A bill introduced by Montana legislator Rep. Debo Powers aims to reinstate inclusionary zoning policies to address housing affordability in local communities. The policy would require developers to sell a percentage of units below market rate or contribute to a housing fund. Bozeman previously had a similar policy but it was outlawed in 2021. Powers argues that allowing local governments to use inclusionary zoning would provide a necessary tool to address the housing crisis. Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham supports the bill, highlighting the lack of affordable housing construction since the ban on inclusionary zoning. Other supporters include Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld and representatives from the Montana League of Cities and Towns. The only opposition came from a representative of the Montana Association of Realtors. The bill will be voted on by the Local Government Committee to potentially move to the House floor. Advocates believe that by reinstating inclusionary zoning, local governments can effectively negotiate with developers to increase the supply of affordable housing in their communities.
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