Housing Study to Inform Solutions to Housing Needs in Gallatin County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2021
CONTACT:
Tanya Andreasen, Community Engagement Manager
One Valley Community Foundation
(406) 587-6262 ext. 3
tanya@onevalley.org
https://www.atthetablegv.org
Housing Study to Inform Solutions to Housing Needs in Gallatin County
One Valley Community Foundation, in partnership with Future West, recently released a housing study to highlight challenges and solutions around housing in Gallatin County
Gallatin County, MT- In partnership with Future West, the One Valley Community Foundation recently released a housing study for Gallatin County. The study highlights escalating costs of housing to purchase or rent, describes a county-wide housing shortage and illustrates how the costs of housing are not in alignment with wage growth. In addition to describing housing needs and challenges, the study also provides ideas meant to catalyze the region to communicate, collaborate, and develop coordinated solutions to the housing needs of those who live, work, and do business in Gallatin County.
Supplemented with available information on all community regions in the county, the report builds upon recent housing studies and housing action plans that have been conducted in Bozeman and Big Sky. It combines data from public sources with primary research from these studies.
The One Valley Community Foundation commissioned the Gallatin County Regional Housing Study to illuminate housing needs in the county’s rural and urban areas. One Valley and its partners believe that local problems need local solutions. What works to address a lack of housing stock in Bozeman may differ from solutions to housing availability in Manhattan or Big Sky.
By presenting data representative of the entire county’s geography and population, shared understanding of regional housing needs is built among public and private partners, and individual residents of Gallatin County. Understanding the complexities of housing needs is the first step to developing effective solutions.
This study is meant to be an easy-to-read compilation of information – and a conversation starter for our community. On October 14, 2021, One Valley Community Foundation will host its second A Seat at the Table event to inspire hundreds of conversations around the county to discuss the current housing situation and generate ideas and solutions directly from community members. Results from this event will be compiled by Montana State University and be made widely available to the community.
Our first A Seat at the Table event in 2018 brought together 1,000 people from around Gallatin County to discuss their concerns, hopes and dreams for their community. The One Valley Community Foundation heard loud and clear that housing affordability, availability, and attainability are top of mind for Gallatin County residents and employers. Learn how to participate at www.atthetablegv.org.
One Valley Community Foundation invites you to get informed and be a part of the solutions by joining the conversation. Start by reading the Regional Housing Study at www.onevalley.org/regionalhousing and participate in the upcoming A Seat at the Table 2021: Transformational conversations about housing in the Gallatin Valley.
One Valley wants loud and quiet voices at the table as everyone is affected by housing needs in one way or another. Invite your neighbor to join us at A Seat at the Table 2021 to share your story, gain new understanding, and explore ways to be a part of the housing affordability solution in our region. Sign up for ongoing social media messaging around regional housing issues and events, and learn how to invest in the Regional Housing Fund at www.onevalley.org/regionalhousing.
About One Valley Community Foundation
Formerly known as the Bozeman Area Community Foundation, One Valley Community Foundation’s mission is to connect people who care to causes that matter to build a better community. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, One Valley Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about, now and for generations to come. The Community Foundation serves the areas of Bozeman, Big Sky, Belgrade, Manhattan, Churchill, Three Forks, and the rural areas in between. Since its inception in 1998, the Foundation has galvanized more than $8.6 million for 200+ local nonprofit organizations. Read the 2020 Annual Report and learn more at www.OneValley.org.
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