What We Do

Mission West – Community Development Tools that are Second to None

Mission West partners with local, state and federal agencies and organizations.Through these collaborative efforts we bring Lake, Mineral and Sanders counties community development tools and financial resources that are second to none. Together with our partners, Mission West works to:

Advocate on behalf of the community at a state and federal level
Assist communities in identifying and accessing State and Federal government grant and loan resources
Advance the development of projects that honor our region’s culture and history
Convene multi-jurisdictional meetings to assess regional needs
Identify Opportunity Zone redevelopment investment potentials
Support downtown and Main Street programs and initiatives
Support agricultural and cooperative initiatives
Strengthen our communities through sustainable community and economic development practices

Skyline Drive - A Community Development Project

What Is A CEDS?

The strategic blueprint, known as a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. A CEDS is the result of a “regionally-owned” planning process designed to guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. It provides a coordinating mechanism for individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about the economic direction of their region.
The full CEDS is available below.

Economic Development • Economic Growth • Community Vision

2018-2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

2018-2022 CEDS Full Report

Housing

As a community Development organization, Mission West is committed to helping local communities assess their housing needs and connect them with resources and support. One such example of this commitment are two housing studies we supported in Mineral and Sanders Counties.

Opportunity Zones

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 established a new economic development program called Opportunity Zones designed to encourage long-term private investments in low-income communities. Opportunity Zones provide a federal tax incentive for taxpayers who reinvest unrealized capital gains into “Opportunity Funds,” which are specialized vehicles dedicated to investing in low-income areas called “Opportunity Zones.”

The zones themselves are comprised of Low-Income Community Census tracts and designated by governors in every state and territory. The program has the potential to direct private capital toward distressed communities and serve as a catalyst for long-term, inclusive economic development. This may include downtown revitalization, workforce development, affordable housing, infrastructure, and business startup and expansion.

Mission West Is Proud To Partner With The Following Organizations

Community Development News

Local Updates And Community Development Projects

18Oct

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Author Karen Dellwo

Flathead Lake_ Chief Cliff, Courtesy Bear Country Drone Service

17Aug

Rural Community Development Initiatives

Author Karen Dellwo

Request for Proposal (RFP) IntroductionMission West Community Development Partners is seeking a consultant/contractor to perform an Economic Development Study for…