Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Missoula’s new rule could quietly shut out big data centers

Also, don't miss Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Missoula Patch calendar

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Hey there, Missoula! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

🎃 Hosting a Halloween event in Missoula? Let Patch get the word out for you. Post it to the Patch calendar.

In today's newsletter:

  • How Missoula's new rule could quietly shut out big data centers
  • Why experts say Missoula's economy is outperforming much of the country
  • What Missoula residents really think about tourism, housing, and traffic now

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 76 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and warm, temps: high: 75, low: 44.
  • Saturday: Cloudy and cooler; p.m. rain, with a high of 55 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Council further restricts data centers by closing 'loophole' in Missoula city code (easternprogress.com) — Missoula's City Council has tightened zoning rules to close a loophole that allowed data centers to be built as a secondary use without a public hearing, effectively making new projects much harder. Some councilors and residents are now pushing for a full moratorium, arguing large data centers could strain local infrastructure and the environment while the state considers broader regulations in 2027.
   

2. Missoula Economic Partnership's annual meeting highlights Missoula's resilient economy (kpax.com) — Missoula's economic outlook is looking strong, according to the Missoula Economic Partnership's annual meeting and a Federal Reserve economist who praised the city's unusually robust labor force growth. Local leaders highlighted ongoing work to support affordable housing, business expansion, and quality of life, saying Missoula's economy remains resilient despite broader challenges and that the near future appears bright for residents and employers alike.
   

3. Missoulians say tourism's benefits outweigh its impacts (nbcmontana.com) — Missoula residents say tourism generally benefits the community, but they're worried about housing affordability and traffic congestion. A new Destination Missoula survey of more than 1,500 locals shows growing appreciation for tourism's economic role, while urging solutions that protect neighborhood livability as officials craft a 10‑year Destination Stewardship Plan.
   

4. Beohmler Family earns stewardship award for LaVelle Creek ranch (missoulacurrent.com) — A longtime Missoula family has been honored with the Missoula County Land Stewardship Award for decades of careful management on their LaValle Creek ranch in the North Hills. Their conservation easement, weed control, and wildlife-friendly practices now help connect habitat from their property all the way to Forest Service land and the Rattlesnake Wilderness, strengthening a key wildlife corridor near town.
   

5. Montana city that took over water utility gives Superior advice (superiortelegram.com) — Missoula's hard-fought takeover of its private water utility is being studied by officials in Superior, who are weighing a similar move. City staff describe higher upfront legal and acquisition costs but say residents now see slower rate increases, more infrastructure investment, and local control that keeps millions of dollars in the community.
   

📸 Around Missoula

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📣 Missoula Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I could use a bit of help.
    I have reached that stage in my life when I no longer trust myself to go down the ladder into the crawlspace to shut off the outside water valve and… (Nextdoor River Road)
  • Professional and kind.
    Did exam all my body for injury after falling. X-rays and CT's listening to my complaints of pain and all the staff were friendly and helpful. (Nextdoor Northside)
  • Unifi Aviation, LLC posted a job opening for Airport Ramp Agent - MSO (PT) in Missoula. Apply here.
  • Cost Plus, Inc. - World Market posted a job opening for Seasonal Stock Associate in Missoula. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Missoula here.

Ok Missoula! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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