Frequently Asked Questions

Created in 1978, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) operates in accordance with state law to revitalize Missoula's Urban Renewal Districts (URD). MRA partners with public and private entities to help improve economic vitality, create jobs and encourage investment in the Districts. MRA also invests in public improvements like parks, trails, streets and sidewalks.

The MRA is an agency of the City of Missoula. Oversight to MRA is provided by a five-member Board of Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. 

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) uses TIF to create a new revenue stream that funds critical community improvements. TIF is a tool that can be used in an urban renewal district. See a visual description of how TIF works. 

The MRA uses tax increment financing (TIF) as a financial tool in Urban Renewal Districts (URDs) to make public improvements like: 

• both income qualified and market rate housing 
• park and trail projects 
• property acquisition 
• deconstruction
• new streets and sidewalks 
• water and sewer main extensions 
• storm water management improvements 
• safety improvements 
• improvements to City owned facilities

An Urban Renewal District (URD) is an area deemed blighted by the City Council where economic growth has been impaired and there is a lack of public and private investment. Missoula's first URD was created downtown in 1978. As a result of MRA's success in revitalizing that area, subsequent districts have been formed in other parts of Missoula. Currently, there are six Urban Renewal Districts:

1. URD II
2. URD III
3. Front Street URD
4. Riverfront Triangle URD
5. North Reserve-Scott Street URD
6. Hellgate URD

You can use the City of Missoula's maps to search an address to see if it's located in an urban renewal district.