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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 last week produced its first round of recommendations, focusing on measures the legislature could consider and the governor could sign into law.

“Hardworking Montanans should be able to live in the communities where they work, and grandparents closer to and with their kids and grandkids,” Gianforte said. “Working together, this task force delivered the first batch of strategies to make this a reality again for more Montanans, and I’m enthusiastic about what we’ll accomplish together as their work continues.”

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.

“As you know, after years of doing the same thing over and over, it’s critical we do something different. It’s critical we act,” Gov Gianforte continued. “You’ve laid out the tools we have in our toolbox – innovative tools the state and local jurisdictions can use to make housing more affordable and attainable for Montana. We have to use them. Montanans are counting on us.”

State agency leaders, a bipartisan group of legislators, local officials, association representatives, economists, researchers, stakeholders, and advocates make up the task force.

“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.

More details about the task force – including future meeting dates, agendas, and materials – and a portal for public comment and engagement may be found on the Department of Environmental Quality’s website.

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