Governor Praises Housing Task Force’s Proposals

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte last week joined members of his Housing Task Force for a meeting at the State Capitol. The diverse, bipartisan Housing Task Force produced its first round of recommendations, focusing on measures the legislature could consider and the governor could sign into law.

In July, Gov. Gianforte created and launched the task force through an executive order. He charged it with providing recommendations the legislature could consider and the governor could sign into law to make housing more affordable and attainable for Montanans. Gov. Gianforte also charged the task force with developing recommendations state agencies can implement administratively as well as recommendations and best practices local jurisdictions can enact.

Highlighting macroeconomic trends driving up the cost of housing, Gianforte noted Montana’s population grew by nearly 10 percent between 2010 and 2020, while housing units grew by less than 7 percent. Over that same period, the rental vacancy rate in Montana dropped from nearly 6 percent to slightly more than 4 percent.

“Every day, Montanans work hard to realize the American dream, to earn a decent living, to raise a family, to contribute to their communities, to retire comfortably, and to own a home. I know the task force shares my commitment to removing unnecessary roadblocks to home ownership, and helping more folks achieve the American dream,” Gov. Gianforte concluded.