Heather Halter

This document outlines Mountain Line's mission to provide safe, sustainable, and innovative transportation solutions that connect Missoulians, expanding access, fostering economic vitality, and combating climate change. Its vision is to make robust and accessible public transit the preferred choice in Missoula through industry leadership, a supportive workplace culture, and proactive community partnerships. The organization is guided by core values including safety, equity, a healthy workplace, sustainability, rider experience, innovation, fiscal responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and collaboration and development.

Key discussions focused on outreach efforts to secure future STAC representatives from organizations like ARC of Western Montana, Opportunity Resources, and AWARE. Detailed updates were provided on the Reserve Street Action Safety Plan Design Phase, including roundabout plans, lighted pedestrian crossings, and alignment with projected growth through 2050. The Mountain Line provided updates on a successful recreation shuttle pilot program, the ongoing IVR project integration with Paratransit scheduling software, and recent Paratransit ridership statistics, noting sustained demand fulfillment and improved ride duration. ASUM reported on ongoing Maroon line service reductions, the expansion of the bike program, and the launch of a bike pledge initiative.

Discussions included the financial committee's recommendation to approve November 2025 financial statements, noting the inclusion of overtime breakouts and lower-than-budgeted property taxes. The Agency Activity Report covered updates on personnel, including the hiring of a new director of operations and the acceptance of staff into leadership programs. An update was provided on an awarded $35,000 grant for an environmental microgrid study, the transition of charge management to a new vendor, and the posting of an RFP for intelligent transit systems. Progress on the Transfer Center construction was reported, noting demolition completion and the start of framing. The board finalized the 2026 slate of officers and committee assignments, including naming Jason Wiener as Chair and Amy Cilimburg as Secretary, and noting the TPCC is now the Missoula Planning Organization. Resolutions concerning petitions for removal regarding the Ranch Club Phases 4 & 5, Wye Property, and Duncan Drive were approved/denied based on district boundaries. A public hearing was held for the FFY2027 Community Coordination Plan and MDOT Grant Application, resulting in approval contingent on revisions. The paratransit fleet update confirmed the request shift from battery-electric vans to three gas-powered cutaway vans due to funding constraints and operational practicality. Timeline reviews for the new facility indicated 90% designs are complete, and the guaranteed maximum price will be presented in March. Finally, the board authorized the purchase of a utility drop trailer using federal workforce development funds and approved the purchase of eight new Brasco shelters, funded through operating reserves to establish a back stock.

The committee meeting included a discussion on meeting participation and bylaws, with a recommendation for a memorandum of understanding to clarify expectations following concerns about participation impacting funding eligibility. The MPO provided an update on the draft plan completion and presented an overview of the Public Participation Plan guide. Mountain Line reported on the status of the Bus Stop Improvement Plan, ongoing recruitment for the Director of Operations position, and continued growth in Paratransit ridership, noting success with in-person assessments and upcoming IVR system implementation. Summit provided updates on facility construction timelines and staffing increases. City planning efforts involved discussions on the Reserve Street Action Safety Plan draft completion timeline and the adoption of code reform impacting mobility components. ASUM reported on preventative maintenance schedules during the semester break. Additionally, rehabilitation funding was secured for ADA accessible apartments at Wildflower Apartments.

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