Big News for Missoula's Housing Crunch

Missoula County approved a major development agreement this week that could bring 200 new housing units to the North Reserve Street corridor — and it is being marketed specifically as workforce housing.

The Project Details

Location: Grant Creek Crossing, on 84 acres (former gravel pit) near Reserve and Schramm streets

First Phase: 200-unit multi-family housing complex

Infrastructure: New roads with sidewalks and lighting, full sewer and water infrastructure, intersection improvements at Reserve and Schramm

How It Is Being Funded

The county is backing the project with up to $7.9 million in tax increment financing. Here is how it works: the developer pays upfront for infrastructure, then gets reimbursed as the tax revenue from the developed property rolls in. The developer has four years to complete the work.

What Is Workforce Housing?

Unlike luxury apartments or student housing, workforce housing is designed for people who work in Missoula but have been priced out of the current market — think teachers, nurses, service industry workers, and first responders. These are the folks who keep our community running but struggle to afford $2,000-a-month rents or $500,000 homes.

Why This Matters

Missoula's housing shortage has reached crisis levels. With the median home price hovering around half a million and rents climbing steadily, adding 200 units aimed at working families could provide some relief — though it is a drop in the bucket compared to the overall need.

Timeline: Construction hasn't started yet. With a four-year completion window, expect to see activity ramping up later this year.