Missoula Shifts Street Policy Toward Accessibility

Contractors and developers building Missoula streets and sidewalks should plan for universal design standards once the policy is final.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Utilities

Bold vector editorial illustration of a concrete curb ramp with raised tactile domes, set against a flat sage ridge in cream and coral tones. — Missoula City Council advanced a revised Complete Streets Policy that shifts its focus toward accessibility and universal design for sidewalks and pedestrian facilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Missoula prioritize accessibility over other uses when building city streets?

Missoula City Council advanced a revised Complete Streets Policy toward a final vote, shifting its focus toward accessibility and dropping the housing-production priority carried over from the Unified Development Code. Council also gave initial approval to a utility rate cost study and a broadcast-tower contract on city land near the Clark Fork River.

Why it matters

The revised policy changes what city planning and street projects are measured against, which affects contractors, developers, and property owners who build or depend on sidewalks, trails, and pedestrian facilities. Some pedestrian advocates argued the housing priority diluted attention on proving sidewalks and trails are safe, which is the basis for the rewrite.

The Complete Streets Policy dates to 2009 and was last updated in 2016, when it earned a perfect score from the National Safe Streets Coalition. The city's last utility rate cost study was conducted in 2019, and the council's initial approval of a new study comes after that gap.

The players

Missoula City Council

The elected legislative body of Missoula that sets city policy and approves contracts and rate studies affecting local businesses and utilities.

Mayor Andrea Davis

The mayor of Missoula, who created an internal task force to review existing accessibility projects in the city.

National Safe Streets Coalition

A national advocacy organization that scores municipal street policies and awarded Missoula's 2016 update a perfect score.

The details

City staff unveiled a new version of the policy that moves its emphasis toward accessibility, incorporating universal design standards for pedestrian facilities. The revision removes the housing-production priority inherited from the Unified Development Code and cannot reduce existing accessibility in areas undergoing new development. Mayor Andrea Davis has also created an internal task force to review existing accessibility projects.

2009: Complete Streets Policy first adopted by the city.
2016: Policy last updated and scored by the National Safe Streets Coalition.
September 2026: Council tabled the policy proposal.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Revised policy unveiled and initial council approvals given.
Monday, November 16, 2026: Council final vote on the policy update scheduled.

Market Landscape

Missoula's revision follows its 2009 adoption and 2016 update of the Complete Streets Policy, with the 2016 version earning a perfect score from the National Safe Streets Coalition. The change reorders the policy's priorities, moving away from the housing-production emphasis inherited from the Unified Development Code.

Contractors and developers working on Missoula streets, sidewalks, and trails should expect accessibility standards and universal design requirements to shape project scope once the policy is finalized. Business owners reliant on city utility rates should watch for the outcome of the newly approved rate cost study, which will be the first since 2019.

The takeaway

Operators with Missoula projects should review the final Complete Streets Policy text after the November 16 vote for new accessibility and universal design requirements. Track the utility rate cost study as a near-term signal for city service costs.