Interim study on workforce housing
The proposed study aims to assess existing state and federal funding efforts focused on bolstering workforce housing. It will analyze challenges faced by families seeking affordable housing, including financial constraints and social logistics. Furthermore, the study will evaluate the potential for local governments to collaborate with nonprofits and private entities to improve housing availability. The findings from the study will culminate in recommendations presented to the 69th Legislature, which could shape future legislative actions regarding housing policies in Montana.
Senate Joint Resolution 29 (SJ29) seeks to address the pressing issue of workforce housing availability in Montana. It requests an interim study to evaluate the current state of workforce housing across both metropolitan and rural areas. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of affordable housing for renters and homeowners, recognizing its importance in enhancing social and economic welfare. The increasing prices of homes and rents in Montana have become a significant barrier for many working families, affecting their ability to secure adequate shelter and causing them to spend more than 30% of their income on housing, thus categorizing them as cost-burdened.
During legislative discussions surrounding SJ29, there was recognition of the diverse challenges that different regions in Montana face concerning housing. The disparity between metropolitan and rural communities in economic prosperity presents unique hurdles, which the study aims to uncover. Concerns were raised regarding the efficiency of existing subsidies, grants, and programs intended to facilitate housing improvements. Stakeholders, including the Department of Commerce and the Montana Board of Housing, will be consulted to ensure that varied perspectives and data inform the study's conclusions. Opponents of current housing policies suggest that without effective revisions, local efforts to improve housing situations may fall short of meeting community needs.