Missoula Approved Funding Plan for Road Upgrades

The city established a tax district to fund nearly $6 million in improvements to Lower Miller Creek Road.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation

Bold vector editorial illustration of a smooth asphalt road leading toward a distant mountain range, representing urban infrastructure expansion. — Missoula officials have established a new special tax district to finance $6 million in necessary road and sidewalk upgrades for the Lower Miller Creek area. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should existing residents pay extra taxes for infrastructure projects serving new neighborhood development?

Missoula officials have launched a funding initiative to upgrade Lower Miller Creek Road and adjacent Bigfork Road. The $6 million project, designed to support neighborhood growth, includes road widening, new sidewalks, and improved stormwater collection.

Why it matters

The funding plan relies on a mix of developer fees and a new Special Improvement District levy to cover the infrastructure costs for the rapidly expanding residential area. This strategy shifts a portion of the financial burden for city upgrades onto local property owners.

The $6 million improvement project covers the stretch between Linda Vista Boulevard and Jack Drive. A Special Improvement District levy has been established for all properties within a one-mile radius of the road.

The players

Missoula City Council

The local governing body responsible for reviewing and making the final decision on the proposed infrastructure project and tax levy.

Jeanette Rankin Elementary School

The local educational facility that serves as a community hub for public meetings regarding neighborhood development projects.

The details

The project targets infrastructure near Maloney Ranch Park and Jeanette Rankin Elementary. Work will include widening the road and installing new sidewalks and stormwater collection systems to accommodate the neighborhood's growth.

September 29, 2026: An open house regarding the project was held at Jeanette Rankin Elementary School.

Culture Shift

The creation of a Special Improvement District reflects a growing trend of utilizing localized tax mechanisms to finance infrastructure in rapidly developing municipal areas. This approach follows the standard precedent of distributing development costs between developers and current property owners.

Residents living within a one-mile radius of the construction zone will see a direct increase in their tax burden to cover 49% of the project costs. Homeowners should prepare for potential construction disruptions along the stretch between Linda Vista Boulevard and Jack Drive.

The takeaway

Property owners within the new tax district should monitor upcoming city council meetings to understand the specific impact on their annual tax assessments. Proactive engagement with the city's planning process is the most effective way for residents to voice concerns regarding infrastructure fees.