2025 Missoula Municipal Voter Guide

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $15/hr

If elected, would you oppose the city working directly with ICE officials to target and intimidate our community?

• Yes

In your opinion is housing a human right?

• Yes

If elected, would you champion a Tenants Bill of Rights that includes a Tenant’s Right to Counsel and a Universal Rental Application?

• No response

Under Missoula’s current 12.60 ordinance, unhoused Missoulians can be criminalized through daily $50 fines and criminal charges, for survival camping outside. In your opinion, what alternative paths should the city explore that can address and prevent the growing number of unhoused Missoulians? (70 word max)

• I am committed to aligning the City’s efforts with housing-focused solutions because the solution to homelessness is housing. Our new strategy, On Our Way Home, builds on this work, identifying current challenges and guiding future action. I support initiatives like Built for Zero to reduce homelessness measurably. We are aligning City efforts with housing-first solutions, expanding housing options through zoning reform and our Land Use Plan.

What do you believe is the most important issue our community is facing and if elected, how do you plan to address it? (70 word max)

• Over the past year, we have made significant progress in strengthening our city, but we also recognize that many in our community continue to face challenges. Even in the midst of a strong job market and a dynamic economy, too many Missoulians are struggling with the rising cost of housing and the increasing cost of living. Ensuring that everyone in Missoula has the opportunity to live and thrive here remains my top priority.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $15/hr

If elected, would you oppose the city working directly with ICE officials to target and intimidate our community?

• Yes

In your opinion is housing a human right?

• No

If elected, would you champion a Tenants Bill of Rights that includes a Tenant’s Right to Counsel and a Universal Rental Application?

• No Response

Under Missoula’s current 12.60 ordinance, unhoused Missoulians can be criminalized through daily $50 fines and criminal charges, for survival camping outside. In your opinion, what alternative paths should the city explore that can address and prevent the growing number of unhoused Missoulians? (70 word max)

• We need to address the underlying problem ie substance addiction, mental health, without addressing the situation you can’t solve the housing situation

What do you believe is the most important issue our community is facing and if elected, how do you plan to address it? (70 word max)

• The rising cost of everything from housing food taxes. They are all raising far more than wages. I would look to bring in higher paying jobs and work to slow down rising tax.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• No Response

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• I believe one of the biggest challenges facing young people in Missoula is affordability, and this is evidenced by the high cost of living, including housing. This makes it hard to stay in Missoula, build a career, and potentially start a family. If elected, I will prioritize affordable housing solutions, renter protections, and policies centering equity and representation so that Missoula can be an affordable and accessible city for all.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• We need to expand shelter space and help create a broad system of housing support, while also increasing access to mental health and addiction services. The safety and dignity of houseless Missoulians is critical. Longer-term, I’ll advocate for both strategies that help keep people housed as well as rapid rehousing strategies, and I’ll work with organizations who are decommodifying housing so all residents can access permanent, affordable homes.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $21.67/hr

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Climate Change, rising fascism, Housing in-affordability… take your pick. For a specific example we have many kids aging out of the Foster Care program. With our low local wages, extortionary rents and a lack of social safety nets, many of the kids are likely to end up unhoused. With the severe weather events related to Climate Change those without shelter are at risk of severe injury or death.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• Expand the Temporary Safe Outdoor Shelter program to assist in getting people back on their feet. Expand mental health services. The existence of housing alone is insufficient to address the house-less issue if we don’t have a a livable wage. Many folks working multiple jobs are barely able to afford rent for studio-apartments, we need a living wage in Missoula ($21.67). Revoke the “No Camping” Ordinance as it functionally criminalizes being unhoused without providing an alternative.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• No Response

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Cost of housing. We need to focus on making the building process more streamlined with the goal of creating more housing opportunities. Increasing supply is the best method within our control to put downward pressure on the cost to buy a home. We also need to focus on a need driven budgetary process to keep tax increases in check since that’s a major contributing factor to the overall housing cost.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• I think there have been some positive things to come out of the Housing Spring that we can look to emulate going forward. With the closure imminent and unavoidable, I think the focus and emphasis needs to now shift to exploring all options available to secure long-term and sustainable housing solutions for the unhoused members of our community.

Rebecca Dawson did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $20/hr

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Affordable housing and the climate crisis are the most important issues facing us young people. As an activist, I fight for a livable future from the climate crisis and to ensure my friends and family are not being priced out of town. We need truly affordable housing, better protections for renters, and to take on the climate crisis at the pace that science demands. We deserve better from our government.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• Housing is a human right. That’s something I firmly believe in. The City Council voting to close the Johnson street shelter without an alternative option, is beyond cruel. Twice in the last 3 years, I’ve tried to get the City to commit to opening a replacement facility and have pushed back against the City Council’s policies to criminalize people experiencing homelessness. The answer is housing for our neighbors, not handcuffs.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• No Response

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Missoula used to be a place where someone could work at a coffee shop and pursue their passion projects at the same time. With a little hustle one could afford to live a good life here – go to school, pay rent, eat good food. That reality has been slipping away for years. If reelected, I’d support policies that address housing affordability and livability for anyone who wants to live here.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• I would continue to support policies that get people housed and that provide wrap around services for our houseless neighbors.
  

---

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• No Response

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Affordability – People need to be able to live where they work.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• At the time this questionnaire is due the shelter has not closed yet so the question presumes an outcome. We can’t keep doing the same things & expect different results. The Housing Sprint is the single most successful housing step the Missoula has taken in terms of unhoused individuals gaining housing. With incredibly limited resources, we can’t afford to approach everything new or different as predisposed to failure before it starts, & unfortunately these questions are taking that approach.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• At least $20/hour

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• The lack of affordable, stable housing. I’d propose or endorse: expanding social housing and tenant protections, supporting cooperative housing models and community land trusts, and prioritizing public investment over private profit, ensuring youth voices shape policy, especially those most impacted.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• Safety for houseless Missoulians means treating housing as a human right. My approach includes building publicly owned housing, expanding 24/7 low-barrier shelters, and replacing criminalizing responses, like taxing Missoulians $1M to fine poor people for sleeping outside, with care teams. We must decriminalize survival, fund health & hygiene services, and give houseless people decision-making power. Real safety comes through public investment, not punishment, and by putting people over profit.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $0

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• No

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• No

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Sex trafficking and sextortion are rising concerns for young Missoulians, especially with tech advances and our location on the I-90 Corridor. Meanwhile, relentless government spending drives up costs, making homeownership nearly unattainable for younger generations.

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• Rising property taxes and unchecked government spending at all levels contribute to homelessness. If unnecessary expenditures were curbed and tax burdens reduced, fewer people would face the risk of losing their homes.

Sean McCoy did not complete the voter guide questionnaire.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $25/hr

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• An inadequate supply of affordable housing for sale. I’m proposing that we explore innovative ways to finance and build permanently affordable housing as well as supported housing. And I propose that we use tools like shared/limited equity coops, land trusts, etc. Young people need a way to get their foot in the door of homeownership, so they can start building equity and generational wealth.
  

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• Homelessness is a housing problem. Congregant shelters are not a good long term solution. I propose building supported housing at the same time that we build affordable housing. I list ways to pay for it on my website. The best and cheapest solution for homelessness is to build STABLE homes for the homeless.

Identify what you think the minimum wage should be in Missoula? (only numerical responses will be published)

• $25/hr

Do you support continued funding for the mobile crisis unit and additional efforts to address mental health and crisis situations?

• Yes

Currently, funding for energy efficiency and solar projects is being funded by IRA tax credits and other grants that are nearing their end. If elected, will you advocate for increased city funding to support climate action?

• Yes

If elected, would you support zoning changes to allow more diverse types of housing across the city?

• Yes

What do you think is the most important issue facing young people in Missoula? If elected, how will you address this issue? (70 word max)

• Affordability (housing, wages, essentials, and education) is the biggest issue for Missoula youth. With an aging, affluent council disconnected from these struggles, we need younger voices. If re‑elected, I’ll continue my work to elect young leaders, expand affordable housing, push for fair wages, and use data‑driven budgeting to ensure policies reflect real affordability needs.
  

Recently, the closure of the Johnson Street Shelter has had a devastating impact on our community and resulted in 200+ people left without shelter. If elected, what solutions would you propose to ensure the year round safety of houseless Missoulians? (70 word max)

• I’m deeply concerned by the Johnson Street Shelter closure and the 200+ left without shelter. If re‑elected, I’ll use priority‑based budgeting and program metrics to find money in our general fund to fund a full spectrum of housing( authorized campsites, no‑ and low‑barrier shelters, the TSOS, Blue Heron, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and city land trusts with strict affordability deeds) to ensure safe, year‑round options for all.