Missoula County is in the beginning stages of developing a countywide comprehensive plan for the unincorporated parts of Missoula County. Unincorporated areas include anywhere outside Missoula city limits but within Missoula County. The comprehensive planning document currently in use was adopted in 2016, with a substantial amendment in 2019 that focused on the Missoula urban area. The process of updating the plan will be a two-year process that will likely continue into 2027. The comprehensive plan update will address both the requirements of the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA) in MCA 76-25-201 as well as Montana's more traditional framework for growth policies in MCA 76-1-601.

The County is completing Phase I, the existing conditions report and initiating Phase II, the public engagement phase. We are seeking qualified planning firms with expertise in public engagement and outreach for land use planning efforts. The County seeks an experienced consultant who understands the complexity of county governance, particularly in the western United States and demonstrates ample experience working in rural areas.

An innovative and robust public-engagement strategy is integral to the Plan's success. The strategy will primarily focus on the communities, neighborhoods and rural areas that make up the unincorporated county. The public engagement strategy should be focused on in-person efforts and be multifaceted to reach diverse populations using a variety of methods. Particularly important is engagement with landowners, community councils, advisory boards, rural service providers, community groups and civic organizations.