Order in the court!

The Missoula County Courthouse is the headquarters for Missoula County.  The county is overseen by three elected commissioners.

Photo by Lisa Mee

Government

Living in Missoula means being governed by the City of Missoula, Missoula County, and the State of Montana. For governmental specifics related to the City of Missoula and Missoula County, visit their pages on this site using the respective preceding links.

With regard to state government, the State of Montana is directed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other Executive-branch elected officials. They all serve four-year terms with elections coinciding with U.S. presidential election years.

Montana has a bicameral legislature with 50 Senators and 100 Representatives. The Legislature meets in odd number years in a 90-day General Session. Senators serve four-year terms, and Representatives serve two-year terms. The state capital of Montana is Helena, 120 miles northeast of Missoula.

Missoula Police Department Tackles Crimes and Injustices in Local Communities

Missoula’s Police Chief has recently presented the first ever annual... more

Montana Homestead Declaration – Why it’s Important for Homeowners

By ALLISA WINBERG - The state of Montana has a wonderful Homestead Exem... more

Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1

By BECKY GOODRICH-Most of Mount Jumbo closes to recreational use during... more

Downtown Holiday Decor to be Installed This Week

With support from the Missoula Downtown Foundation and the City , the MDA has funded the holiday décor infrastructure repairs to light and decorate Downtown Missoula for the season. ... more

Police Dept. Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy

By LAURIE CLARK - The Missoula Police Department is accepting applications for its 2016 Citizens' Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA). ... more

City Preparing for Predicted Thunderstorms

City and County emergency services are prepared for possible thunderstorms and high winds which are forecast to hit western Montana Friday afternoon and evening. ... more

City of Missoula Storm Updates

Clean-up from Monday’s thunderstorms continues throughout the City.  The City of Missoula would like to remind citizens of the following items: Power has been restored at Splash Montana waterpark. The fa... more

City Assisting with Storm-Damaged Tree Removal

Monday night’s storm damaged trees and downed utility lines throughout the City. Here’s what you can do about damaged trees and tree debris:... more

Missoula – A River Runs Through It

Missoula - a river does indeed run through it. In 1992, the Oscar-winning feature film A River Runs Through It brought notoriety to a town in the Pacific Northwest and the world was introduced to Missoula, Mon... more

Installation of Ybarra’s Public Art Sculpture Underway at Silver Park

Construction of the new public art piece for Silver Park, George Ybarra’s sculpture “Perseverance and Passage,” has begun.... more

Emergency Notifications: Smart911 is Your Answer

By NICK HOLLOWAY - The Missoula Office of Emergency Management reminds us: May is National Wildfire Awareness month. Is your family’s ready should a wildfire threaten your property?... more

Is Your Family Ready For Wildfire Season?

By NICK HOLLOWAY - The Missoula Office of Emergency Management reminds us: May is National Wildfire Awareness month. Is your family’s ready should a wildfire threaten your property?... more

Public Invited to Learn About Downtown Two-Way Traffic Plan

Learn more about the City's study to convert Front and Main Streets back to two-way traffic; TONIGHT Tues., April 14, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 140 W. Pine St.... more

Should I Stay or Should I Go: Evacuations in Missoula County

By NICK HOLLOWAY - During an emergency or a disaster, your family may need to evacuate to a safe location. Take the time now to learn what to do to keep your family safe. ... more

“Work for Peace” Theme for 2015 Art Challenge

ATTENTION STUDENTS OF ALL AGES: Entries for the The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center's annual “Work for Peace” Art Challenge are due April 8, 2015.... more

“9-1-1 On Steroids” Can Save Your Life

The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management encourages Missoulians to sign up for new life-saving emergency response program.... more

Citizens Urged to Call 911 to Report Mount Jumbo Trespassers

Parks & Rec Reminder: Mount Jumbo is closed for the winter and with the new snowfall Avalanche Danger is HIGH. Cititzens are urged to call 911 to report Trespassers.... more

Missoula City Crews Juggle Leaves and Snow

Snow and ice have arrived during the City's fall leaf collection program, and crews are busy plowing snow and deicing streets and still trying to stick to the leaf pickup schedule.... more

Missoula Police Employ Extra Patrols to Curb Halloween Drunk Driving

The Missoula Police Department is putting on extra patrols from Halloween evening on Friday, Oct. 31, through the weekend to reduce holiday drunk driving... more

City of Missoula Announces: Leaf Collection Starts Tues., Nov. 4

The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 4, starting in the downtown Special District #1. See your neighborhood leaf collection schedule here.... more

No Change in Our Approach, Mayor Says in Wake of Carlyle’s Attempt to Sell Mountain Water

Mayor says today’s announcement that Carlyle reached an agreement to sell Mountain Water and its sister companies to a Canadian corporation won’t change the way the City of Missoula litigates its case again... more

New Fireline Grill Opens at Splash Montana

Splash Montana is proud to announce the ALL NEW Fireline Grill, a mobile kitchen offering fresh, restaurant-quality food options to guests at Splash Montana and in Playfair. ... more

Kidsfest 2014 Slated for July 29 at Caras Park

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for Kidsfest 2014, a free summer celebration for Missoula families at Caras Park on Tuesday, July 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.... more

Missoula’s Annual Chip Seal Program Begins

City of Missoula Street Division crews begin applying oil and chips to city streets on Monday, July 28, in the City’s annual Chip Seal Street Maintenance Program. Missoula annually seals the surface of ab... more

Celebrate Arbor Month with 22nd Annual Run for the Trees April 12

Register for the 22nd annual Run for The Trees on Saturday, April 12, at 9 a.m. 1-mile, 5K or 10K, races with proceeds used to help plant new trees in Missoula parks and schools.... more

4th Annual Winter BrewFest Comes to Caras Park Friday, Feb 21

The Missoula Downtown Association and KettleHouse Brewing Co. will host the 4th annual Winter BrewFest on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 from 5-10 pm in Caras Park.... more

Parks and Recreation to Launch Pilot Program for Special Events on City Open Space

Missoula Parks & Rec is evaluating the impacts of educational programs, fun runs, celebrations and other special events on City open space and invites the public to learn more and comment.... more

2013 Parade of Lights and Lighting of the Tree Sat. Dec 7

By LINDA McCARTHY - The quintessential holiday event in Missoula, Montana is the 11th annual Parade of Lights and the Lighting of the Tree, which this year will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7. ... more

City’s Urban Forestry Division to Replace 79 Ailing Street Trees

F.Y.I. - Missoula’s urban forest is getting some much-needed attention as City arborists work with residents to replace 79 dead or dying boulevard trees throughout Missoula.... more

Added Patrols Working to Deter Impaired Driving for Halloween

If you think about driving drunk this Halloween, the Missoula Police Department has a message for you: Keep the party off the road. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.... more

Leaf Collection Starts Tuesday Nov 5

The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 5, starting in the downtown District #1. The schedule starts in older neighborhoods with mature trees and the highest volume of leaves. ... more

Missoula’s Annual Chip Seal Program Begins

F.Y.I. - Missoula City Street Division crews begin applying oil and chips as part of the City’s annual Chip Seal Street Maintenance Program on Monday, July 29.... more

Kidsfest 2013 Slated for July 30 at Caras Park

Hey Kids! Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for Kidsfest 2013, a free summer celebration for Missoula families at Caras Park on Tuesday, July 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ... more

City Unveils Draft Site Plan for Hellgate Park

Citizens are invited to an open house to view the draft Master Plan for Hellgate Park on Tuesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m., at the Montech Building, 1121 E. Broadway.... more

City Requires Owners to Leash Dogs Near Grazing Sheep on Open Space

The City’s woolliest employees will be back at work this Sunday helping Missoulians rid the North Hills of noxious weeds. Please help protect the herd from off-leash dogs.... more

21st Annual Garden City BrewFest Among Events to Kick Off Spring in Missoula

The Missoula Downtown Association will host the 21st Annual Garden City BrewFest this Saturday, May 4 from 12-8pm in Caras Park. This annual event draws 6,000 attendees to sample 70 beers and 12 wines. ... more

Missoula Agencies Encourage Families to Unplug and Play

Let's Move Missoula and Unplug and Play Outside-April 21-28. A week-long series of SCREEN-FREE activities for Children including a free Unplug and Play Outside Festival on Apr 21, from 1-4pm.... more

Missoula Parks & Recreation Presents: Run for the Trees and Doggie Dash

F.Y.I. - Missoula Parks and Rec presents Run for the Trees 5k/1 mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday April 13th and the Doggie Dash 5k/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk & Doggie Expo on May 5th. ... more

City of Missoula Receives Grant for Accessible Playground in McCormick Park

On Thursday, January 17, Mayor John Engen accepted a $150,000 grant from the Morris and Helen Silver Foundation to begin construction of a new, universally-accessible playground in McCormick Park.... more

Senator Lee Metcalf: Champion of Conservation, Montana Legend

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Perhaps no U.S. Senator ever was more faithful to sensible, proactive resource management than Montana's Lee Metcalf.... more

New “Zoo City” License Plate Provides Recreation Grants for Low-Income Kids

a NEW Parks and Recreation license plate, featuring Missoula artist Monte Dolack’s iconic print, “Zoo City” benefits Youth Recreation Grants for Low-income kids.... more

City Council Member Has Long Road to U.S. House

By ERIK ANDERSON - City Councilman Dave Strohmaier wants to be Montana’s next congressman, without having to run against his hometown of Missoula.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Wolf Hunting in Montana

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of this week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's wolf hunting in Montana and the controversy that surrounds it.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Montana Judge Richard Cebull

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of this week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's Montana judge Richard Cebull's inflammatory email about President Obama.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: DUI Trouble in Missoula

By TOM DIDDEL - The recent arrest of a Missoula mother for driving while intoxicated with her six-year-old son is just another incident in a long string of horrific stories highlighting Montana’s DUI problems... more

Snowstorm Message from Mayor Engen

NEWS RELEASE - In light of this week's snowstorm, Mayor John Engen released this statement this morning. It includes information about snow plowing, road closures, and more.... more

Missoula Marijuana Prosecutions Resume, Despite ‘Lowest Priority’ Initiative 2

By DANIEL VIEHLAND - Two months ago, the Missoula County Attorney's office decided to resume prosecuting misdemeanor marijuana offenses. Daniel Viehland examines the impact.... more

Missoula Moms Test Senator Tester: Concerns of Parents Heard

By JEN SLAYDEN - When I first received the email from Mamalode to join a group of Missoula moms and staff members to meet with Senator Jon Tester, I hesitated. Most of my life, I have remained on the passive si... more

2011 City Leaf Collection Program Begins in Missoula

Leaf season has arrived. The Street Maintenance Division will begin collecting leaves Monday, Oct. 24. This year, leaf pickup will start in Area 3 of the city, south of the Clark Fork River, west of Russell Str... more

“Sharrow” the Road – Missoula’s New Biking Road Symbols

By BEN WEISS. If you have been out and about around town lately, you have no doubt noticed a new symbol in the road. It is a bicycle with two chevrons above it, and it is called a “sharrow”. Derived from t... more

In Memoriam. Memorial Day May 30, 2011

There is no payment or Thank You that can repay the ultimate sacrifice of sons and daughters who have given their lives in service to America. These men and women have died for civilians, communities and our pe... more

City of Missoula Needs Help to Smooth Things Over

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. Missoula has experienced above-average levels of moisture this year, and for some in the city that makes things expensive. The Missoula Public Works Department is tasked with filling potholes... more

A Tale of Two City Plans: Part Two

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. Boulder has been experiencing rapid growth for much longer than Missoula, and it has had more time to both learn from its mistakes and battle over-population.... more

A Tale of Two City Plans: Part One

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. Imagine, knowing that we can’t control or predict the future, but we can join together to bring up ideas for what might happen and jointly talk about solutions.There are several ways you ca... more

The Year in the Rear-View Mirror

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. From new trails and an additional roundabout to the launch of a new streets festival and record ridership, Missoula saw lots of bikes, lots of bus riders and lots of footpaths in 2010. Here’... more

Missoula Needs Snow Angels

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. As snow has finally blanketed the streets, trails and sidewalks of Missoula, the City and the Bicycle-Pedestrian Program Manager are asking everyone to do their part to keep the sidewalks in ... more

Missoula Gets Some Streetscape Love

10/26 Blog by Ryan Newhouse. On October 15, 2010 a ribbon was cut to celebrate the completion of the North Higgins Streetscape project. From Broadway north to Circle Square, the city’s street is now more frie... more

Governor Schweitzer says “Welcome”

Greetings, I am pleased to welcome you to Missoula, one of Big Sky Country’s most dynamic cities.  Tremendous recreational opportunities available year-round and a vibrant downtown social scene make Misso... more

Missoula History

The first inhabitants of the Missoula area were Native Americans from the Salish tribe.  They called the area “Nemissoolatakoo,” which translates roughly to “river of ambush," and eventually gave rise to... more

Vehicle Registration

First-Time Registration The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to register a vehicle in your name if you have recently: Purchased a new or used vehicle Moved to the state ... more

Pet Licenses

Have pets? City and county ordinances require all dogs four months and older to be licensed. Licenses are timed to run concurrently with dog’s rabies vaccinations. New residents must purchase a dog license... more

Voter Registration

If you're new to Missoula or simply need to register to vote, there are a number of places to in the city to complete your voter registration. As our national laws dictate, U.S. citizens may vote in nati... more

Volunteer Opportunities

Missoula is known for its giving spirit. On a per capita basis, Missoula is home to more non-profit organizations than any other city in the nation. That means volunteer opportunities abound. ... more

Missoula in Motion

Missoulians embrace green living and you'll find sustainable transportation options readily available in the city. Missoula in Motion aims to promote the city’s popular sustainable transportation system and i... more