(graphs link: Missoula, MT National Community Survey)
Homelessness and Housing Affordability
Missoula continues to direct millions in public funds through the Redevelopment Agency to support luxury developments like the Marriott and national chains like Starbucks. These projects are often sold as infrastructure upgrades, but the real impact is clear: public money is going to already profitable ventures while housing remains out of reach for too many. That same funding could be redirected to build deeply affordable housing and support neighborhoods that need investment the most.
At the same time, recent decisions to close shelters and fine unhoused residents are only making things worse. Criminalizing poverty doesn’t solve homelessness—it pushes it further into public view and away from real solutions. Instead, we need to invest in safe, stable places where people can connect with services and begin to rebuild. This isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the most effective way to support a healthier, more stable Missoula for everyone.
I Support a Tenants' Right to Counsel:
Access to legal representation in eviction cases is a critical issue for tenants. Nationally, only about 3% of tenants have legal representation during eviction proceedings, compared to 81% of landlords . This disparity significantly impacts the outcomes of eviction cases. In cities with right-to-counsel programs, 93% of tenants with legal representation avoided eviction.
The lack of legal counsel disproportionately affects single mothers, who are among the most vulnerable groups facing eviction. Implementing a right to counsel for tenants not only helps individuals and families remain in their homes but also contributes to broader community stability. It can reduce homelessness, improve public health outcomes, and decrease reliance on emergency services, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.
Infrastructure and Development
I believe in investing in the basics—safe sidewalks, clean water, and well-maintained streets. But in Missoula, these essential services have been tied to luxury developments. In recent years, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency has spent millions of public dollars on infrastructure upgrades that benefit corporations like Marriott and Starbucks, not our community. While these are often called ‘right-of-way improvements’ or ‘utility upgrades,’ they mostly serve to increase profits for large businesses, not meet the needs of residents.
The reality is this: when we link infrastructure improvements to corporate interests, we divert funds from neighborhoods that truly need them. We could be fixing broken sidewalks, outdated pipes, and providing better public transit in underserved areas, but instead, the focus is on projects that drive up property values and accelerate displacement. We're told these developments ‘grow the tax base,’ but what about the families who’ve been taxed out of their homes or are now house-rich but tax-poor?
As your representative, I won’t use public investment to cater to developers. I’ll prioritize the needs of people who already live here. That means focusing on real infrastructure upgrades in the areas that need them most, supporting affordable housing over luxury hotels, and ensuring that small businesses have access to the same resources as big corporations.
I also believe that residents must have a genuine say in how our money is spent. I’ve heard from many of you about the lack of trust in local government, and how surveys often don’t result in real change. I take that seriously. My goal is to reopen the process, improve transparency, and give you more control over decisions that affect your neighborhood.
Public Engagement and Trust in Government
I know that too many people in our community feel disconnected from local government and frustrated with a system that doesn’t listen. That's why I’m committed to rebuilding trust through real, participatory engagement. I will work to ensure that you have a direct say in how we allocate resources, through initiatives like participatory budgeting, where residents can have a voice in how our neighborhood funds are spent. I plan to host regular town halls, gather feedback at local parks, and use online platforms to ensure everyone in Ward 4 feels heard. Engaging with you whether through informal gatherings or structured input—will help build an inclusive environment where your concerns directly influence decisions and priorities in our city.
