County approves $60,000 in TIF funds for industrial land study tied to growth-policy update

Missoula County commissioners authorized using $60,000 in tax-increment finance funds to commission an updated industrial land study as part of the county's growth policy (comprehensive plan) update.

Community Economic Development staff said the last industrial land study was completed in 2014 and that major local changes—mill closures, annexations and shifting industrial trends—have altered the landscape. Staff proposed integrating an industrial land analysis into the planning department's phase 1 conditions analysis to avoid duplicative consulting and to ensure findings inform TED (targeted economic development) strategies.

The request proposes allocating $12,000 each from five TIF districts that currently hold funds: Y1, Y2, Bonner West, Log Yard/Bonner Mill site and the Technology District; Grand Creek Crossing was listed as having no available funds. The Missoula Development Authority recommended approval on Jan. 22, and the board approved the $60,000 request by voice vote. Staff said the study will examine current industrial land capacity, regional labor and commuting patterns, future infrastructure needs and emerging trends that could affect industrial demand.