The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners

In the latest episode of The Agenda, we answer common questions about everyone's favorite street in Missoula (bonus points if you listen while stuck in traffic on Reserve!) 

Aaron Wilson, transportation planning manager from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization, joined the county commissioners this week to answer questions like: Is Reserve Street really home to the most dangerous intersections in Missoula? Can infrastructure changes actually decrease traffic?

In this episode, they discuss the evolution of Reserve Street, problems with pedestrian safety, and the role of the  Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in coordinating transportation efforts across jurisdictions. Don’t miss part one of this two-part series on planning, traffic and transportation.

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

This week the commissioners reviewed memorable projects from 2023, including those that address homelessness, affordable housing, recreation opportunities and much more. Tune in for a conversation that covers everything from property taxes to new parking lots to wildfire prep.

Do you have something you'd like the commissioners to discuss in 2024? Email [email protected]!

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

The holiday season means more travel and celebration, but it also means an increased risk of impaired driving. Do you have a plan for a sober ride home?

This week the commissioners spoke with Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway and Health Specialist Steve Schmidt about recent impaired driving trends in Missoula County and what resources are available to residents.

• Substance Abuse Treatment Resources
• Drive Safe Missoula
• R.O.A.D Court
• No Joke Theatre

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

Tax bills have landed in mailboxes and many residents are frustrated, confused and concerned. Why are property taxes so high? How did we get here? The commissioners discuss the topic of the tax system in Montana and what potential solutions could look like in this week’s episode of The Agenda.

Related links:

• What Do My Taxes Pay For?
• View your tax bill online
• The Re-Appraisal Process

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

Did you know the Missoula County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer, as well as the coroner, and oversees the office responsible for serving civil paperwork? Did you also know that Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen was on the 1995 Montana Grizzlies national championship football team?

This week, the commissioners spoke with Sheriff Petersen about everything from jury summons to predictions for the Cat-Griz game and how his department is addressing the need for increased deputy patrol in rural areas.

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

Local government is a large, busy organization. Who makes sure all payments the County makes are to the right vendors and are for legitimate county expenses? This week, the commissioners talked with Missoula County Auditor Dave Wall about safeguarding taxpayer dollars, fraud detection and the importance of internal financial controls.  

Related links:

• County claims list
• County policies

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

New name, same great local government podcast. We’ve rebranded to The Agenda! 

With 67 episodes and more than 7,000 downloads since it launched in 2021, the commissioners' podcast was due for a refresh. If you’re already subscribed, there’s no change to how you listen.

This week, Commissioners Slotnick and Strohmaier sat down with Missoula County Housing Specialist Garrick Harmel to talk about what local government can do to reduce displacement while incentivizing the construction of affordable places to live.

Related links:

• Housing Innovation Fund
• Housing Action Plan: Breaking Ground

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

“County government is funded mostly by taxpayer money.” “If Missoula County didn’t spend any more money next year, taxes would stop going up.” Have you heard this before? Are these statements true or false? 

This week the commissioners spoke with Chris Lounsbury, chief administrative officer for Missoula County, about budgeting, taxing and government spending. Tune in to this week’s episode for some myth-busting with a side of tax policy.

Related links:

• FY 2024 Budget Page
• Commissioner's Public Meeting Portal
• See budgets from previous years

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

Marshall Mountain, located between East Missoula and Bonner, has been a haven for locals to enjoy the outdoors since the early 20th century. Now, there’s an opportunity to secure the base area of the former ski hill and surrounding areas for public ownership. But this potential park has a lot of moving parts: three different pieces of land with separate private owners, two governments, two public processes for open space bond funding, management considerations and more.

This week, the commissioners talked to Chet Crowser, Chief Lands & Communities Officer for Missoula County, and Donna Gaukler, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Missoula, about the scope of this project and what’s next for this beloved area.

Related links:

• Marshall Mountain Park on missoulacountyvoice.com
• Open Space Bond FAQs
• Friends of Marshall Mountain

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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

The Western Montana Fair is more than just rides and fried food. The Missoula County Fairgrounds is one of the few public gathering places that unites people from all backgrounds every summer. 

This week, the commissioners spoke to Jerry Marks, the county extension agent, and Billie Ayers, events and operations manager at the fairgrounds, about the history of this hallmark event and what’s in store for the 2023 Western Montana Fair.

Text us your thoughts and comments on this episode!

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