During a recent city council meeting in Missoula, discussions centered on the pressing housing crisis and the implications of upcoming code reforms. Council members expressed concerns about the development of high-end single-family homes, particularly in open spaces and hilltop areas, arguing that such projects do not address the urgent need for affordable housing.

Councilman Carlino highlighted the importance of integrating code reform into the planning process, suggesting that allowing for increased density in urban areas could better serve the community's housing needs. He emphasized that the current trend of building million-dollar homes could lead to a future regret over lost opportunities for affordable housing, parks, and wildlife spaces.

Councilor Nugent reinforced the idea that the community has invested in protecting areas like Water Works Hill through open space bonds, which limits the council's ability to dictate development on private land. He acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the lack of control over market-rate housing developments, noting that state laws restrict the council's power to impose conditions on developers.

Councilor Jordan echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the inability to enforce affordable housing requirements on new developments. He urged developers to consider including permanently affordable units in their projects, stressing the importance of maintaining socioeconomic diversity in the community.

Mayor Davis concluded the discussion by reaffirming the city's commitment to exploring various housing strategies, including potential pilot programs for workforce housing. He noted the necessity of keeping all available tools in the city's policy toolbox to address housing affordability effectively.

The meeting culminated in a series of votes regarding the annexation and rezoning of properties, with the council ultimately approving the annexation and moving forward with the zoning changes, despite some dissenting votes. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of development while addressing the critical need for affordable housing in Missoula.