Code reform = equity

The implementation of Our Missoula, the city’s new development code, has the potential to be a gamechanger when it comes to leveling the playing field for Missoula’s neighborhoods. Some parts of town have taken on extensive growth without the infrastructure to support that growth. I’ve been a strong voice for the people in these neighborhoods that tend to be traditionally working class, already dense and often they have old and sometimes failing infrastructure.

Missoula’s building codes, like many in municipalities across the country, proved to be historically racist and classist. We’ve spent a lot of time trying to untangle the reasons why and build a more equitable code moving forward -- one that allows for small businesses in neighborhoods, that encourages multi-modal transportation and allows for more density in the urban core. Putting this code into practice won’t happen without challenges but I believe with invested partners we can work through those to get to a more equitable way of developing our city.