Infrastructure in West Riverside

Though this discussion will never be "over," the consultants who worked on this project for the County have provided their input and next steps, and staff will be in touch as steps progress with infrastructure in the area.

This is a zoning map of the West Riverside area we are hoping to engage in this project. Industrial zoning is dark and light gray. Live/make zoning is purple. Residential zoning is yellow. Commercial zoning is red. Agricultural zoning is green.

Missoula County staff launched this project to know the West Riverside community’s thoughts and concerns related to infrastructure in their area, so they could learn the neighborhood’s vision and develop infrastructure recommendations for the Missoula County commissioners. View the next steps, ways to continue to stay engaged and recommendations below, and find the final report in the "documents" widget on the right-hand side.

This project launched in spring 2023 because private developers are exploring development of this area, which could start as soon as fall 2023. The nearby Bonner West Log Yard, zoned for industrial use, has been designated a Targeted Economic Development District due to its lack of adequate roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters; lack of water and wastewater infrastructure; and poor water quality. The West Riverside neighborhood is not a TEDD; however, because of the Live/Make zoning, it could become one if the community is interested. Keep in mind that being in a Targeted Economic Development District does not in itself increase property taxes. A TEDD simply ensures any increases in tax revenue stay in the area to fund infrastructure improvements, rather than going toward the general budgets of local taxing jurisdictions.

Private investment within the TEDD will create new tax revenue that could be used to fund infrastructure that serves West Riverside if there is local interest (see the “Tax Increment Financing and Targeted Economic Development Districts” definitions to the right).

Staff and community partners, including two community engagement consultants the County contracted with, worked closely with residents to understand their concerns and desires regarding infrastructure, as well as worked with technical experts to help show the opportunities and challenges regarding infrastructure in this area.

The goal of this project was to provide recommendations to the commissioners from and for the neighborhood on their vision for infrastructure and to establish an agreed-upon framework by the West Riverside community for engaging in conversations and decision-making with the County in the future. Those recommendations, as well as the outlined next steps and ways to continue to stay engaged with the County, are listed in the News Feed below.

This process is designed to build greater understanding, collaboration and communication between West Riverside community members and staff members at the County, as we learn alongside each other about opportunities and challenges related to infrastructure in West Riverside.