Climate Smart Missoula is celebrating a major milestone: a full decade of local climate leadership, collaboration, and community-powered solutions. Since launching in 2015, the organization has grown from a small coalition into one of Missoula’s most influential climate action hubs. Their work now connects clean energy, public health, equity, and long-term community resilience. As they mark ten years of impact, Climate Smart is highlighting key accomplishments from 2025 and from the decade that made this progress possible.
Leading the Charge Toward 100 Percent Clean Electricity
One of this year's strongest achievements was helping Missoula move toward the community goal of reaching 100 percent clean electricity by 2030. Climate Smart supported a joint City and County resolution and continued to advance hands-on programs that expand access to rooftop solar, provide public energy education, and advocate for clean power that is affordable and accessible to all.
Centering Equity Through Climate Ready Missoula
Equity has become a guiding value for Climate Smart Missoula. This commitment is reflected in Climate Ready Missoula, a community-designed resilience plan created through two years of summits, workshops, and extensive public engagement.
The plan has been adopted by both City and County governments and now guides long-term local strategies. It also powers new efforts such as Stay Cool Missoula, a campaign that helps residents stay safe during extreme heat.
A Decade of Community Events and Conversation
One of the organization’s earliest defining moments was the Big Climate Event at the Wilma Theater, which drew more than 700 community members to hear climate scientist Dr. Rob Davies. Since then, Climate Smart has hosted more than 200 community events. These have included film screenings, hands-on trainings, public conversations, and neighborhood gatherings that help Missoulians learn, connect, and take climate action.
Electrify Missoula and Buildings for the Future
Climate Smart convened a Buildings for the Future task force that helped launch Electrify Missoula. This campaign provides resources for homeowners and building managers who want to transition from fossil fuel systems to efficient electric alternatives. Electrify Missoula also supports residents interested in adding solar power and improving home energy performance. These efforts are essential for reducing emissions and improving overall community health.
Growing Missoula’s Urban Forest
In 2023, Climate Smart Missoula became the new home for Trees for Missoula, a long-standing community initiative focused on expanding and protecting the urban tree canopy. Through the Neighborhood Tree Ambassadors program, volunteers now plant and care for trees in underserved neighborhoods. Climate Smart is also advocating for building and zoning policies that treat trees as vital community infrastructure, especially as summer temperatures continue to rise.
ClimateFEST and Climate Solutions Week
What began as a one-day clean energy fair has grown into ClimateFEST and Climate Solutions Week, a beloved fall tradition that draws more than a thousand participants every year. The week features events on sustainable fashion, mental health and climate, and community climate rides. It highlights the many ways climate issues connect to daily life and emphasizes that everyone has an important role to play in climate solutions.
Addressing Climate, Housing, and Affordability with the Footprint Fund
Recognizing the connection between climate resilience and economic stability, Climate Smart introduced the Footprint Fund. This fund provides critical gap financing for solar and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households and nonprofits. As energy costs continue to rise, expanding this fund has become increasingly important, and it is positioned for continued growth in the years ahead.
Supporting the Next Generation of Climate Leaders
Mentorship is a central part of Climate Smart’s mission. Over the past decade, the organization has supported university interns, AmeriCorps members, high school students, and youth groups. In total, dozens of emerging climate leaders have gained hands-on experience and have carried their learning into future studies, careers, and advocacy work.
Preparing for Smoke and Heat
Climate Smart’s earliest initiatives focused on wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The original Summer Smart program has evolved into the Wildfire Smoke Ready initiative, which provides guidance and resources to help residents stay healthy during smoky conditions. In 2024, the organization launched Stay Cool Missoula, the city’s first campaign dedicated to extreme heat preparation. These programs will continue to grow in importance as climate conditions shift.
Built on Collaboration and Community Recognition
Partnership is at the heart of Climate Smart Missoula. Over the years, the organization has collaborated with dozens of community groups, social service agencies, conservation organizations, local governments, and neighborhood leaders.
Through the annual Smarty Pants Awards, Climate Smart has honored 45 Missoulians who use their skills and creativity to advance local climate solutions. Honorees include builders, brewers, health professionals, innovators, and many others committed to positive change.
A Decade of Progress and a Call to Keep Going
Climate Smart Missoula credits every accomplishment to community members who have volunteered, collaborated, donated, shown up, and contributed ideas. Their passion has fueled ten years of action and love for this place we call home.
As Climate Smart looks to the decade ahead, the invitation is clear.
Let’s keep building together for a healthier future.
