EBS STAFF
On Aug. 20, the Bozeman City Commission will meet to discuss the Affordable Housing Ordinance and any revisions to the ordinance. The commission will review Bozeman’s current housing market, respond to public comments and make sure the policy can serve its purpose.
AHO was implemented in September 2022 to make use of the Montana Legislature’s 2021 House Bill 259, which stopped Bozeman from requiring affordable housing in future development.
“As most of the other commonly used tools for creating affordable housing are also prohibited in Montana, the city turned to voluntary incentives to create affordable housing,” stated an Aug. 9 release from the City of Bozeman.
The current ordinance, in combination with other resources, is responsible for nearly 1,500 units—most under construction or incorporated in projects.
“I think everyone, from residents to city staff to the commission themselves, is interested in taking another look at this ordinance and seeing if there are improvements that can be made,” stated David Fine, Housing and Urban Renewal Manager in the release. “We all want to see housing be more affordable, and it’s important that we are thoughtful and surgical in how we go about that.”
