City of Missoula Scott Street Development

The housing shortage in Missoula, MT, has become critical. The lack of protected below-market units means long-time renters are priced out as landowners sell or increase rents, while owners continue to take advantage of the rising market, creating unattainable home values for much of the workforce.

Cushing Terrell partnered with the City of Missoula to offer community engagement and conceptual design on the Scott Street Development, which aims to create the largest permanently affordable housing project in Montana’s history. The project location in Missoula’s vibrant Northside neighborhood (just over a mile from the downtown Farmer’s Market) makes access and walkability to amenities highly desirable. The master plan promotes a healthy, livable place with childcare, live/work spaces, common green areas, and a small grocer all contributing to a convenience-rich neighborhood focused on reducing car dependence and contributing to Missoula’s sustainable future.

Through a collaborative partnership with Northside-Westside CREW, the City, Missoula Redevelopment Agency, and the consultant team, Cushing Terrell amplified our engagement capabilities to facilitate a hands-on, community-led process that project partners hope to recreate as the “gold standard” for future public engagement.