MISSOULA COUNTY - The results of a recent Missoula County Community Needs Assessment (CNA) survey showed that 68% of residents felt that the county should prioritize projects that increase the supply of housing affordable for all income levels. Based on these results, CAPS will communicate these priorities with County Commissioners.
The Missoula County Community and Planning Services’ Grants and Community Programs Division divulged the results of their recent annual CNA survey during a virtual meeting Tuesday, May 25. This assessment was intended to gauge county residents’ interests and funding priorities.
This year’s CNA included questions on housing priorities, economic development, COVID-19 response, infrastructure and public services. The survey was distributed to county residents from May 5-19 although additional comments were accepted until May 28.
According to Missoula County’s website, “The needs assessment is the first step in determining how to effectively utilize potential state and federal funds and to ensure that community development projects reflect the community needs.”
When respondents were asked what are the three most significant housing challenges Missoula County faces, the three most popular responses were a lack of affordable housing to buy at 90%, a lack of affordable housing to rent at 89% and housing options that are poor quality at 37%.
When asked what are the top three priorities for housing initiatives, the most popular responses were initiatives to maintain and/or increase the supply of affordable housing at 55%, subsidies to construct housing that is affordable for low- and moderate-income houses at 45%, and down payment assistance for low- to moderate-income homebuyers at 38%.
When respondents were asked about two economic development strategies that the County should implement, 67% of respondents said that they should increase the housing supply that is affordable to the workforce followed by 39% who said that job training and opportunities should be available for at-risk populations.
For public infrastructure priorities, streets and roads received the highest support at 42%. Broadband Internet installation and connectivity as well as bike lanes and trails followed at 33% and 26% respectively.
Of the 887 responses that they received, roughly 65% came from residents that live within Missoula city limits, 31% live in other areas of the County and 4% said “other.” The survey had at least one response from “every identified community.” Of the respondents outside city limits, the highest response rates came from Lolo at 6% and Seeley Lake at 5%.
The age demographic with the highest response rate was 35 to 44 year olds. The majority of respondents are currently employed for wages.
Questions regarding the CNA should be directed to Grants Administrator Kayla Talbert at ktalbert@missoulacounty.us. More information on CNA as well as a link to the full results can be found on https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/community-development/community-planning-services/grants-community-programs/projects-and-programs/community-needs-assessment.
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