The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners
The Missoula County commissioners host the "The Agenda" podcast, which aims to help county residents better understand how local government works and how it affects their lives. In each episode, the commissioners sit down with fellow staff, elected officials and community partners to discuss public sector projects and trending topics.
The Communications Division at Missoula County produces "The Agenda" with support from Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT). If you have something you’d like to add to the conversation, email communications@missoulacounty.us.
Episodes
94 episodes
Federal Dollars and Local Transportation Plans
Transportation planner Aaron Wilson is back on The Agenda this week to talk about how the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization leverages federal funding for critical upgrades to roads and b...
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33:06
Collective Improvement with Missoula Public Health
We probably know what comes to mind when you hear "health department." But there is much more to Missoula Public Health than infectious disease monitoring. From air quality to restaurant inspectio...
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32:56
Restoring Ninemile Creek: A Labor of Love and Time
The Clark Fork and its headwaters represent a duality of incredible fish habitat and miles of former mines and industrial sites. More than 20 years after it began, the restoration of Ninemile Creek west of Missoula has delivered promising resul...
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38:34
Mayor Davis on Housing and What's Ahead
This week the commissioners welcome Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis back to the podcast to talk about a topic that affects all city and county residents: housing. What role does local government play in addressing this complex and difficult issue? ...
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44:19
2025 Legislature Preview with Rep. Mark Thane
Every two years, the Montana Legislature meets for 90 days to pass bills and the statewide budget. Bills become laws and dictate policy on everything from taxes to healthcare access and more. Starting in January, 100 representatives and...
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47:11
TIF and TEDD 101
The commissioners recently approved the creation of a new targeted economic development district, at the site of an old gravel pit between Reserve St. and I-90. These districts, often referred to as TEDDs, use tax increment financing to invest ...
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26:01
Why should you care about the floodplain?
Missoula County residents are lucky to live in proximity to multiple rivers and creeks, but this also means increase risks of flooding. Missoula County is currently working with both state and federal agencies to update floodplain maps for the ...
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28:23
Myth Busters Vol. 3: Selling public land, disaster declarations and taxes
"Selling Marshall Mountain could reduce property taxes." "Any town in the county can incorporate if they want to." "County residents subsidize the City of Missoula." Have you heard these statements before? Are they true or false? Th...
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27:43
Childcare: The workforce behind the workforce
You’ve heard (and maybe even experienced) how difficult it is to find accessible and affordable childcare. While this is certainly a problem across the nation, what can be done right here in Montana, or even in Missoula County, to address this ...
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40:15
Home ReSource: Your sustainability and DIY center
From programming to paint to pesticide disposal, Home ReSource has just about everything you may need to start or finish a project around your home. Last month, staff from Missoula Public Health and Home ReSource celebrated the opening of the m...
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25:29
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When smoke rolls in: Emergency planning and evacuations
You’ve heard the saying: plan for the worst and hope for the best. But when it comes to emergency planning, what does that actually mean? If a wildfire starts near your property, do you know where to look for information? What’s the difference ...
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23:54
Missoula's Community Health Workers
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control awarded a $1.8 million grant to Partnership Health Center to set up a community health worker program in partnership with...
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30:22
Celebrating 50 Years of The Poverello Center
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of The Poverello Center, Missoula’s nonprofit homelessness shelter and advocacy organization. This week the Missoula County Commissioners spoke with Jill Bonny, direc...
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34:24
The Economic Impact of Homelessness in Missoula
Homelessness has been at the center of local, regional and national debate in recent years, with tensions rising between residents, advocates, business owners and politicians. This week, local economist Bryce Ward joined the Missoul...
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45:30
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Ecology and Extension: The Other Kind of Weeds and Grass (and Gardening, Land Management, Invasive Species)
Rivers are thawing, the call of the western meadowlark is floating through air, and other signs of spring are emerging in Missoula County. Maybe you’re inspired to pick up some plants for your patio, start an herb garden or even raise some live...
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27:57
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The Spirit of the Snake: A Brief History of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, located minutes from downtown Missoula, is part of the Lolo National Forest. Many know the Rattlesnake as Missoula’s backyard, offering ample outdoor recreation opportunities and access to the adjoining...
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42:23
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Remarkable opportunities: A conversation with Mayor Andrea Davis
Andrea Davis was elected as the 52nd Mayor of the City of Missoula in Nov. 2023 and in her first few months of office she has been addressing the hot topics of housing, homelessness, public ...
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42:48
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From the Ashes: How the Office of Emergency Management Responds to Disasters Near and Far
When disasters like wildfires, floods and hazardous waste spills strike, Missoula County is ready to respond, thanks to the work of the Office of Emergency Management and the Western Montana Incident Management Team. On this week's ...
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22:44
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Just Response: Advocating for survivors, children and families
Domestic violence, also often referred to as intimate partner violence, can be difficult to address and has lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. Missoula County's Just Respons...
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25:18
What's Going On With All These Bridges?
The Agenda's foray into transportation issues continues this week with Shane Stack, director of Missoula County Public Works, and Erik Dickson, county engineer.With the recent closure of Maclay Bridge in Target Range, residents have a l...
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44:24
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Reserve Street: The Sequel
This week the Missoula County Commissioners continue their discussion with transportation planner Aaron Wilson. They discuss the concept of 15 minute cities and how creating diverse, accessible transportation choices can reduce traffic congesti...
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20:30
The Infamous Reserve Street
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
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30:12
Looking Back on 2023 with the Missoula County Commissioners
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 n...
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32:38
Let's Not Wreck the Holidays
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 Healt...
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27:18
A Taxing Problem: How Stagnant Policies Burden Residents
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 cou...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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29:17