of The Agenda, we answer common questions about everyone's favorite street in Missoula (bonus points if you listen while stuck in traffic on Reserve!) 

Aaron Wilson, transportation planning manager from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization, joined the county commissioners this week to answer questions like: Is Reserve Street really home to the most dangerous intersections in Missoula? Can infrastructure changes actually decrease traffic?

In this episode, they discuss the evolution of Reserve Street, problems with pedestrian safety, and the role of the  Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in coordinating transportation efforts across jurisdictions. Don’t miss part one of this two-part series on planning, traffic and transportation. [Jan. 10, 2024]

 

 

Looking Back on 2023 with the Missoula County Commissioners

This week the commissioners reviewed memorable projects from 2023, including those that address homelessness, affordable housing, recreation opportunities and much more. Tune in for a conversation that covers everything from property taxes to new parking lots to wildfire prep. [Dec. 26, 2023]

Do you have something you'd like the commissioners to discuss in 2024? Email communications@missoulacounty.us!

 

A snow globe with two wrecked cars inside 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Not Wreck the Holidays

The holiday season means more travel and celebration, but it also means an increased risk of impaired driving. Do you have a plan for a sober ride home?

This week the commissioners spoke with Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway and Health Specialist Steve Schmidt about recent impaired driving trends in Missoula County and what resources are available to residents. [Dec. 13, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Taxing Problem: How Stagnant Policies Burden Residents

Tax bills have landed in mailboxes and many residents are frustrated, confused and concerned. Why are property taxes so high? How did we get here? The commissioners discuss the topic of the tax system in Montana and what potential solutions could look like in this week’s episode of The Agenda. [Nov. 15, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen: A True Jack of All Trades

Did you know the Missoula County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer, as well as the coroner, and oversees the office responsible for serving civil paperwork? Did you also know that Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen was on the 1995 Montana Grizzlies national championship football team?

This week, the commissioners spoke with Sheriff Petersen about everything from jury summons to predictions for the Cat-Griz game and how his department is addressing the need for increased deputy patrol in rural areas. [Nov. 1, 2023]

 

 

 The Agenda with the county commissioners featuring Dave Wall, Missoula County Auditor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bills, Bills, Bills: How the Auditor Protects Taxpayer Dollars

Local government is a large, busy organization. Who makes sure all payments the County makes are to the right vendors and are for legitimate county expenses? This week, the commissioners talked with Missoula County Auditor Dave Wall about safeguarding taxpayer dollars, fraud detection and the importance of internal financial controls. [Oct. 18, 2023] 

Related links:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners!

New name, same great local government podcast. We’ve rebranded to The Agenda! 

With 67 episodes and more than 7,000 downloads since it launched in 2021, the commissioners' podcast was due for a refresh. If you’re already subscribed, there’s no change to how you listen.

This week, Commissioners Slotnick and Strohmaier sat down with Missoula County Housing Specialist Garrick Harmel to talk about what local government can do to reduce displacement while incentivizing the construction of affordable places to live. [Oct. 4, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myth Busters Volume 2: Government Spending, Taxing and the Budget

“County government is funded mostly by taxpayer money.” “If Missoula County didn’t spend any more money next year, taxes would stop going up.” Have you heard this before? Are these statements true or false? 

This week the commissioners spoke with Chris Lounsbury, chief administrative officer for Missoula County, about budgeting, taxing and government spending. Tune in to this week’s episode for some myth-busting with a side of tax policy. [Aug. 22, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

 

A color photo of the sign at the entrance to Marshall Canyon Road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Education & Recreation: The Future of Marshall Mountain Park

Marshall Mountain, located between East Missoula and Bonner, has been a haven for locals to enjoy the outdoors since the early 20th century. Now, there’s an opportunity to secure the base area of the former ski hill and surrounding areas for public ownership. But this potential park has a lot of moving parts: three different pieces of land with separate private owners, two governments, two public processes for open space bond funding, management considerations and more.

This week, the commissioners talked to Chet Crowser, Chief Lands & Communities Officer for Missoula County, and Donna Gaukler, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Missoula, about the scope of this project and what’s next for this beloved area. [Aug. 10, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

An aerial shot of the Missoula County Fairgrounds on an overcast day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Montana Fair: Where Community Happens

The Western Montana Fair is more than just rides and fried food. The Missoula County Fairgrounds is one of the few public gathering places that unites people from all backgrounds every summer. 

This week, the commissioners spoke to Jerry Marks, the county extension agent, and Billie Ayers, events and operations manager at the fairgrounds, about the history of this hallmark event and what’s in store for the 2023 Western Montana Fair. [July 28, 2023]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life on the Lake: Supporting Local Efforts in Seeley

Seeley Lake is an unincorporated town with a population of about 1,600 in the northern part of Missoula County. Located between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges and dotted with narrow, glacial lakes, the Seeley area is synonymous with recreation and beautiful landscapes.

Thousands of people visit Seeley Lake each summer, but what’s it like to be a year-round resident, or own a business there? This week, the commissioners sat down with Claire Muller, director of the Seeley Lake Community Foundation, to talk about the unique challenges and misconceptions about this rural community. [July 12, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

Recreating Responsibly: Tips for a Fun and Safe River Season

Whether you're a seasoned floater or you've never sat in an inner tube, the River Ambassadors are here to help! Each summer, these friendly faces help recreators of all kinds navigate access points along the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers.

Now in its third summer, the river ambassador program is the result of collaboration between Missoula County, City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Clark Fork Coalition. Tune in to hear more about this successful program and tips for a great day on the water. [June 27, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

Collaboration and Representation: Creating a More Equitable Local Government

One of Missoula County's major initiatives is to address systemic issues of inequity in our community. But what does that really mean, and what does it look like? 

This week, the commissioners sat down with Elisha Buchholz (equity coordinator at Missoula County), Rozlyn Haley (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion fellow at Missoula County) and Rajiem Seabrook (director of equity and impact at Empower Montana) for an update on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) efforts. [June 15, 2023]

Related links:

 

 

 

 

What If Taxing Tourists Could Lower Your Property Tax Bill?

Property taxes are defined by multiple sets of rules, calculations and inaccessible words like "mill" and "levy." How much is a mill worth, and what's the limit on how many mills local government can collect? Who determines how much your house is worth? What if there was a way visitors could pay for the services they use when they visit our community that would lower your property taxes at the same time?

In this episode, Commissioner Slotnick breaks down the taxing system, how it relates to the County budget and what to expect when you get your re-appraisal notice from the state this summer. [May 22, 2023]
 
 Related links:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing the County Lands Inventory Project

In late 2021, the Missoula County commissioners asked the newly formed Department of Lands and Economic Development to inventory and assess the utility of all 260+ county-owned properties. Emily Brock, director of that department, joined the commissioners this week to debut the inventory mapping tool and explain how the parcels are assessed based on six factors and talk about next steps and how the assessment will be used to make decisions. [April 20, 2023]

Follow along with the interactive mapping tool and submit feedback online: https://missoulacountyvoice.com/lands-inventory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Dispatchers Save Seconds, Seconds Save Lives”

What happens when you call 9-1-1? Why does the person on the other line ask so many questions? April 9-15 is Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an opportunity to recognize and thank the 9-1-1 dispatchers who work around the clock every day as the first point of emergency response.  

This week, Commissioner Strohmaier and a special guest host sat down with Sherri Odlin, 9-1-1 manager, and Adriane Beck, director of the Office of Emergency Management, to talk about what it’s like dispatching 9-1-1 calls, how technology has changed this process and their most memorable calls. [April 5, 2023]

Missoula County is hiring Public Safety Communications Officers! Click here to see the full job description.

 

 

 

 Graphic explaining the six steps to obtain a permit with Missoula County.

Do You Have a Permit for That?

With warmer weather on the way (eventually), some residents may be planning home improvement projects. Did you know that you need a permit to re-roof your home? Or that some projects require a sanitation review from the Missoula City-County Health Department? The permitting process may seem daunting, but county staff are here to help ensure your next project is compliant and safe.

Commissioner Slotnick sat down with Rita Hagler from the Building Division of Public Works, and Nick Zanetos from the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department this week to talk about all things permitting. [March 22, 2023]

Be sure to check out missoulacounty.build to get started!

 

 

 

 

 

Toxins, Heavy Metals and Bad Water: Cleanup of the Smurfit-Stone Mill Site

The site of the former Smurfit-Stone pulp mill, located west of Missoula near Frenchtown, spans 3,200 acres. The mill operated from 1957 to 2010, creating paper products from logging industry scraps and used 15 million gallons of water per day to operate. At its height, the mill was processing 1,900 tons of bleached paper products each day.

What remains now are 900 acres of unlined wastewater treatment ponds, 193 acres of sludge and garbage dumps and 100 acres of industrial buildings. Given the size and scope of the site, it is unknown exactly what contaminants exist and in what quantities. 

Elena Evans of the Missoula Valley Water Quality District sat down with the commissioners this week to discuss what lies ahead for Smurfit-Stone, how the Environmental Protection Agency is involved, the threat of flooding and much more.

Image: Aerial view of Smurfit-Stone retaining ponds and the Clark Fork River in 2018, photo by Chris Boyer of Kestrel Aerial Services.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Recent news articles about Smurfit-Stone:

 

 

 

Taking the Pulse of Missoula County’s Economy

Every day we’re inundated with economic forecasts related to inflation, layoffs, remote work and unemployment. But what is happening here in Missoula County? Does it reflect national trends? How does a desirable place like ours foster more jobs without sacrificing the values that make it so desirable in the first place? 

This week, the commissioners spoke with Grant Kier, director of the Missoula Economic Partnership. Kier spoke to local employment rates, how to balance growth, quality of life, housing access and more. [March 1, 2023]

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

Connecting Communities: The Big Year for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

This week, commissioner Strohmaier gives an update on the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. The rail authority is a division of state government that encompasses 19 counties in Montana that are working to bring back passenger train service in the southern part of the state. 

2023 is a major year for this effort: the U.S. Department of Transportation is studying which inactive rail lines could be restored. The North Coast Hiawatha stretched from Chicago to Seattle and passed through Missoula County until 1979, when the line was discontinued. Listen to this episode to learn more about how tribal communities and private businesses are involved and what’s next for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. [Feb. 9, 2023]

Learn more at bigskyrail.org.

 

 

 

 A picture of the solar panels on the Missoula County Detention Center from 2021 on a sunny day. Mountains are visible in the background.

It's Easy Being Green: How to Take Advantage of New Clean Energy Incentives

A slew of new tax credits, rebates and incentives encouraging investment in energy efficiency are now in effect. What does this mean for renters, homeowners and small business owners in Missoula County?

This week the commissioners sat down with Caroline Bean and Andrew Valainis from the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability to talk about Missoula County’s sustainable energy goals and how these new incentives help residents and businesses of all types. [Jan. 25, 2023]

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 A map of state and interstate highways in western Montana showing county lines and county seats.

A Constantly Shifting Crime: Addressing Human Trafficking

The Missoula Human Trafficking Task Force is a vast network that spans law enforcement at all levels, nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and others. Together these groups work to educate the public,  expose traffickers and support victims in healing.

This week, the commissioners sat down with Ryan Prather of the Missoula County Sheriff's Office to learn about this complex issue. Prather oversees Sheriff's Office detectives who specialize in criminal investigations, including child exploitation and human trafficking. [Jan. 11, 2023]

This episode mentions difficult topics like relationship and sexual violence. And we also want you to know that the Crime Victim Advocate Division of Missoula County is here to help you. Please call 406-258-3830 or visit their office at 317 Woody Street. You can also go to YWCA of Missoula, which is another resource. And their crisis line is 1-800-483-7858. Also get more information at the Missoula Human Trafficking Task Force website.

Additional resources include:

 

 

 

 Mayor Jordan Hess and the three county commissioners at a large table with headsets on.

Tackling Challenges Together: City and County Year in Review with Mayor Hess

As 2022 comes to an end, the Missoula County commissioners sat down with Missoula City Mayor Jordan Hess to discuss lessons learned and what they’re looking forward to in 2023. They reflect on notable collaborations from this year and how a strong partnership between municipal governments enables solutions for our community. [Dec. 19, 2022]

 

 

 

 Dave Strohmaier, Juanita Vero and Andrew Hagemeier pose by a small holiday tree.

Proactive Planning: How Zoning Enables Efficiency & Sustainable Growth

This summer, Missoula County overhauled and updated its zoning code for the first time in nearly 50 years. But why does zoning matter and what kind of development does the new code enable?

This week, the commissioners spoke with Andrew Hagemeier, senior planner in the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability, to answer some of these questions. Andrew also gives some history about the origins of the current housing crisis and how the new zoning code* incentivizes housing options while balancing valuable assets like our rivers and agricultural land. [Dec. 13, 2022]

*The County’s new zoning update applies to the Missoula urban area outside city limits, including Bonner, East Missoula and the Wye.

 Links mentioned in this episode:

 

 

A photo of the Montana state capitol building in Helena on a blue-sky day. Flag poles are visible in the foreground.

Not Just a Bill: Missoula County & The Montana State Legislature

On Jan. 2, 2023, the 68th regular session of the Montana state Legislature will convene in Helena. All 50 state senators and 100 representatives will meet for 90 days to draft, propose and review bills, which could become new state laws.

Missoula County is a general powers government, which means that county government only has authority that is explicitly granted by state laws.  Because of this, the legislative session is a major event and new laws can greatly affect how local government works.

So how does Missoula County keep track of the hundreds (if not thousands) of bills that come before the two chambers of the Legislature? This week, the commissioners sat down with Anne Hughes, chief operating officer for Missoula County, to talk about what goes on during a legislative session. [Nov. 29, 2022]

 Links mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 Photo of Commissioners Strohmaier, Slotnick and Vero outside on a sunny day. Dave Strohmaier at right.

But A Moment in Time: Reflecting on Gratitude

This week, Commissioners Vero, Slotnick and Strohmaier immersed themselves in the spirit of the holiday season by talking about gratitude. They share some of their favorite adages and how they stay grounded through the pressure of productivity. [Nov. 23, 2022]

 

 

 A pie chart showing allocation of property taxes in Missoula County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talking Taxes

Autumn is property tax season in Missoula County. Property owners typically receive their tax bills in the mail in early November, which can generate a lot of questions like “what are these specials funds and districts paying for?” and “who can I call with questions about my bill?”  

Missoula County Clerk & Recorder Tyler Gernant joined the commissioners this week to answer these questions and debunk some myths. They also discussed the difference between countywide and county only taxes, property appraisals and how taxes relate to the county budget. Tyler also gave a brief history of recent changes to the revenue base for local government in Missoula County and across Montana. [Nov. 14, 2022]

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

A close up of the Missoula County Courthouse clock tower on a cloudy morning. Leaves from a tree are visible in the foreground.

Calibrating Success: How the County Attorney's Office Effectively Redirects Defendants

In 2019, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office debuted a program called Calibrate, with the goal of moving people out of the criminal legal system and addressing the root cause of why they found themselves involved with it in the first place. Calibrate is a prosecution-led pretrial diversion program, meaning eligible candidates meet individualized milestones, like community service or counseling, in place of awaiting trial and court proceedings. To date, diversion coordinator Ray Reiser has enrolled 106 individuals, and close to 90% of them have successfully graduated from Calibrate.

This week, the commissioners talked with Ray about how Calibrate works, who is eligible to participate and the importance of separating low-risk individuals from high-risk individuals. Tune in to learn more about how Calibrate helps the entire criminal legal system, from courts to the jail to probation, function more effectively. [Nov. 2, 2022]

Learn more:

 

 

 

Tip of the Spear podcast logo at top right. A color image of a winter scene with three canvas tents spaced apart on individual platforms. Snow is on the ground. Trees and mountains are visible in the background.

From Survival Mode to Stability: Helping People Move Forward at the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space

In late 2020, Missoula’s Temporary Safe Outdoor Space (TSOS) began offering people experiencing homelessness a safe space during the pandemic. While United Way of Missoula County, Hope Rescue Mission and Missoula County government set up the space in response to COVID-19, it quickly became a model of how a service-rich environment with a collaborative community built on relationships can help reduce homelessness.

The success of the TSOS exemplifies the importance and need for a safe and secure space for people trying to obtain housing. The TSOS, currently located on private land south of Missoula, will soon relocate to a new site off Broadway and Mullan and be furnished with hard-sided shelters that will help make the site more sustainable in the long run. 

This week, Commissioners Slotnick and Vero spoke with Jim Hicks, executive director of Hope Rescue Mission, who talks about the importance of building relationships to help people find stability in their lives and the future of the TSOS. [Oct. 25, 2022]

Learn more:

 

 

 

 An aerial view of the Missoula County Detention Facility on a sunny day.

Evaluating Missoula's Criminal Legal System

In 2015, Missoula County began taking critical steps to address issues like overcrowding at the Missoula Detention Facility and over-incarceration. Chelsea Wittmann, the Safety & Justice Challenge coordinator at the Community Justice Department, is uniquely equipped to discuss these issues. Chelsea started as a detention officer at the jail, then worked for the County Attorney’s Office before landing in her current position.

This week, the commissioners talked with Chelsea about how the County and other stakeholders are evaluating the criminal justice system in our community. Tune in to learn how the County is approaching these complex topics with community input and strategic, evidence-based programs. [Oct. 18, 2022]

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

Mobile Support Team: Responding, Listening & Stabilizing

For decades, communities have relied on emergency services like law enforcement and first responders to handle people experiencing a crisis. Often these interactions led to a revolving door between a jail and emergency rooms, which left service providers, taxpayers and individuals without effective resolutions. The Mobile Support Team in Missoula was created in 2020 as a new approach to both divert people from hospitals and detention facilities while setting them on a path to stability by addressing the root cause of the crisis and connecting them to appropriate resources.

This week, the Missoula County commissioners sat down with three people who play an integral role in the on-the-ground operation of the Mobile Support Team: Becca Goe, director of innovation at Partnership Health Center (PHC); John Petroff, firefighter and operations manager for the MST; and Kiki Radermacher, behavior health manager at PHC. They discuss what it means when a person is in crisis, what resources are available, and the success stories they've experienced in the field. [Oct. 13, 2022]

Learn more:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myth Busters Volume 1: Covenants, Housing & Taxes

In this week's episode, Juanita and Josh bust some myths around what the County is (or is not) doing.

Topics include:

• Legal enforcement of covenants and HOAs
• Property taxes and the re-appraisal process
• Services for people experiencing homelessness
• Regulations, permits and affordable housing
• Larchmont Golf Course

Have you heard something through the grapevine about the County? Submit your myth online and we’ll answer it on-air! [Sept. 13, 2022]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It Takes a Village (and Taxes): How Thoughtful Budgeting Keeps Our Community Running

Budget season is underway at Missoula County, and the commissioners have spent countless hours delving into what funding will be needed to keep up with current services and programs. They’ve also reviewed dozens of budget requests from departments that would enhance these services or pay for new initiatives. They’ve already declined to fund $2.4 million of those requests, and now they’re hoping the community will chime in on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2023.

In this episode, the commissioners speak with Chief Administrative Officer Chris Lounsbury and Chief Financial Officer Andrew Czorny to provide an overview of the budget and the process that shapes it. They also discuss the top priority for this year’s budget: employee retention and recruitment.

The increase to the base budget needed to sustain current services and operations is approximately $5.3 million. This includes increases to wages and personnel costs for County employees, who help keep our communities running by answering 9-1-1 calls, plowing roads and filling potholes, running elections, serving as law enforcement and detention officers, rescuing and sheltering stray pets, responding to public health emergencies and much more. [Aug. 31, 2022]

The commissioners opened the budget hearing on Aug. 25 and invite community members to review and provide feedback on the budget.  The more specific feedback you have, the more constructive and helpful it is to them. Review the FY23 budget requests and share your comments or questions at https://missoulacountyvoice.com/fiscal-year-2023-missoula-county-budget. They will make a final decision at their public meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8.

Learn more about your specific property taxes at itax.missoulacounty.us.

 

 

 

 

Bugs & Weeds: How a County Agency Found Common Ground with an Insectarium

Jerry Marks has worked in the Missoula County Extension Office for more than 50 years, and he knows a thing or two about collaboration. Years ago, he extended an offer to the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium when he heard they were outgrowing their downtown location, and the offer was generous: a coveted spot in the middle of Missoula to create a unique science and discovery center.

In this week's episode, the commissioners talk with Jerry and Glenn about the Rocky Mountain Gardens & Exploration Center, which will open at the Missoula County Fairgrounds in 2023. Jerry also gives some history on how the Extension Office came to be and how the office is always adapting to the needs of the public. [Aug. 24, 2022]

 

 

 

 

 Commissioner Vero at left, Jamie Jonkel at center, Dave Strohmaier at right.

The Bears Are Calling: How the County and the City Are Becoming Bear Smart

Jamie Jonkel, a bear manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, has nearly 30 years of experience working with black bears, grizzly bears and mountain lions. His phone rings off the hook each day with reports of bears in both Missoula County and the city.

In this week's episode, the commissioners sit down with Jamie to discuss what other areas in Montana are doing to address the bear issue and how Missoula is taking steps to become a safer place for both animals and people. Jamie gives insight on who to call when you see a bear (hint: it’s not 911) and where to find resources about how to manage attractants around your home. [Aug. 9, 2022]

 

 

Growing Pains: How the County Tackles Zoning, Climate Concerns and Recreation Management

Charged with overseeing growth and community development in a county with more than 117,000 residents spread across 1.6 million acres, the Office of Lands and Communities is responsible for a lot of moving parts.

In this episode, the commissioners sit down with Chet Crowser, head of the Office of Lands and Communities. This newly reorganized office helps our community address environmental issues, implement zoning policies, manage trails and parks, oversee grants that fund important programs and initiatives, and a lot more. Chet and the commissioners discuss pressing issues like affordable housing, climate change and resource protection as the county grows. [Aug. 2, 2022]

 

 

 

Coping with smoke: Tips for staying healthy during smoky summers

With wildfire seasons starting earlier and lasting longer over the past few decades, Missoula County residents need to learn how to protect themselves from prolonged smoke exposure.  

In this episode, the commissioners speak with Air Quality Specialist Sarah Coefield and Climate Action Program Manager Caroline Bean to learn more about the history of wildfire smoke, populations that are most at risk in smoke, and what practical steps people can take to limit the impacts of wildfire smoke on their health. Visit the following sites to learn more about how you can prepare for wildfire smoke: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Wildfire: Which areas are at risk and how to protect your home

Wildfire has been a natural phenomenon in Missoula County forever; however, with climate change and a growing population leading to more houses in fire-prone areas, our community needs to prepare itself in the event of a fire.  

In this episode, the commissioners speak with Max Rebholz, the Office of Emergency Management’s wildfire preparedness coordinator, to learn which areas of Missoula County have the potential to be impacted by wildfire, how people can prepare their homes ahead of wildfire season, where and how a person can obtain burn permits and financial reimbursement for wildfire mitigation efforts, and more.  

Visit the following sites to learn more about how you can prepare for a wildfire: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History as it happens: Documenting the COVID-19 pandemic in Missoula County

Since 2020, Missoula County – along with the rest of the world – has been living through a major historical event. There has not been another pandemic like COVID-19 since the 1918 flu, but this time around, we have the technology to document this piece of history while it happens.  

In this episode, the commissioners talk with Leif Fredrickson, adjunct assistant professor and Director of the Public History Program at the University of Montana, about a project the County and University jointly launched to document the COVID-19 pandemic. This project seeks to create a rich collection of sources to help us understand the pandemic: how people responded to it and how decisions shaped people’s experience of the pandemic. The collection is being cataloged and made available to scholars and the public through a digital portal administered by the Archives & Special Collections Department of the Mansfield Library: http://missoula.co/coviddocumentation  

Anyone – individuals and organizations alike – can submit materials to this archive online at https://www.lib.umt.edu/asc/covid-project/default.php  

Leif has also been collecting a series of oral history interviews from officials, business leaders, non-profit administrators and community leaders around Missoula County and their experience of the pandemic. Take a listen to sections of interviews with COVID-19 Incident Commander Cindy Farr, Senator Diane Sands and Harvest Home Care CEO Kavan Peterson at http://missoula.co/oralhistoryclips  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The inner workings of local government: Providing services, finding funding and tackling issues

Counties in Montana are diverse, ranging from urban ones such as Yellowstone (pop. 160,000) to rural ones like Petroleum (pop. 490), and each county has its own unique needs and issues.  

In this episode, Missoula County commissioners talk to Dan Clark, director of the MSU Local Government Center, to learn more about the inner workings of local government. They discuss how counties are funded and the struggles that arise with property taxes being one of the only revenue sources. They ponder the reason for the tension between state and local governments, and Clark explains the different forms a local government can take – such as a commission system – to best represent their constituency and provide services for the specific needs of their communities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Reserve Street Bridge encampment: Cleaning up before springtime floods

The encampment under the Reserve Street Bridge has been a topic of concern for both residents and County officials, especially with spring runoff on the horizon having the potential to wash garbage and other waste downstream.  

 Last week, Missoula County Public Works crews and equipment assisted with trash removal under the Reserve Street Bridge after Commission Chair Juanita Vero declared a state of emergency to enable the County to join community volunteers to remove trash that’s accumulated under the bridge due to people living illegally on the property for years. 

In this episode, the Missoula County commissioners explain the history of this issue and its current complexities: how the encampment at one point had around 140 people and what the County and City of Missoula, in cooperation with many community partners, have done so far to address this problem, such as standing up the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space and Authorized Camp Site. They explain why it’s an environmental and safety problem to continue to have people living under the bridge, and why, because of the Martin v. Boise court ruling, neither the County, City nor the Montana Department of Transportation have been able to simply remove the campers from under the bridge if there is no alternative to send them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flooding: What does the spring forecast look like for Missoula County? 

Spring is here in Missoula County, and as the mountain snow begins to melt and rainy days start to drizzle in, people may wonder what’s in the forecast for Missoula County’s flood season and how the Office of Emergency Management prepares for it.

OEM Director Adriane Beck shares lessons learned from past flood events, how her team assesses the river to know what to expect and what they do to help neighborhoods in flood-prone areas anticipate the season. The weather forecast is unpredictable and sometimes plans change as storms roll in. Adriane talks through learning how to adjust to weather patterns and adapting as emergencies arise.

Over the past two years, Adriane’s team has helped mitigate multiple emergencies, from pandemic to wildfire. She shares her approach to staying present and how she’s learned to laugh in the midst of it all.  

 

 

Cooking with your Commissioners: Farm and Field to Table 

Renowned food columnist Ari LeVaux guides the Missoula County commissioners and civil attorney/foodie expert Anna Conley through an entertaining and educational cooking adventure at the Missoula Public Library demonstration kitchen.  

Join the four experts as they discuss food policy, local farming, hunting wild game and breaking through traditional bureaucratic methods to bring together community stakeholders in climate, sustainable farming, zoning, health and food equity.  

Commissioner Dave Strohmaier shares his favorite recipe on how to make mouth-watering Tunisian braised venison shanks. Who knew shanks could taste so good? 

Commissioner Josh Slotnick and guest Anna Conley explore spinach, and there’s a whole lot to learn! When given the choice between baby spinach or spinach with life experience, Ari explains how experienced spinach endures long, cold winters and therefore is packed with rich flavor and dense nutrients. 

Ari and Commissioner Slotnick reminisce about Thailand culinary adventures, as Slotnick shares his trick to making the perfect flat egg, pickled onions and the secret to making dark green leafy vegetables taste delicious all year long.  

Cheers to Commissioner Juanita Vero as she pairs the perfect beverages with these locally-sourced meals and tops off the extravaganza by adding pine nuts to green tea. Why? You’ll just have to watch to find out!  

 

 

Casey Gannon, Josh Slotnick, Emily Armstrong, Dave Strohmaier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operation Shelter: Missoula County, City help the houseless find a temporary safe place, connect to permanent housing

Missoula County Shelter Project Coordinator Casey Gannon and City of Missoula Houseless Initiatives Specialist Emily Armstrong join the commissioners to provide an update on County and City efforts to help unhoused people in our community.  

Finding housing takes time and resources, which can be difficult when you’re constantly living in survival mode. In response to this need, the City and County created the Operation Shelter team to identify and vet potential locations for community members experiencing houselessness to temporarily stay while searching for housing.   

Casey and Emily explain how the City and County have partnered together and are finding creative solutions to a problem that outpaces available resources. While they are focused on the intense immediate need of providing temporary, safe and secure spaces for those camping in the urban area, they are also keeping their eyes on the long-term goal of helping these members of our community find stable housing.  

The conversation explores the key differences between the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space and the Authorized Camping Site, the longevity of these services and next steps as American Rescue Plan Act funding begins to dissipate. It’s a balance of infrastructure, systems, programs and provider support, and a community that is willing to recognize these people, living and working among us, also consider Missoula home, even if they don’t have a house of their own. 

Learn more at  https://www.engagemissoula.com/safe-shelter. 

 

 

Commissioner Dave Strohmaier, Communications Manager Allison Franz, Commissioner Slotnick and Commissioner Vero

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connecting, engaging, learning and responding: How Missoula County Communications keeps the public informed 

Emails, phone calls, letters, social media – what’s the best way to connect with Missoula County?  Communications Manager Allison Franz shares how local government works better when we’re hearing from the people we serve, no matter what form of communication works best for them. The important thing is that people know their voice matters and that Missoula County is listening and responsive.  She shares exciting news about two new tools recently implemented to help the County better engage with and respond to the public, an online community engagement platform and a public records request tool.   She explains the importance of making sure the County is proactive and transparent with its communications to help dispel misinformation and to keep the details accurate. And there’s a bit of a grammar lesson to help people know how to accurately communicate their most important messages.   Connect with Missoula County and stay updated on projects at missoulacountyvoice.com.  
Commissioner Dave Strohmaier, Chief Public Works Officer Shane Stack, and Commissioner Juanita Vero standing together

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintaining roads and building character: Public Works balances community growth, available funding

County roads connect Missoula County residents and visitors. They see an increasing amount of traffic, and their conditions are a common topic of discussion between community members and the commissioners. Roads bring us together, and if you are wondering why some county roads are paved and others are gravel or seem to have fallen low on the priority list, this episode will help clarify the process and the multiple dynamics of road maintenance. 


Chief Public Works Officer Shane Stack explains how his department implements projects, and he talks through various aspects of County roads and bridges,  sewer systems, potholes, infrastructure and community growth. 

Missoula County has leveraged new opportunities over the last few years. Shane talks through the BUILD grant award and the expansion happening in the Mullan area. He shares how American Rescue Plan Act funding helped fill the gap in local funding to assist our rural communities with long overdue improvements to sewer and waste treatment systems. He also shares an exciting update on a new parking lot coming to a popular river access in the County that will help alleviate recreation pressure in East Missoula. 

Keep listening to the end and you’ll learn Shane’s secret on how to build character, something he’s relied on often during his career in both state and local government. 

 

Tip of the Spear - PHC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patient-centered healthcare for every person: Partnership Health Center serving our community

Partnership Health Center’s Executive Director Laurie Francis joins the commissioners to share how PHC addresses systemic barriers to good health and wellbeing by partnering with people most impacted by health inequalities, connecting with community organizations and incubating new programs grounded in emerging, evidence-based best practices.

She shares how PHC builds teams around patient priorities, recognizing that the patient is the expert about their needs, and the medical team is there to support and help guide them on their wellness journey.

She also highlights the new mobile Community Care Team and how everyone is welcome at PHC regardless of their ability to pay. Missoula County’s community health center provides services at seven sites offering medical, dental, integrated behavioral health, pharmacy, specialty services, housing support, legal support and social work.

With over 20 years of experience working in community health, Laurie shares how she stays positive, areas of healthcare she believes America could improve and why her team loves the work they do.

PHC won the 2021 Best of Missoula: Best Health Care Provider award and serves approximately 16,000 Missoula County residents. Learn more at  https://www.partnershiphealthcenter.com/.

 

From one county to another: Learning together in Washington, D.C.

Last week the Missoula Board of County Commissioners traveled to Washington D.C. to join nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county government officials from across the country at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference. 

The conference focused on federal policy issues that impact counties and was an opportunity for the commissioners to engage in policy and educational sessions. They interacted with federal officials and participated in congressional briefings and meetings, and they even heard from President Biden, who once served as a county leader. 

Not all counties operate the same way, and each are governed by different state statutes. In this episode, Commissioners Slotnick and Strohmaier share the importance of going to the NACo conference and learning interesting insights from other county leaders. They share new perspectives and exciting ideas they heard about housing in mountain communities; including the value in building diverse neighborhoods and the concept of using deed restrictions in Missoula County to help keep the cost of housing from escalating. And, for those who listen to the end, you’ll hear some exciting passenger rail news. 

 

 

Tip of the Spear - Missoula County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond the lowest price: Incorporating values into Missoula County policies and purchasing

The role of county auditor goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets. Missoula County Auditor Dave Wall shares how his office keeps the County’s spending in check not just by tracking dollars and cents but through incorporating value into every transaction.  

Wall shares his journey of working up from the County mail room to elected official and the progression of learning how his personality and strengths can be used in public service. As an elected official, his office serves as the independent internal auditor for the County, so every claim is reviewed with equity and fairness, and taxpayers know their money is being distributed with due care. He also discusses why he’s decided to prioritize making sure the County’s policies reflect its values, which includes viewing them through the lens of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Anyone who wants to learn more or view spending reports is welcome to contact Wall at dwall@missoulacounty.us or by calling 406-258-3526.  

 

 

 

Tip of the Spear - Missoula County 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What it takes to run elections in Missoula County

As they’ve been highlighted in the local news and across the nation, we’ve learned elections are no small task, and conducting fair and balanced elections requires the willingness of paid public servants and a community working together.   

To help explain what the election process looks like for Missoula County, Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman joins Commissioners Josh Slotnick and Dave Strohmaier to highlight updates on recent changes to state election laws/procedures, what races will be on the ballot in the May 3 special district and school board election, and how to get involved with the election process as an election judge. He also addresses the misconceptions around the process for mail elections.  

The Elections Office hopes to recruit more than 600 election judges, poll book judges and polling place managers for the upcoming election year. Election judges greet voters, issue ballots, operate equipment, answer questions and hand out “I voted” stickers. They are paid for their service and their training.  

New and returning election judges can sign up at www.missoulaelectionjudge.com, by calling 406-258-4751 or by emailing electioninfo@missoulacounty.us. When registering, applicants will be required to provide their name, address and date of birth to verify they are registered to vote in Missoula County. 

 

Tip of the Spear - Missoula County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decision-making during a housing crisis

The Missoula County Commissioners are the regulatory authority who often make the final decision on public and private land-use proposals, and many factors weigh in on their final action.

Addressing the housing crisis seen nationally and locally is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a recipe with multiple ingredients, which include careful thought, public input, considering both a community and broad perspective and, for Missoula County, a new zoning code update, a new housing plan and smart use of public land.

Recently, the commissioners considered two land proposals related to housing. The public process of the proposals highlighted the importance and growing need for more affordable housing units in Missoula County. In this episode, the commissioners talk through some of the elements that go into their decision-making and factors they consider while talking with the communities their final action impacts. 

Missoula County invites public input on the newly published zoning code draft. Community and Planning Services staff will present the updated draft virtually during the first public hearing at the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1. 

To view the proposed draft, provide comments and to find additional meeting information, people can visit www.mczoningupdate.com. While staff have already incorporated many changes into the zoning code based on the hundreds of comments received this past year, additional feedback is encouraged prior to the public hearing.

The newly adopted Housing Action Plan: Breaking Ground, is available online at  missoula.co/housing. The County developed the plan in response to the rapidly evolving housing market in the County and the growing population that has created an undersupply of housing at all price points. 

Missoula Project Beacon empowering people beyond human trafficking

*This podcast discusses topics around sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and physical violence. Missoula County acknowledges this content may be difficult for some and if so, encourages listeners to seek support from one of the local resources listed below. 

Missoula Project Beacon Director Shayla Beaumont shares powerful stories of her work with human trafficking victims. She explains the importance of helping tribal members reconnect with their tribal culture, elders and the holistic approach to helping a victim heal from trauma. Addressing human trafficking is a community responsibility, and Shayla discusses how we can look out for each other and support one another in the healing process.

To learn more about Missoula Project Beacon visit https://www.allnations.health/missoula-project-beacon/

If you are interested in a career with Missoula Project Beacon, they are hiring for a case manager. Visit https://www.allnations.health/careers/ for the job description and additional information. 

Human trafficking is the exploitation of another person for labor, domestic servitude or commercial sexual activity by force, fraud or coercion. It is also the act of enslaving or exploiting unwilling people.  

If you are a victim, or think someone is, please contact one of these local resources for help: 

9-1-1 call or text 

Missoula Beacon Project - All Nations Health Center

Missoula Human Trafficking Task Force 

  • https://www.missoulahumantrafficking.com/  
  • Call or text 1-833-406-STOP (7867), the local hotline for victims or for reporting human trafficking  
  • Aims to end human trafficking through the process of education, awareness and  collaboration with local, state and federal resources and community partners. 

Lifeguard Group

  • https://thelifeguardgroup.org/  
  • Call or text 1-833-406-STOP (7867), the local hotline for victims or to report human trafficking  
  • Helps protect people and the community against sexual exploitation and human trafficking. 

YWCA 

  • https://www.ywcamissoula.org/  
  • 24-hour crisis line: 1-800-483-7858 
  • 1800 S. 3rd St. W., Missoula, MT 59801 
  • Provides life-saving services — shelter, counseling and more — for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. 

Missoula County Community Justice Department

  • 406-258-3830 
  • Toll-free 1-866- 921-6995 
  • Email - cva@missoulacounty.us  
  • Promotes the safety of Missoula County citizens, the protection and healing of crime victims, the efficient and just treatment of defendants and offenders, the ongoing improvement and coordination of the justice system’s response to crime, and the prevention of crime and the reduction of recidivism. 

010522 TOTS COVER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human trafficking can happen to anyone

*This podcast discusses topics around sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and physical violence. Missoula County acknowledges this content may be difficult for some and if so, encourages listeners to seek support from one of the local resources listed below. 

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Tuesday, Jan. 11, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. To understand how this issue impacts Missoula County, Commissioners Strohmaier and Vero visit with Missoula County Detective Captain David Conway and YWCA Pathways Program Manager Lyndayle Mattis.  

Unfortunately, human trafficking is here in the Missoula County community. This episode helps listeners understand what it is and provides resources for victims and tools for parents to help protect their children. 

Human trafficking is the exploitation of another person for labor, domestic servitude or commercial sexual activity by force, fraud or coercion. It is also the act of enslaving or exploiting unwilling people.  

If you are a victim, or think someone is, please contact one of these local resources for help: 

9-1-1 call or text 

Missoula Human Trafficking Task Force  

  • https://www.missoulahumantrafficking.com/  
  • Call or text 1-800-406-STOP (7867), the local hotline for victims or for reporting human trafficking  
  • Aims to end human trafficking through the process of education, awareness and  collaboration with local, state and federal resources and community partners. 

Lifeguard Group 

  • https://thelifeguardgroup.org/  
  • Call or text 1-800-406-STOP (7867), the local hotline for victims or to report human trafficking  
  • Helps protect people and the community against sexual exploitation and human trafficking. 

YWCA  

  • https://www.ywcamissoula.org/  
  • 24-hour crisis line: 1-800-483-7858 
  • 1800 S. 3rd St. W., Missoula, MT 59801 
  • Provides life-saving services — shelter, counseling and more — for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. 

Missoula Beacon Project - All Nations Health Center 

Missoula County Community Justice Department 

  • 406-258-3830 
  • Toll-free 1-866- 921-6995 
  • Email - cva@missoulacounty.us  
  • Promotes the safety of Missoula County citizens, the protection and healing of crime victims, the efficient and just treatment of defendants and offenders, the ongoing improvement and coordination of the justice system’s response to crime, and the prevention of crime and the reduction of recidivism. 

**This project was supported by Subgrant No. W05-753 awarded by the state administering office for the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice's STOP Formula Grant Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the state or the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

 

Tip of the Spear - Strategic Planning

Dec. 16, 2021 - Planning Missoula County's future with intention and courage

Why would a county government need to engage in strategic planning? In this episode, Chief Operating Officer Anne Hughes and MSU Local Government Center Director Dan Clark join the commissioners to discuss Missoula County's strategic planning process and how it helps the organization advance beyond "the way we've always done it." This includes planning through the lens of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; incorporating flexibility to accommodate all county departments; and infusing empathy into local government. 

Missoula County is carving out a courageous new path in hopes of creating an efficient model that will be used not only for the County, but also as a valuable resource across Montana. This episode is full of leadership nuggets and exemplifies the power of creating a framework that benefits not only your organization, but the community it serves in the best way possible.  

Tip of the Spear - Cannabis Zoning 

Dec. 8, 2021 - Cannabis Zoning in Missoula County

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, recreational marijuana can be legally cultivated and sold in Montana. This industry is expected to provide additional income for the community, both through product taxation and job creation.

Planner Jennie Dixon and Sustainability Program Manager Diana Maneta review how Missoula County is preparing to address the specific impacts associated with this new industry. They share details about state regulations, the authority Missoula County has and energy efficiency measures being proposed for cultivation operations. 

The community is invited to participate in the process to help create appropriate regulations to provide opportunity while minimizing negative impacts from this industry in Missoula County. Learn more and provide comments at http://missoula.co/cannabisregulations.

 

Tip of the Spear - Justice Court

Dec. 1, 2021 - What is Justice Court and why might you find yourself there? 

Missoula County Justice Court Judges Landee Holloway and Alex Beal share their journeys to the bench and how they’ve aligned their offices as a unified resource to guide people on what can be one of the worst days of their lives. 

They share what it is like to be judges and describe the programs they’ve implemented to reduce recidivism and seek restorative justice,  as well as how they balance the desire to help people in the system succeed with the safety of county residents and the overall well-being of our community. 

Both forward-thinking, they outline innovative ideas of how to continually improve court services and the experience of navigating a day in Justice Court, with the end goal of positive outcomes.
 

Tip of the Spear - Missoula County 

Nov. 24, 2021 - Representing Missoula County and helping victims find justice: A glimpse into the Missoula County Attorney’s Office

Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst shares her personal journey of becoming an elected official. The constituency elected her to represent the County both in civil and criminal cases, and she explains how her office works to increase transparency and use resources efficiently, and how the office works with community partners to ensure all participants in the system are treated with respect and human dignity. 

County Attorney Pabst’s team often deals with emotionally difficult cases, and she paints a visual picture to help listeners understand the work they do and how their lives are often enriched by helping others through a difficult case. 

From prosecuting felonies to enforcing zoning and building code violations, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office serves as legal adviser to county commissioners, all elected officials of Missoula County, the Health Department, Community and Planning Services and all other county departments. 

The Missoula County Attorney is a public prosecutor and oversees prosecution for all felonies in Missoula County and a portion of the misdemeanor crimes. The office is responsible for criminal prosecutions, youth court proceedings, special victims unit cases, child protection cases, involuntary commitments, guardianships, junk vehicles, community decay and others.

Learn more about the Missoula County Attorney's Office at http://missoula.co/calibrate.

 

 

111821 TOTS COVER

Nov. 18, 2021 - From Internment Camps to COVID: The Value of Preserving Missoula County's History

Matt Lautzenheiser, executive director of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, explains the importance of history and how it has shaped the culture in Missoula and the country. Making history relatable from one human’s perspective to another, the museum works hard to help educate about Missoula County and preserve the historical gems that give meaning to this place we call home. 

Matt explains how the museum decides what to memorialize and how that has shifted over time as cultures and lifestyles have evolved. He shares lessons learned from the internment camp, what it’s like to run a museum during COVID-19 and how all this good work is a part of Missoula County government. 

There’s also exciting news about a grant award that will help rebuild and restore two WWII Internment barracks on the museum grounds. The grant, paired with community donations, will help the museum continue to tell the story of the 1,200 non-military Italian men, 1,000 Japanese resident aliens, 23 German resident aliens and 123 Japanese Latin and South Americans who were sent to Fort Missoula during WWII. The funding will also help the museum expand, which will provide additional space for the museum to preserve their artifact collections. 

The episode is full of wisdom and inspiration for Missoula County residents and beyond. 

If you would like to contribute to the final push of restoring the barracks, donations are accepted at https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/restore-the-barracks/

 

 

111021 TOTS 

Nov. 10, 2021 - Tackling Missoula County's Housing Crunch with Housing Specialist Jordan Lyons

Housing Specialist Jordan Lyons explains the three main goals in the first draft of the County's Housing Action Plan: Breaking Ground. He talks through the difficult elements impacting housing in Missoula County, like why Missoula County has a shortage of about 2,400 housing units, with home prices rising much faster than incomes. Jordan explains how the market will not fill in the gap in the housing units Missoula County needs in the short-term, but that the plan sets a course for sustainable growth in our housing supply and prioritizes the members of our community who have been shut out of housing they can afford. 

The public is invited to review the draft plan and provide feedback at missoula.co/housing or by leaving a message at 406-258-3444. Public comment closes Friday, Nov. 12, so don’t wait to review the plan and share your thoughts. 

Public input on the draft County Housing Action Plan received by Nov. 12 will be incorporated into a new draft the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board will consider at a public hearing in December. The final version of the Housing Action Plan will be presented to the Missoula Board of County Commissioners as a growth policy amendment in early 2022.

Nov. 5, 2021 - Taxes with Clerk and Recorder Tyler Gernant

Did you know that not everything on your tax bill goes to fund Missoula County government? That's right, taxes go to fund special districts, school districts, voted levies and more! If you'd like to learn more about the details on your tax bills and how the money is allocated, in this episode Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer Tyler Gernant explains the details and helps clear up common questions. 

Also, the FY22 Budget in Brief is now available online at missoula.co/budgets and gives a brief overview of how Missoula County will allocate its portion of the tax bill. 

Tax bills have arrived and are posted online at www.missoulataxes.us. Tax payments for the first half of the year are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30. Tax payments are currently being accepted and online payments may be made via credit card, debit card or electronic check. Service fees apply when paying online by credit or debit card. The fee for paying by electronic check has been removed for all transactions when paying online.  

Previous episodes were published as a video series are are available on YouTube and the podcast. 

Oct. 22, 2021 Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - Community Justice

Commissioners visit with Shantelle Gaynor, Community Justice Department director, as she shares how her team is the support system for clients navigating the justice system. Much like social workers assisting patients through the medical system, her team helps people, often dealing with deep emotional or physical impact, find resources and support while seeking personal justice.

Learn more about the Community Justice Department at http://missoula.co/cjd.

 

Oct. 8, 2021 Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - OEM

Commissioners are joined by Office of Emergency Management Director, Adriane Beck. Adriane highlights how OEM responds to 9-1-1 calls, wildfires, floods and new to her realm, the pandemic, and the varying incidents it has created.

OEM's work captures the community resiliency of Missoula County and the relationships throughout. There's humor, intrigue and heartfelt appreciation in these 20 minutes; it's well worth your time and a great reminder that when we come together, we can accomplish more than we thought we were capable of. 

 

 

Sept. 17, 2021 Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - Internal Services

Commissioners Josh Slotnick and Dave Strohmaier are joined by Chief Information Officer Jason Emery. They discuss the lift of technology during the pandemic and security during an ever-evolving world of remote work and public meetings.

 

Sept. 10, 2021 Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - COVID-19

City-County Health Director D'Shane Barnett shares lessons learned from the pandemic, what he fears most and how our community can be resilient during the Delta variant spike. These reminders take on a renewed sense of urgency in light of the Sept. 10 news that a young person in our community lost their life to COVID.

For questions about COVID-19, vaccines and Delta variant call 406-258-4636 or visit missoulainfo.com.

You can also go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html for additional Delta variant information.   

 

Sept. 3, 2021 Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - Federal Funding

This week, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Czorny joins the commissioners as they dive into the different types of federal funding and how Missoula County has distributed the funds to address the pandemic and plan for future projects.

They tease apart CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act), ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and the American Jobs Act. Because of federal funding, Missoula County can effectively engage staff and resources where they are most necessary to make the most efficient impact.

Watch this short video to learn how federal and local governments can work together to successfully support our community for today and years to come.

Helpful resources:

 

 

 

Aug. 20, 2021 - Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - Budget Process

Chief Administrative Officer Chris Lounsbury joins Commissioners Juanita Vero and Josh Slotnick to help explain the process of creating the Missoula County budget. They discuss the Montana Department of Revenue property assessments and how those impact county funding, key elements of FY22, the reasons for increases and the issues leadership are grappling with while they create a balanced budget during inflation.

 

 

Aug. 13, 2021 - Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - JEDI Resolution

Commissioners visit with Equity Coordinator Jamar Galbreath about the proposed JEDI resolution. We learn what JEDI means, how it impacts Missoula County as an organization and how we can implement JEDI in our communities.

The commissioners welcome comments. Send them an email at bcc@missoulacounty.us or leave a voicemail at 406-258-4877. Final action for the JEDI resolution is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021 at the commissioners' public meeting. Meeting information will be uploaded at http://missoula.co/bccmeetings.

The Missoula Board of County Commissioners is committed to a Just, Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive (JEDI) Missoula County, including pursuing initiatives, efforts, strategies and partnerships that: advance and create a more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive Missoula, free of systemic and structural inequalities, where our community is connected and honors our individualities; support a healthy and vibrant community where we are welcomed and valued and our physical, mental, social and spiritual needs are met. 

 

  

Aug. 6, 2021 - Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - Zoning Code Update

Commissioners Slotnick and Vero discuss zoning code updates with Community and Planning Services Senior Planner Andrew Hagemeier. Missoula County is embarking on a comprehensive zoning code audit and regulation update aimed at better reflecting the County’s 2016 growth policy and revised land use map. To learn about how to engage in the process, attend workshops and share your ideas visit www.mczoningupdate.com

 

 

July 23, 2021 Tip of the Spear: Conversations with Dave, Josh and Juanita - FY22 Budget

Please note the preliminary budget hearing has been moved to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Missoula County commissioners Dave, Josh and Juanita, discuss the Montana Department of Revenue property assessments and how those assessments impact the Missoula County budget process. They explain the commissioners' role in reviewing department budget requests and how they balance the requests to meet the needs of Missoula County. Residents are invited to join the budget meetings and offer impressions on specific budget details.

Upcoming budget process:

2 p.m. Thursday, July 29 - Preliminary Budget Hearing ***NOTE: this hearing has been moved to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11***

--Comment period-- Send your specific comments to bcc@missoulacounty.us

2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 - Final Budget Hearing Budget requests and meeting information will be uploaded at www.missoulacounty.us/government/administration/financial-services/budgets before the preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Find your property tax information at missoula.co/propertyinfo.

 

Additional resources: 



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