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67th Montana Legislative Session

SB 80: Limit the Duration of Interlocal Agreements
watch
2959
Sen. Keith Regier (R) SD 3
Signed into Law
4/1/2021

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT PROVIDING THAT AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT MAY NOT EXCEED A 5-YEAR DURATION; AND AMENDING SECTION 7-11-105, MCA.“

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HB 259: Prohibit Inclusionary Zoning in Cities and Counties
oppose
0304
Rep. Sue Vinton (R) HD 56
Enrolling
4/1/21

MAP stands in opposition to HB 259 because it preempts local control on a critical issue facing communities in Montana. The increasing cost of housing is a complex challenge, the strategies to address this issue are different in every community. Inclusionary zoning is a tool completely within local control, an ordinance that through a public process, can be tailored specially to the local jurisdictions needs. It is a tool to raise funds to provide for permanently affordable housing, and one of the few local funding sources available in Montana.
MAP understands the pros and cons of inclusionary zoning, and we believe our local planners, city councils, and county commissioners can weigh those considerations fairly and produce the best outcomes for their communities. Inclusionary zoning is not an easy zoning ordinance to adopt, because of its structure it requires strong policy foundations, housing studies, detailed market analysis, and robust local support. The local development community, a key partner in affordable housing strategies, would be engaged and involved in the decision to adopt any inclusionary zoning ordinance. Many inclusionary zoning ordinances include zoning incentives, like density bonuses and reduced parking requirements to offset the financial requirements.
Inclusionary zoning is not a preemptive tool planners use to keep prices affordable, it is a tool applied when housing is simply out of reach from middle class Montanans. When the people who are the foundation of any community, our teachers, fire fighters, and nurses, can no longer afford a home, inclusionary zoning can help. Hopefully, with good proactive planning, investments in infrastructure, and state and federal action, we can get ahead of our housing issues. But if these steps fail, Montana communities will need local tools to avoid become places exclusively for the rich.
MAP will support efforts to enable communities to address their biggest challenges, but this proposal restricts them, increasing their reliance on state and federal funding. Please oppose an outright ban on inclusionary zoning in Montana.

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