How could the Cato Institute's housing freedom ranking affect the Montana Legislature?
Montana legislature earns top ranking for housing freedom The Montana Legislature has achieved a top-five ranking for housing freedom by the Cato Institute due to specific legislative actions. These reforms include passing laws that encourage development in populated cities by allowing accessory dwelling units by right, and expanding opportunities for duplex and multi-family housing in areas previously zoned only for single-family homes. Furthermore, the legislature has supported workforce development through bills like House Bill 336, which expanded apprenticeship pathways to 32 occupationally licensed professions.
- Effect
- Strong positive
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Right away
- The story
- No new developments lately
How it reaches Montana Legislature
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Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted progress on workforce housing in Billings, noting that reforms have been passed to boost housing supply. The state is developing South Hills Commons, a project featuring 35 deed-restricted houses for working families. Additionally, Representative Curtis Schomer sponsored bills to expand apprenticeship opportunities and Career and Technical education across the state. Cato Institute ranked Montana for housing freedom.
The full event1independent outlet -
The Cato Institute's ranking of Montana in the top five states for housing freedom is attributed to notable reforms signed into law by the governor. These reforms include legislation that encourages development by allowing accessory dwelling units by right and expanding duplex and multi-family housing opportunities in traditionally single-family zones. The legislature also passed bills to expand trades and Career and Technical education to develop a stronger workforce.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- billingsgazette.com Oct 29
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Legislative body of the state of Montana
Everything about Montana Legislature
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Montana was ranked in the top five states for housing freedom by the Cato Institute.billingsgazette.com
- Reforms include legislation allowing accessory dwelling units by right and expanded duplex and multi-family housing.billingsgazette.com
- Rep. Curtis Schomer sponsored House Bill 336, expanding apprenticeship pathways to 32 occupationally licensed professions.billingsgazette.com
- The governor championed streamlining local permitting to shorten timeline delays and lower compliance costs for homebuilders.billingsgazette.com
Why it matters
The success of these reforms addresses critical issues of housing affordability and workforce shortages in Montana. The reforms, which some have called the "Montana Miracle," aim to increase the overall housing supply and ensure that new homes remain attainable for working families, such as nurses, teachers, and police officers.
This legislative success is part of a broader trend of bipartisan land-use and housing reform in the state. The efforts to boost housing supply are coupled with initiatives to expand trades and technical education, ensuring that there are skilled workers available to meet the construction demand created by the new housing policies.
What we don't know yet
- How will the expanded apprenticeship pathways impact the availability of skilled trades workers in the state?
- What is the projected increase in overall housing supply resulting from the new zoning and permitting reforms?
What would change this answer
Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
Reporting
- billingsgazette.comOct 29
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