Climate change will bring hotter, drier summers, and warmer, wetter winters, both of which will impact our tourism and recreational industries.
What can we do to prepare and build resiliency?
Our community identified several goals and strategies to address Missoula County's economic vulnerabilities given climate change. Each goal and their corresponding strategies are presented below, and you can find strategy-specific implementation details by clicking on its "status."
Implementation Highlights
Investing in equitable economic development is foundational to Missoula County's ability to implement many of the other strategies in the Climate Ready Missoula plan. We will need, for example, more plumbers, electricians, solar installers, and contractors to achieve our energy efficiency and clean electricity goals.
In December of 2022, Missoula County partnered with the Missoula Economic Partnership, Climate Smart Missoula, Mountain Home Montana, and others to apply for funding to develop an equitable workforce development program to increase diversity in these critical fields. Stay tuned for an update on this funding in early 2023!
In December of 2022, Missoula County partnered with the Missoula Economic Partnership, Climate Smart Missoula, Mountain Home Montana, and others to apply for funding to develop an equitable workforce development program to increase diversity in these critical fields. Stay tuned for an update on this funding in early 2023!
Prepare tourism and recreational industries for changing climate.
Strategy |
Status (click for more information on implementation progress) |
Increase agility of existing tourism and recreational businesses to adapt to changing conditions (timing and location of activities). |
NOT YET INITIATED |
Diversify tourism and recreational industries by identifying, investing in, and promoting new, sustainable-oriented opportunities. |
NOT YET INITIATED |
Develop and market flexible indoor recreation and tourism opportunities. |
NOT YET INITIATED |
Develop recreational resource plan, including a comprehensive map of resources, to adapt uses and types of recreation, as well as protect assets and promote access. |
NOT YET INITIATED |
Strengthen and diversify local economy (aside from tourism and recreation) in a changing climate.
Strategy |
Status (click for more information on implementation progress) |
Partner with economic development organizations and universities to develop a certification program and knowledge sharing for climate resilient businesses. |
PRE-PLANNING - DETAILED PROGRESS REPORT COMING SOON! |
Create economic innovation hub to identify new business opportunities given climate change. |
PRE-PLANNING - DETAILED PROGRESS REPORT COMING SOON! |
Enhance energy efficiency and weatherization workforce and business opportunities. |
PRE-PLANNING - DETAILED PROGRESS REPORT COMING SOON! |
Expand and diversify value-added timber market, for example small diameter mass timber. |
NOT YET INITIATED |
