Council expands Missoula Parking Commission into Hip Strip to enforce turnover and residential relief

Missoula — The City Council voted Nov. 17 to extend the Missoula Parking Commission’s jurisdiction to include the Hip Strip area south of the river, a move proponents said is intended to improve turnover in front of small businesses and provide relief to nearby residents who currently see commuter parking occupy curb spaces all day.

Jody Pilgrim, director of the Parking Commission, said the Hip Strip area is contiguous to the commission’s existing jurisdiction and shows high utilization and persistent long‑term parking that reduces turnover for local storefronts. Pilgrim said enforcement is currently limited because existing two‑hour restrictions in some Hip Strip blocks are not within the commission’s jurisdiction and are not enforced elsewhere.

Pilot strategy: Pilgrim said the commission’s initial approach will emphasize enforcing existing two‑hour spaces to increase turnover and will explore residential permit programs for nearby blocks near Hellgate High School. She said metered parking is only one tool and that the commission also seeks to coordinate with planned redevelopment (including a new Missoulian project) and the Downtown/Hip Strip safety and access plans.

Public reaction: Several Hip Strip residents and business owners opposed the expansion, arguing that paid or enforced parking can harm small businesses and that the city should look for alternatives. One resident said expanding enforcement would drive customers away and urged council to abandon the idea. Supporters countered that local businesses requested turnover and that enforcement can be tailored to local needs.

Council decision: After council discussion and public comment, the resolution to extend jurisdiction passed with 9 votes in favor and 2 opposed; dissenting votes were recorded from Councilors Campbell and Vasica.

Practical next steps: The commission will begin by enforcing time-limited spaces where signs already exist, work with neighborhood organizations on residential permit program options, and advance engagement with business owners to calibrate any enforcement or pricing approach.

Votes at a glance: Resolution to extend Missoula Parking Commission jurisdiction to Hip Strip — passed, 9–2.