Author

Katie Fairbanks

Katie Fairbanks is a freelance journalist based in Missoula. Katie grew up in Livingston and graduated from the University of Montana School of Journalism. After working as a newspaper reporter in North Dakota, Katie worked as a producer for NBC Montana’s KECI station, followed by five years as a health and local government reporter in Longview, Wash.

Katie's Latest Articles

From sawdust to stardust?

By Katie Fairbanks ● Business ● May 22, 2025

Film production company plans to transform former Roseburg Forest Products plant on Missoula’s Northside into a 47-acre studio.

School officials lay out the case for levies

By Katie Fairbanks ● Education ● April 27, 2025

After last year’s deep budget cuts, MCPS is asking voters to approve two operational levies and a safety levy to avoid further reductions.

Cracking the code

By Katie Fairbanks ● Housing ● August 5, 2024

Missoula housing coalition engages residents in “once-in-a-generation” zoning code reform.

Pot strain

By Katie Fairbanks & MATTHEW FRANK ● Business ● July 26, 2024

Market oversaturation and regulatory pressures push cannabis businesses in Missoula and across Montana to the brink.

Housing developers eye the Wye

By Katie Fairbanks ● Development ● July 19, 2024

The Missoula Consolidated Planning Board endorses the first phases of the massive Grass Valley Gardens subdivision at the Wye west of town, an area primed for growth.

Voters back fire levy

By Katie Fairbanks ● Government & Politics ● June 5, 2024

Despite unease around rising property taxes, Missoula primary election voters appeared to pass the $7 million fire and emergency services levy.

Pride and (queer) joy

By Katie Fairbanks ● News ● June 3, 2024

Missoula’s LGBTQ+ hub finds its fabulous new home.

Elections, electrons and home economics

By Katie Fairbanks ● Environment ● May 22, 2024

Missoula’s Elena Evans hopes to shake up the Montana Public Service Commission, the powerful utility regulator plagued by partisanship. But first the Independent candidate needs to make the ballot.

Fire poll

By Katie Fairbanks ● Government & Politics ● May 14, 2024

Missoula’s primary election ballot asks voters to help the fire department keep pace with the city’s rapid growth.

‘Strike for Gaza’

By Katie Fairbanks ● News ● May 2, 2024

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march at the University of Montana to denounce Israel’s deadly war in Gaza and call for divestment.