This Fall, Headwaters commissioned a poll to take the public temperature on housing affordability in Bozeman. We asked Bozemanites how high costs of housing have affected them and their loved ones, and tried to understand what kind of public interest there was in solutions that could advance housing affordability in our community.
The survey found that nearly 7 in 10 voters (69%) believe Bozeman does not have enough housing options to meet the needs of families of different sizes and income levels. Half (51%) say the lack of housing they can afford makes it difficult for them to envision a long-term future in Bozeman, including 68% of Bozemanites under age 35.
Here are some highlights:
- 77% of respondents said they or someone they know — a family member or friend — has been affected by the shortage of affordable housing.
- 39% have been personally impacted.
- 39% know a family member or friend who has been impacted.
- Half of voters (49%) support creating a new funding source to increase affordable housing development, while just 37% oppose. More than two-thirds (68%) support at least one of four new funding sources, with the most popular being a new tax that would primarily impact tourists.
- Support for the proposed ballot measure WARD remains low, with just 28% saying they would vote “yes,” 35% “no,” and 38% undecided. Historically, undecided voters tend to lean “no” as Election Day approaches.
- Voters are largely aligned with the current direction of the City Commission on the Unified Development Code, with majorities supporting the current proposals for allowing three homes per lot in residential zones, at least 8 homes per lot in 3-story buildings in zones that currently allow apartments, and small-scale commercial business like cafes and restaurants in residential zones.
Nathan Stein, Executive Director
