The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners

Scenes of whole towns burned to the ground in areas like Maui and Malibu have been high-profile news stories in recent years. But what if your house could survive a wildfire? It’s not magic – it’s the home ignition zone!

Post-fire investigations and research have popularized attainable changes and recommendations that you can make to your home, yard and property that decrease the risk of total home loss in the event of a wildfire. And luckily for residents, the Wildfire Mitigation staff at Missoula County offer free home risk assessments to help them make a plan to safeguard their properties.

Missoula County Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Olivia Anderson joined the commissioners this week to answer their burning questions about wildfire preparedness.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• How to prepare your home for a wildfire
• How to schedule a free home assessment with Olivia
• National Fire Protection Association tips

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Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Whether you have an established garden or are curious about growing some herbs on your windowsill, Missoula County extension agents can help you! From cooking classes for all ages to introductory gardening courses, you can grow your skills and be supported along the way.

This week, Commissioner Josh Slotnick sat down with Sarah Holden, horticulture extension agent, and Kelly Moore, family and consumer sciences extension agent, to talk about the many programs they offer to residents.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Gardening in Montana series
• Master Gardener volunteer program
• Plant Clinic
• Rocky Mountain Gardens
• Upcoming cooking classes

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Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Did you know that the solar panels on the roof of the Missoula County jail are the largest rooftop solar array in Montana? That project represents one piece of the county’s plans to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy in government operations. This week, the commissioners are joined by Svein Newman, climate action program manager for Missoula County, to talk about the recently adopted carbon neutrality plan, data centers and more. 

• Climate Action plans
• Home Resource Hub
• Home Retrofit series - starts May 6!
• Green Power Program

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Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Since 2018, 93 people have graduated from Missoula County ROAD Court, a program that facilitates the rehabilitation of adults accused and convicted of alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses.

This week, Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway joined the commissioners to discuss how the court works with the County Attorney’s Office and how law enforcement and substance abuse treatment providers help individuals stay sober. 

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Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Have you considered what it takes to age in place? Infrastructure like handrails and ramps comes to mind, but what about a network of people with symbiotic relationships? That’s exactly what Missoula Aging Services' new Villages model creates: a grassroots network of vetted volunteers who offer their skills to others.

This week the commissioners spoke with Ria Overholt, community services director at Missoula Aging Services, about this innovative model that supports elderly residents and provides meaningful connection that goes both ways. 

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Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

The Missoula Public Library and its rural branches are more than just places to check out books, and the proof is in the numbers. In 2025, 23,000 people attended programs at the main library and its six branches. More than 50,000 Missoula County residents have a library card, giving them access to traditional media and so much more.

This week, the commissioners spoke with Slaven Lee, director of the Missoula Public Library, about everything from the bookmobile to cooking classes and more.

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

 
Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

The Agenda is on a hiatus this month, so we’re inviting you to check out some of our most popular episodes in recent years. 

This is the next installment of “The Infamous Reserve Street,” which aired in January 2024 and features planning manager Aaron Wilson from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization. They discuss roundabouts, planning for growth and much more.

Plus, a draft of the Reserve Street Safety Action Plan he mentions is now available for final public review on engagemissoula.com.

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

 
Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

The Agenda is on a hiatus this month, so we’re inviting you to check out some of our most popular episodes in recent years. 

First up is “The Infamous Reserve Street,” which aired in January 2024 and features planning manager Aaron Wilson from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization. He discusses everything from the history of the Reserve Street area to crash data and future infrastructure planning efforts.

Plus, a draft of the Reserve Street Safety Action Plan he mentions is now available for final public review on engagemissoula.com.

This is a two-part episode, so be sure to listen and subscribe!

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

 
Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Are you interested in hobby farming but don't know where to start? Maybe you know a kid in your life who wants to get into robotics or animal husbandry? Missoula County extension agents can help you get connected and grow your skills!

Extension agents represent the practical application of research at land grant universities, like Montana State. In Missoula County, we are fortunate to have four agents who specialize in 4-H, family consumer science, horticulture and agriculture.

This week, the commissioners spoke with Campbell Barrett, 4-H extension agent, and Natalie Sullivan, agriculture and livestock extension agent, about what free resources they offer to residents. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Land stewards survey
• AgTalks series
• Pasture evaluation program
• Find a 4-H program
• Volunteer with 4-H

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

 
Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

2026 is a federal election year, and thousands of voters will cast their ballots by mail or at polling places across Missoula County for both the June primary and November general election. It takes more than 600 people to run these elections, and you could be a part of the action as an election judge! 

This week, the commissioners spoke with Bradley Seaman, elections administrator, about what election judges do (no robe or gavel required) and how residents can get involved.

Click here to sign up to be an election judge!

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

 
Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!