Why This Issue Matters
A Problem Decades in the Making
Despite recent advances in statewide housing policy, most Montanans still cannot afford homes that meet their needs.
Housing is too unaffordable today because there are not enough homes to rent or buy that meet people’s needs and budgets. Not having enough homes to rent or buy creates cutthroat competition and drives up prices.
Lack of Homes that Meet Your Needs
A lack of housing choices causes a ripple effect through all generations. As older Montanans look to downsize, they can’t find anything in their communities that they can afford, and they’re locked into homes that are too big. Younger families who need bigger homes are stuck renting or staying in homes that are too small.
Allowing more homes of all shapes and sizes, like multi-family apartment buildings and senior-friendly condos, makes our cities and towns more affordable and supports a thriving Treasure State for everyone.
Community Struggles
Throughout Montana, essential workers like teachers, childcare providers, service industry staff and healthcare professionals are struggling to find homes near their jobs, forcing them to choose long commutes, or to leave altogether.
Smarter statewide policy choices can unlock opportunities to build more housing for the essential workers who keep our communities vibrant.
Protecting Private Property
Decades of flawed zoning policy has led to challenges for people who want to build homes on their own land. We’re excited about the progress already made by Montana state lawmakers, but it’s still expensive and difficult to get construction projects off the ground, causing the ripple effect of overpriced housing and limited supply we see today. When one Montana community struggles with high housing prices, it impacts all of us.