Community Input Needed For Missoula's Hip Strip Parking Plans

Missoula's downtown is undergoing changes. That's what happens when a city continues to evolve. Some of the changes that will be coming our way have to do with parking.

In case you missed it, the Missoula City Council has voted to increase fines for parking violations. The fine increases will begin in 2026.

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency announced on their Facebook page that the city has removed a fire hydrant downtown and that will open up two more parking spaces on Higgins Avenue.

Even though the city of Missoula is making efforts to encourage Missoulians to use other forms of transportation, most of the city still relies on their cars and trucks. The lack of downtown parking can be an issue, so opening two parking spaces may not solve everyone's parking issues, but it is a start.

There are some other parking changes that may be coming to the area and the city of Missoula is looking for your input.

The Missoula Parking Commission is looking for the public's input on managing the parking along Higgins Avenue south of Beartracks Bridge in the area known as the "Hip Strip."

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One of the options that is being considered is to have metered parking in the area. According to a City of Missoula press release, Jodi Pilgrim, Director of Parking Services, says,

We are proposing a variety of strategies: some metered and time-limited parking, residential permits, and sections focused primarily on enforcing safety and disabled parking regulations. Overall, we’re recommending metering for approximately 25 percent of the project area.

There are opportunities for you to provide feedback on the proposed changes. You can attend one of the in-person events.