If you missed a forum and want to catch up, all City Club Missoula forums can be found on our MCAT feed, HERE.
Deciding Missoula's Future: The Mayoral Candidates Debate
08/09/21
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Missoula's incumbent mayor and three candidates seeking to unseat him will make their respective cases the City Club Missoula on Monday, August 9, in an in-person forum at the Doubletree Hotel. The debate, featuring candidates Jacob Elder, Greg Strandberg and Shawn Knopp, will be moderated by Missoulian Opinion Editor, Tyler Christensen. The audience will have an opportunity to pose questions. Missoula's primary election is set for September 14, 2021. Two mayoral candidates will advance... Read More
It's Too Hot! It's Too Smoky!: How we're addressing Missoula's changing climate
07/12/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Missoula’s climate is changing. How are we building resilience and making sure our entire community is prepared? In this session we’ll address Missoula’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, including implementing the Climate Ready Missoula Plan; what it means to be Wildfire Smoke Ready; and the City’s and County’s collaborative efforts to reduce our contribution to climate change and achieve 100% clean electricity. ... Read More
Planes, Cranes, and Automobiles: Major Infrastructure Projects in Missoula County
06/14/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
As the federal policy debate continues over funding of national infrastructure, a number of major infrastructure projects are underway in Missoula. At City Club Missoula on June 14, three key leaders of some of the most significant and transformational local projects will discuss current status and future plans. Our panel will update City Club on these high-cost fundamental facilities and systems, such as the expansion of the Missoula International Airport; the new Sx͏ʷuytis Smx̣e Bridge... Read More
Sowing Local & Sustainable Food Systems in the Garden City
05/10/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
You are what you eat. Food is one of the most important ways we care for ourselves, our families, and the collective community. Here in the Garden City, there is significant focus on the food we all need to nourish our bodies, live and thrive, with many organizations doing critical work to sustain food systems that enrich the entire community. Join City Club Missoula as we hold a timely conversation with some of the most dynamic... Read More
State of the Community 2021: Missoula Renewed
04/12/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Each year, City Club Missoula partners with the City of Missoula, Missoula County and the University of Montana to present "State of the Community," an up-close look at three major institutions that shape our community: the city, the county, and our flagship university. This year's theme is "Missoula Renewed: Life on the Other Side of the Pandemic" Hear from the leaders of these three entities about how Missoula weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and how we are recovering and... Read More
A Lens on the Big Sky: Filmmaking in Montana
03/08/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Three filmmaking professionals with strong ties to Montana and our state’s growing film industry will provide a unique inside look at local and state filmmaking during City Cub Missoula’s March 8 forum via Zoom. What are the benefits and challenges of moviemaking in Montana? What is the film industry’s impact on our local and state economy? How does Montana support the film industry? What financial incentives are available to filmmakers shooting a movie in “the... Read More
COVID-19: One Year Later
02/08/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
For the past year, Missoula and the world have endured the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with the rollout of a vaccine, our collective attention is beginning to focus on recovery – not just from the disease, but from COVID-19’s colossal impact on our economy, education and healthcare systems; i.e., on every aspect of our lives. How has Missoula changed as a result of COVID-19? What does the future look like? On February 8 at City Club... Read More
Adventures in the Wild: What nature can teach us
01/11/21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Three nationally and internationally respected experts will provide a unique, fresh, and comprehensive insight into the natural world and what it can teach humankind during City Club Missoula’s January 11 forum. Jakki Mohr, awarding-winning Regents Professor of Marketing/Poe Distinguished Faculty Fellow, and Fellow, Institute on Ecosystems, at the University of Montana will present several examples of how business is learning from nature in product design, and discuss the success of harnessing biomimicry in business. Dr. Mohr... Read More
The Power of Connection
12/14/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Each December, City Club Missoula takes break from our usual issues-focused panels to host a forum that we hope will brighten the holiday season. That seems especially important this December, as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. We’ve chosen “connection” as our December theme, one that also seems especially important in 2020. This month’s forum is presented in partnership with Tell Us Something, a Missoula nonprofit that inspires understanding, acceptance, and empathy by hosting live events... Read More
Election 2020: What just happened?
11/09/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
It is shaping up to be an election not to be forgotten any time soon. With the presidential ticket, and congressional, and local offices at stake for Missoulians in 2020, there is much to consider. City Club Missoula on Monday, November 9 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. via Zoom) will feature a panel of veteran political analysts, who will break down what just happened, and offer commentary on this moment in our political history. Join us as we analyze the recent... Read More
The race for Public Service Commission District 4: Who's running and what's at stake
10/19/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
2020 is a critical election year for the Montana Public Service Commission. The five-member PSC is one of the smallest but most powerful state agencies, responsible for regulating energy, telecommunications, water/sewer, transportation and pipeline utilities in the state. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms, each representing a district of Montana. City Club Missoula on Monday, October 19 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. via Zoom) will feature a debate between the two candidates for the District 4 seat... Read More
Recreational Marijuana in Montana: Pros and Cons of Montana Ballot I-190
09/14/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
This fall, Montana voters will have the option of voting to legalize recreational marijuana. Montana I-190, the Marijuana Legalization and Tax Initiative, would legalize the possession and use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21, impose a 20% tax on marijuana sales, require the Department of Revenue to develop rules to regulate marijuana businesses, and allow for the resentencing or expungement of marijuana-related crimes. A related initiative, Montana CI-118, would amend the state’s Constitution to... Read More
Innovation in the time of COVID
08/10/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended every sector of our community and country. The “new abnormal” requires businesses, governments, nonprofits and educational systems to adjust existing strategies, products or services – or create and implement new ones. At City Club Missoula’s August 10 Zoom forum, we’ll hear how a number of Missoula entities are creatively facing the challenges of COVID-19 by pivoting to new strategies while staying true to their existing missions. “Innovation in the time of... Read More
Mental Health in Missoula During Covid-19: Challenges and Opportunities
07/13/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
COVID-19 has underscored many gaps and challenges in healthcare coverage, and revealed some opportunities for positive changes. A panel at City Club Missoula's July 13 forum will discuss mental health challenges and community response during the crisis; strategies for taking care of oneself; how schools are responding; opportunities for improved care (such as telemedicine, crisis lines, and crisis response teams) Project Tomorrow Montana's coordinated approach to suicide prevention Panelists: Levi Anderson, CEO, Western Montana Mental Health... Read More
Talking About Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Pros and Pitfalls
06/08/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Tax Increment Financing – despite being the subject of much debate in our community – is often not well understood. Depending on the specific project, and whom you ask about it, TIF is an essential mechanism for Missoula to stimulate much-needed economic development in areas where it wouldn’t otherwise occur, or a giveaway to developers that strains city services without providing a corresponding public benefit. City Club Missoula’s June 8 forum will tackle TIF, first... Read More
State of the Community 2020: Moving Ahead Together
05/11/20
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
We will hold the May 11 forum digitally, using a Zoom webinar platform, courtesy of the University of Montana. The forum will feature County Board of Commissioners Chair Josh Slotnick, University of Montana President Seth Bodnar and Missoula Mayor John Engen. Jill Valley, KPAX anchor and assistant news director, is scheduled to serve as panel moderator. Monday, May 11, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Stay tuned for instructions about the webinar platform... Read More
All Forums Are Postponed Until Further Notice
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City Club Missoula is cancelling future forums in the wake of concerns and cautions about the coronavirus. Our April 13 State of the Community forum featuring city, county and UM leaders will occur at a later date. Thank you for your interest in City Club Missoula.... Read More
State of Our Schools: 21st Century Learning
03/09/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for an engrossing look at education today, and a glimpse inside the classroom. What’s the role for digital education? What do our teachers know about how young people learn today? The March 9 City Club Missoula forum will feature Missoula Superintendent Rob Watson, and Dean and Professor Adrea Lawrence of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education. They will introduce these education experts from our schools: Bob Currie, Executive Director of the... Read More
Riverfront Triangle Development (*3rd Monday, Presidents' Day)
02/17/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
*The February forum will take place on the 17th (Presidents' Day), the third Monday of the month * Hear from the developers responsible for the long awaited revitalization of the Riverfront Triangle. Learn about the vision of the Drift, a proposed world-class entertainment complex, and the redevelopment of the five surrounding acres, which will include commercial, retail, residential and parking space. Presenters: Nick Checota, Owner, President & Entertainment Buyer, Logjam Presents Jim McLeod, Managing... Read More
Longer Wildfire Seasons, More Floods, More Crazy Weather...How Do We Prepare for Our Changing Climate?
01/13/20
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Hotter, drier summers that result in larger wildfires and longer periods of wildfire smoke. Warmer, wetter springs that lead to more frequent floods. Our climate is changing, and climate projections for Missoula County may seem overwhelming. But we are not powerless. There are actions we can take now, as a community, to prepare and build a more resilient Missoula County. Join us at City Club on January 13 for the release of the draft Climate... Read More
Montana’s Arts Renaissance: The Treasure State’s Rise as an Artistic Treasure
12/09/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Montana has increasingly become a state of artistic treasures, from Missoula’s own Missoula Art Museum and Montana Museum of Arts and Culture, to Tippet Rise outside of Bozeman, to Sculpture in the Wild in Lincoln, to many other arts venues in urban and rural settings. In his presentation to City Club Missoula, Dr. Rafael Chacón will document the remarkable resurgence of the arts in our community and state, how that came to be, and what... Read More
Can you see them? Identifying and Addressing Human Trafficking in Montana
11/04/19
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
*Forum begins at 11:00 AM on the first Monday of November Detective Guy Baker will discuss current trends involving the crime of sex trafficking and efforts by law enforcement to address the issue in our community. Most people think of modern day slavery as a crime that only occurs in foreign countries or in large cities in other states, but it’s happening in numerous cities across the state of Montana. Baker’s presentation will educate... Read More
Top Cybersecurity Threats and How to Defend Yourself
10/07/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Cybercriminals are taking hacking to the next level, by leveraging ever-more-sophisticated tool-sets and increasingly mature techniques. Ransomware and banking trojans are constantly evolving new features, designed to maximize the payout for criminals. This fast-paced seminar will explore these new cyberattack techniques and other high-risk developments, using screenshots and videos from real cases. Learn how to protect yourself and your organization from the latest cybersecurity threats. Speaker Bio: Sherri Davidoff is the CEO of LMG Security... Read More
It Takes a City: recruiting, admitting and enrolling students at UM
09/09/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
City Club Missoula proudly features UM Vice President Cathy Cole... Read More
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
08/12/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
A fifth-generation Montanan, Sen. Daines brings 28 years of private-sector business experience to Washington, D.C. as he serves the people of Montana in the U.S. Senate. Join us for the Senator’s visit where he will be providing an update on what he’s working on in the Senate, as well as take questions or ideas from folks in the audience. This forum is sure to reach capacity, please make your reservation early.... Read More
Census 2020: Complete Count Missoula County
07/08/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The 2020 Census is rapidly approaching, and much is at stake for Montana, including millions of dollars in population-based federal funding, and the number of Montana representatives in the U.S. House. (Montana is poised to regain the House seat lost in 1990.) The census counts everyone in the United States and serves as the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support vital programs in states and communities across the country... Read More
Wildfire Adapted Missoula: Thriving in Fire Country
06/10/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Fire season in Western Montana often stretches for several months – no longer just a few weeks. Intense and fast-moving wildfires in the areas where the forest and neighborhoods meet have become more frequent. Experiencing wildland fire is part of living in Missoula, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to adapt. To help Missoula reduce the risk of an uncharacteristically large wildfire, the Missoula Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest, the state of... Read More
Missoula's Emerging Economy: Why Here? Why Now?
05/13/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Panelist representing key sectors of Missoula's emerging economy will answer those questions, and share the stories of their businesses, at City Club Missoula's May 13 forum. Moderated by Missoula Economic Partnership CEO Grant Kier, the panel will include Fanny Diaz, cofounder and COO of DermaXon; Joe Fanguy, vice president of strategic development for Blackfoot; and Michelle Huie, founder and president of Vim & Vigr. These businesses, all of which were founded in and/or grew substantially... Read More
State of the Community 2019: Driving Opportunity, Honoring Our Values
04/15/19
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
City Club’s annual State of the Community forum will give Missoula-area residents the opportunity to hear from three leaders in local government and higher education as they outline their ambitious goals, the challenges their organizations face and how their institutions work together. Attendees can expect to hear short talks of about 10 minutes each from the County Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole “Cola” Rowley, University of Montana President Seth Bodnar and Missoula Mayor John Engen.... Read More
What's Up in Helena: Montana Legislative Review
03/04/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
In the session of 2019: Rep. Brad Tschida (R) - HD97 Rep. Marilyn Marler (D) - HD90... Read More
Making Missoula Our Home
02/11/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
How can we support a robust and thriving local economy by providing a diversity of home types? How can we ensure access to homes we can afford, enabling Missoulians to improve our circumstances and thrive in our community? On February 11, a City Club Missoula panel of local Missoula housing developers will address these questions and will provide information on local and statewide efforts to ensure safe and healthy homes remain in reach. These housing... Read More
Zero To Five Missoula: The Case for Early Childhood (4th Monday, Jan.)
01/28/19
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The foundation for a strong start in life begins at birth. Decades of research demonstrate that early experiences, relationships and environment strongly influence a child's future success in school, work and life. Still other data show that 90 percent of brain development happens before a child is five years old, and that children who don't attend preschool are 25 percent more likely to drop out of high school. While our state's made some strides in... Read More
Bold Women and Charismatic Characters: Montana History in Stories
12/10/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Montana has always been rich with unique characters who have contributed to our state's colorful history. At City Club Missoula on December 10, two great Missoula storytellers will share tales of some of our area's most intriguing and influential figures. Beth Judy, author of "Bold Women in Montana History"; and longtime U.S. Congressman Pat Williams (a cousin of daredevil Evel Knievel), will regale City Club Missoula with intimate tales of larger-than-life-Montanans. Live music from Grace... Read More
Best Practices in Sexual Assault Response and Prevention
11/05/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
A panel discussion with: Drew Colling, Director, UM's Student Advocacy Resource Center Mike Colyer, Detective Captain, Missoula Police Department Mary Pat Hansen, Clinical Supervisor, First Step Resource Center, Providence St. Patrick Hospital Kirsten Pabst, Missoula County Attorney... Read More
Missoula Open Space Bond: Yes or No?
10/15/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
This November, Missoula County voters will approve or deny a $15 million, 20-year general obligation open-space bond to acquire and protect more land. Proponents say approving the bond will enhance economic development; increase and protect open space and improve public access; conserve agricultural lands, waterways, and fish and wildlife habitat; and protect scenic views. Opponents say approval will increase already burdensome taxes; impede development of affordable housing; push seniors and others on fixed incomes out... Read More
Downtown Missoula Master Plan: An Investment for Our Future
09/10/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The first-ever Downtown Missoula Master Plan was created in 2007-2008 through a community-wide visioning process. The purpose of the plan was to build a comprehensive, balance-centered strategy to strengthen and expand Downtown Missoula’s role as the economic and cultural heart of the city. The 2009 Master Plan set forth a vision for land use and circulation, employment, housing, parking, retail, tourism and infrastructure. It’s now time to update the Downtown Missoula Master Plan. The Master... Read More
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox: Aid Montana
08/13/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Aid Montana is a comprehensive approach to addressing Montana’s substance abuse problem. While law enforcement will certainly be one method of addressing substance abuse in our state, it isn’t the only approach. Treatment, education, and coordination efforts are critical if we are to get ahead of this problem, and will be central components to our strategy. Working together with the Montana Healthcare Foundation, we’ll engage stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Montana communities related to... Read More
The Future Looks Bright: A 21st Century Missoula Library
07/09/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Construction is beginning on a new facility for the Missoula Public Library, replacing its current building, built in 1974. The complex, funded in part by a $30-million voter-approved bond, will also house several other community organizations: Children’s Museum Missoula/Families First, UM spectrUM Science Discovery Center, and Missoula Cable Access Television. At City Club Missoula on July 9, Missoula Public Library Foundation representatives will update attendees on the progress of this major project, the role of a library in the... Read More
Glacier Country Tourism and Glacier National Park: Challenges, Opportunities, and Impact (3rd Monday in June*)
06/18/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Tourism has always been a major piece of western Montana's economic fabric, with visitors to our mountains, lakes, parks and forests pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the area's economy. Glacier National Park, the jewel of the Crown of the Continent, is the centerpiece of our region's tourist attractions, with more than 3.3 million people visiting the park in 2017. At City Club Missoula's June 18 forum, learn from two experts about the impact... Read More
Western Montana's Changing Firescape: How does it impact our community
05/14/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The Evolving Structure and Science of Wildfire Management and What it Means to Our Community. A forum featuring: Dr. Mark Finney, Research Forester with the U.S. Forest Service’s Fire Sciences Lab, studying the science of how fires spread. Greg Poncin, Area Manager for the Northwest Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, who served 9 years as a Type 1 Incident Commander. Moderator, Dr. Ron Wakimoto, Emeritus Professor of Forest Fire Science, University or... Read More
State of the Community: A Confluence of Opportunity
04/09/18
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come listen as Mayor John Engen, County Commission Chair David Strohmaier and UM President Seth Bodnar take a look at Missoula through an economic lens. How can the city, county and university best work together?... Read More
Schoolhouse Talk: Deploying the public's investment in our schools
03/12/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Missoula County Public Schools is currently deploying the voters’ $158 million investment in capital improvements citywide – the largest voter-approved bond issue in Montana history. MCPS Superintendent Mark Thane and Business Manager Pat McHugh will walk us through how the bond dollars are being spent, how state and federal budget cuts will impact MCPS’s budget, and in turn, the potential impact of those cuts on local property tax bills.... Read More
Imagining a University of Montana for the Future: President Seth Bodnar
02/12/18
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Seth Bodnar officially took office as the 19th President of the University of Montana on January 2. He comes to Missoula and UM from a career that spans military service after graduating first in his class from West Point, academic work at his alma mater and leadership in private industry. Most recently, he was a senior executive at General Electric Company where he was responsible for long-term strategy and business transformation at GE Transportation. In... Read More
Reaching Home: Missoula's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
01/08/18
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Approved unanimously by the Missoula City Council and Board of County Commissioners in 2012, Reaching Home lays out clear solutions for ending homelessness in Missoula. At January's City Club Missoula forum, Reaching Home coordinator Theresa Williams, and Eran Pehan, director of the city's Office of Housing and Community Development, will review progress over the last five years and outline plans for the future. About Reaching Home: http://www.missoulaunitedway.org/sites/missoulaunitedway.org/files/10-Year%20Plan-Final-Amended.pdf... Read More
New Neighbors: Refugee Resettlement in Missoula, One Year Later
11/13/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Mary Poole, founder and executive director for Soft Landing Missoula, will update us on refugee resettlement since the program launched in 2016. A representative from International Rescue Committee will be joining the forum, touching on topics of collaboration between the organizations.... Read More
Missoula City Mayoral Debate
10/16/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Featuring John Engen, Incumbent, Missoula City, and Lisa Triepke, Candidate, Missoula City. Moderated by Sally Mauk, Montana Public Radio. Due to federal holiday, forum date has been scheduled for Monday Oct. 16th, 2017. RSVP at cityclubmissoula.com by Friday, October 13th... Read More
Zero By Fifty: Missoula's Pathway to Zero Waste
08/14/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Featuring Chase Jones, Energy Conservation Coordinator for the City of Missoula and Katie Deuel, Executive Director of Home ReSource and a member of the leadership team of Zero by Fifty... Read More
Suicide Prevention & Education In Montana
07/10/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Over the last three years, suicide has claimed the lives of well over 100 Missoula County residents. No other single cause of death in Missoula suddenly and tragically claims the lives of so many of our family, friends, and coworkers. This important City Club forum will educate our community about suicide prevention.... Read More
The Future of the Missoula County Fairgrounds
06/12/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Emily Bentley, Director of Fairgrounds Development, will be with us to discuss the future of Missoula Fairgrounds!... Read More
Montana Legislative Session
05/15/17
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Featuring House Majority Whip Brad Tschida and House Minority Whip Nate McConnell.... Read More
The Enigma of Growth in Missoula
04/10/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The Enigma of Growth in Missoula... Read More
The State of The Community
03/13/17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Featuring Mayor John Engen, Missoula County Commissioner Chair Jean Curtiss, and University of Montana President Sheila Stearns... Read More