How Missoula grows
Kurt Wilson/ Missoulian
Sitting in a hanging seat, a window washer works near a corner of the Stockman’s Bank Building in downtown Missoula .
Community leaders share their vision David Erickson david.erickson@missoulian.com Editors note: These responses were submitted before the coronavirus pandemic. Missoula has seen more than $1 billion worth of public and private projects developed since 2013, an unprecedented expansion that’s causing growing pains for many as the city struggles with a severe lack of affordable housing, rising property tax bills and a workforce shortage. The building boom has been good to some but not as good for others, so city leaders will be on the hook to make sure Missoula 18
MISSOULA BUSINESS • SPRING 2020
grows in a way that benefits everyone on the socioeconomic ladder. The Missoulian asked several elected officials and other community leaders the following questions to gauge their vision for the future: 1. What are the three most important things Missoula needs to do today to plan for growth so that all residents benefit? 2. What do you want Missoula to look like in 20 years? Here are the answers: Amy Shattuck, principal, Lewis
and Clark Elementary School: 1. Three important considerations for future growth need to revolve around community involvement and input, neighborhoods & schools, and preserving while improving what is best about our community of Missoula. The reason our community continues to grow is directly related to these three important components: Making sure we have the right people at the table to help develop this plan is essential. Input from a comprehensive group that includes
representation from a variety of stakeholders, including the education community, is needed. Neighborhood redevelopment and future development need to continue to have strong schools as their community center point. We have excellent educational institutions in Missoula and surrounding areas. Schools need to continue to provide a comprehensive education that prepares ALL of our students for a bright future in our community and abroad. Preserving what makes Missoula so special is always a lens we need
Amy Shattuck principal Lewis and Clark Elementary School
