Specifications include, but are not limited to: develop a strategic approach to address affordable housing issues in Missoula County and to provide a concise report, detailing findings, recommendations, and action steps. As part of this effort, the county seeks to increase housing options that are affordable for all Missoula County residents, but especially for working families and vulnerable populations. The County has long identified housing affordability as an issue of significant concern, as evidenced by: • Results of annual Missoula Organization of Realtors housing reports that highlight the growing disparity between household incomes and housing costs for both homeowners and renters. • Results of annual community needs assessments completed by the city and county that consistently identify housing affordability as a critical issue in Missoula. • Long-term county support for grants administration and coordinating and/or participating in community discussions regarding affordable housing and homelessness. • Goal 10 of the Missoula County Growth Policy (aka comprehensive plan), “Provide opportunities for a wide range of housing choices, especially for those who are homeless or experiencing prohibitive costs for housing relative to income.” • Climate-adaptation planning that has identified vulnerabilities related to energy efficiency, ability to withstand wildfire, and indoor air quality as major issues for new and existing building stock that can further affect affordability. • Recent impacts of COVID-19 on employment and as a result, the ability of many Missoula County residents to afford housing.
