Dear Editor,
As a fourth generation Bozeman native, I’ve watched my hometown evolve from a quiet college town into one of the most desirable places to live in the West. Through all that change, one thing has never wavered: our pride in this place and our responsibility to each other—to build a Bozeman that grows with heart, balance and respect for the land we all share.
That’s exactly why I’m urging my fellow Bozemanites to vote “NO” on the WARD Initiative this November.
At first glance, Water Adequacy for Residential Development gives the illusion of a silver bullet fix—who wouldn’t want to protect our water and keep housing affordable? But when you look closer, WARD is a flawed, heavy-handed measure that would backfire on both fronts, both because of simple supply and demand laws, and human nature.
An independent study looked at recently completed projects in Bozeman and found that not one would have been financially feasible under WARD’s rules. Even at a 5% affordability requirement, these projects barely “pencil.” That means fewer homes built, higher costs for everyone, and less opportunity for families and renters or buyers trying to put down roots in this community. Bozeman will continue to attract people; limiting supply will only drive prices higher.
The problem doesn’t stop there. If development can’t happen inside city limits, it doesn’t disappear—it likely just moves to the county, where roads, sewer systems and water infrastructure aren’t equipped to handle it. That kind of sprawl would do far more harm to our rivers and groundwater than responsible, city-based growth ever would. Not to mention increased commutes from surrounding areas. Ironically, WARD would end up damaging the very resources it claims to protect.
We absolutely should be mindful stewards of water and every other natural resource. Bozeman can and should be a gold standard for smart, sustainable growth, a model for balancing conservation, housing, and the creation of community. But WARD takes a blunt approach to a delicate problem. It’s like using a hammer in surgery when what’s required is precision and collaboration.
The truth is, Bozeman’s water supply is not in crisis. The city currently uses only about 43% of its available water each year—even in drought years, just 60%. Despite roughly 14,000 new residents in recent years, total water use has remained stable thanks to efficiency upgrades and conservation programs that have been well-adopted by citizens. Water matters deeply, but WARD turns a manageable issue into an exaggerated crisis.
That’s why such a broad and varying coalition opposes this measure: the Bozeman City Commission, Gallatin County Commission, Tenants United, Trout Unlimited, and the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association, among many others. When groups that rarely agree are united in opposition, that says something.
We all want to preserve what makes Bozeman special—our landscapes, and strong sense of community. But reactionary, poorly designed ballot initiatives aren’t the way to do it. Real solutions come from partnership, planning, and sound policy, not catchy slogans or fear-based politics that can trick people into signing their names on a ballot survey.
For the sake of our future, our families, and our rivers, let’s stay true to Bozeman’s character: thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in common sense. Vote “NO” on the WARD Initiative.
EJ Daws,
Bozeman, Montana
