The Montana Miracle: Moving the Needle on Housing Reform
Desperate to flee crowded streets and cramped apartments, the Covid-19 pandemic caused families to hit the road and move to the wide-open spaces of Montana at a higher rate than almost any other state in the nation.
However, the state’s housing market did not have the policies guarding it nor the infrastructure in place to manage the influx of people. Years of strict housing regulations greatly harmed Montana’s housing supply and priced locals out of their own communities as demand increased.
That is until Americans for Prosperity got involved and forged trailblazing legislation that removed government barriers, reignited housing development, and paved the way for affordable living to return to the Treasure State.
Montana’s Housing Bubble Booms
As early as 2017, Adam Hertz — a former Montana State Legislator and real estate developer — knew the worsening problem would eventually come to a head. Montana offers beautiful scenery, a vibrant culture and an unmatched quality of life. However, the influx of newcomers and increased demand put further strain on a housing market already choked by regulation.
Montana’s ban on duplexes and other units made the problem worse, while zoning regulations acted as barriers for further development. “The market was so constrained, there was such a supply shortage,” said Hertz. This housing shortage triggered soaring prices, leaving families and lifelong residents in gridlock and incapable of affording property with no path forward.
For Hertz the real competition didn’t come from other developers, but from government regulations.
The lack of competition in the market drove down the quality of houses and increased costs as government regulations replaced free market forces. Aware the crisis was not sustainable, former Rep. Hertz asked AFP to get involved, as it was the only organization capable of the large-scale changes needed.
AFP-MT’s Jesse Ramos, and Rep. Hertz
AFP Champions A Free Market Solution
AFP’s Montana chapter was also frustrated with the obstacles in housing development and felt it was time for a change. Their team of experts, alongside their coalition partners, wasted no time launching an unstoppable campaign, canvassing neighborhoods across the state, driving petitions, delivering compelling testimonies, and initiating key conversations under the dome.
Their relentless efforts paid off. AFP forged trailblazing legislation, including SB 323, which legalized and reignited the building of duplexes statewide, and SB 528, that allowed for accessory dwelling units. AFP also pushed for laws requiring cities to plan their growth ahead of time, adopt zoning reforms, and streamline the permitting process.
These key pieces of legislation reduced regulations and paved the way for lower costs and an increased housing supply, helping developers build the housing people wanted, not just what the government approved.
The bipartisan support of free market housing reform in Montana speaks to the strength of AFP’s relationships in the state. Their ability to inspire and drive action amongst a group of diverse and impassioned grassroots activists is evidence of their awareness of issues that matter most to voters.
With the help of AFP, Montana serves as a model for other states trying to deregulate the housing market to improve affordability and enable prosperity for all residents.
If you want to get involved in your community and amplify your voice, look no further. Contact Americans for Prosperity and join the movement today.