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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSATT 2021 ReportA Seat at the Table 2021 Conversations about housing affordability and attainability for those who live, work, and do business in Gallatin County. SUMMARY REPORT: Stories and data about housing solutions collected from community members in Gallatin County. ATTHETABLEGV.ORG 2 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION As Gallatin County’s community foundation, we take a bird’s eye view of the issues facing our communities, help address pressing needs, and plan for the future. By assisting other nonprofit organizations, connecting donors and engaged community members with causes that are meaningful to them, and gathering people to discuss important issues, One Valley Community Foundation contributes to what makes this region special and allows us to imagine the possibilities for an even better future. That’s why we hosted the second A Seat at the Table initiative in 2021. A Seat at the Table is a proven civic engagement event that inspires community members to engage in local decision making by collecting stories and input from numerous small group conversations focused on a single topic on the same day. During our inaugural event in 2018, 74% of participants said that housing was the most pressing need in our county. Based on this feedback and recent housing trends, we intentionally designed A Seat at the Table 2021 to focus conversations on housing affordability and attainability for those who live, work, and do business in Gallatin County. While housing affects each one of us, the solutions are not simple. Local leaders and funders are challenged by allocating finite resources to address the housing needs of our community members. Diverse views from community members throughout Gallatin County are important to create, fund and achieve powerful solutions. We believe that the results of A Seat at the Table 2021 will give local governments, community leaders, and donors diverse, broad, and rich public input about how housing needs can be paired with local solutions. By amplifying your voice, our community and its leaders can make better decisions that impact all of us. Thank you for your support of our second A Seat at the Table initiative. In gratitude, “We’re looking for those ideas that maybe we haven’t heard or maybe haven’t even given any thought to. That’s one of the things that we’re really hoping will come out of these sessions. New ideas and maybe new solutions for a big problem.” GENE TOWNSEND THREE FORKS CITY COUNCIL MEMBER Methodology Conversation Support Volunteer conversation hosts posed three questions to participants: In Fall 2021, One Valley Community Foundation hosted A Seat at the Table conversations about housing affordability and availability throughout Gallatin County, with more than 400 community members participating. The focus on housing solutions at A Seat at the Table 2021 required additional support for participants and hosts to create a successful and meaningful conversation. There were two key products provided to all participants and hosts that provided context, data, and strategy ideas. Based on your experiences with housing our community, what are your thoughts and ideas about how housing issues could be addressed? After their conversations, both hosts and community member participants described their discussions and opinions through surveys. An independent researcher* started by reviewing all open-ended responses to gain familiarity with the data, and to begin identifying themes and patterns in the data. Next, responses were coded, with similar ideas labeled and grouped together into clusters. After coding those responses, each theme was checked for consistency; some similar codes were combined, and some responses were recoded during this phase. After coding was complete, prominent *Analysis by Amber Raile, Associate Professor of Management, Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship, Montana State University Bridget Wilkinson PRESIDENT AND CEO, ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION What are you willing to do to support these initiatives/ ideas? What roles can different groups play to address different parts of the problem? themes in the responses were identified. Through A Seat at the Table conversations, community members shared their opinions and ideas about how to address challenges related to housing in Gallatin County. Relying on community members’ own words, this report summarizes results from the participant survey, and details ideas and themes that emerged through responses to the discussion prompts, as reported by hosts. A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 3 1 2 3 1 2 A Regional Housing Study was conducted by One Valley Community Foundation and Future West. It highlighted the escalating costs of housing to purchase or rent, described a county-wide housing shortage, and illustrated how the costs of housing are not in alignment with wage growth. The study also provided ideas on different approaches and solutions meant to support brainstorming and conversation on the issue. An introductory video was produced to launch the conversations. This video provided a consistent framework for all the conversations and gave participants a short overview of some factors influencing housing affordability in our community. 4 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 5 Common Threads [ graphics/icons for these 8 major themes?] Major themes that emerged highlighted the systemic nature of the problem, strategies to address housing needs and responsibility for solving it. Each of these themes is discussed in greater detail throughout this report. Complex, Interconnected, County-Wide The four major findings of A Seat at the Table 2021 will be discussed throughout this report. Cooperation and coordination among diverse partners are critical to identifying and implementing solutions. People want to help or contribute to address the issue, but do not know how to engage in a meaningful way. Community members expect leadership from governments, but also from employers and private entities like banks, developers, realtors and property managers. No single solution will resolve the housing issues our community faces. Diversification of strategies and implementation will be most effective. “All the housing is single family and large lots without apartments and trailer courts, and all are upper market and fancy at $500k-$2M until you get to Three Forks then becomes more affordable. We had manufactured homes in the past - Sunlight development with access at $50K and then they became a condo and now $300K. So when these are out of time for affordable units they return to market rates. Allow trailer courts. We need smaller lot developments.” “Currently I make about $20/hr typically. Sometimes $40 for bigger events. The average apartment costs a little over $2000 a month and they want you to show 3 times that in income in order to qualify. At that hourly rate I’d have to put in around 300 hours a month. I get close, I’m probably hitting 260 some months. I’m couch surfing and living in a van.” Conflict between state laws and local efforts State limitations on the ability of local governments to diversify forms of taxation 94% of Seat at the Table participants feel government plays a crucial role in addressing housing needs Employers – particularly large employers – should contribute to solutions A housing trust is a strategy for funding housing solutions Expanded housing stock diversity would meet the complex needs of different people in the housing market Diverse models of home ownership and housing communities would meet housing needs Renters face complex issues, including hidden costs, scarcity, administrative barriers, high entry costs and lack of centralized applications “Less than 1% of housing is wheelchair accessible and 5% is limited mobility accessible. That means when housing is limited for everyone else, it is nearly 100 times more difficult for community members in wheelchairs.” A SEAT AT THE TABLE PARTICIPANT 1 2 3 4 Please reference additional data and stories from community members on our website at www.atthetablegv.org/stories-data, or by following the QR code. COMMUNITY VOICES: 6 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Who were the participants?People at Home How did we spread the word? Neighborhood Language Age Income Education Ethnicity Residents in Household Gender Housing Type Rent vs. Own A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 7 $0 $1 - $9,999 $10,000 - $24,999 $25,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 OR MORE PREFER NOT TO SAY LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENT ASSOCIATE/JUNIOR COLLEGE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATE DEGREE AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE ASIAN BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISPANIC, LATINO, OR SPANISH ORIGIN MIDDLE EASTERN OR NORTH AFRICAN NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER WHITE PREFER NOT TO ANSWER AMSTERDAM--CHURCHILL BELGRADE BIG SKY BOZEMAN FOUR CORNERS GALLATIN GATEWAY MANHATTAN THREE FORKS -- WILLOW CREEK WEST YELLOWSTONE ELSEWHERE IN GALLATIN COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOUSE APARTMENT OR MULTI-UNIT DWELLING CONDOMINIUM MANUFACTURED OR MOBILE HOME HOTEL, MOTEL, ETC. SHELTER TRANSITIONAL HOUSING RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) TENT OR OUTDOORS SITE NOT MEANT AS A HOME (GARAGE/SHED/ETC.) OTHER ENGLISH SPANISH 18-21 35-4422-34 FEMALE MALE55-6445-54 65+ PREFER NOT TO SAY NONBINARY 6 TRANSGENDER 5 PREFER TO SELF-DESCRIBE 8 PREFER NOT TO SAY 7 RENTOWN NEITHER 321 4 Getting people together during a global pandemic is not easy! After postponing this event for a year, we made the decision to host a hybrid event encouraging both online and in-person conversations. We made sure our marketing and training materials encouraged online, socially distanced, and even outside conversations! Additionally, it was important to the A Seat at the Table organizing committee that efforts were made to invite diverse and underrepresented community members. Our committee members collaborated with our trusted network of partner organizations and allies to increase awareness about the importance of amplifying the voices of all community members. We tried many things to decrease barriers to participation. We translated the participant questionnaire into Spanish and coordinated with Spanish-speaking hosts. We offered public tables where anyone could participate at varied hours and over a three-week time window to encourage participation for working participants. Conversations were hosted at many places, including the Gallatin County Detention Center, in each community library throughout the County, at workplace breakrooms, parks, MSU, the Fork and Spoon, and of course – online! 8 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Participants and hosts shared about what they discussed at their A Seat at the Table gathering by responding to a questionnaire. The questions asked were based on these five categories of Solution Strategies, providing a basis for discussion and responses to the questionnaire. Housing Solution Strategies Employers could provide housing benefits such as: • Housing search assistance • Employee housing owned by employers • Financial benefits or subsidies for housing (rent or mortgage stipend, down payment assistance, commuting assistance) • Programming and education for home seekers or the housing insecure • Financial assistance for home seekers or the housing insecure • Emergency housing, such as transitional housing and shelters • Education about renter rights and home ownership • Housing sold or rented below market rates for middle-and lower- income residents (e.g., community land trusts, deed- restricted housing, cooperative housing) • Subsidized or rent- restricted housing for certain populations (usually leveraging federal funds) such as seniors and people with disabilities • Changes to development requirements to speed and encourage home building • Changes to zoning laws to allow for different types of housing development • Controls on vacation rentals • Preservation of existing low-cost housing • Land donations • Low-interest loans, or grants of public or private dollars to developers who build homes below market rates Housing assistance programs could provide: Housing cost subsidies (from tax dollars, donations, or grant funding) might offset costs: Government or policy solutions include: Financial incentives for residential home building include: 1 2 3 4 5 Housing assistance programs Government or policy solutions Employer benefits Housing cost subsidies Financial incentives for residential home building What should be done?How should limited funds be spent to address housing needs? RESULT 1: RESULT 2: How effective do you think each of the following strategies would be for addressing housing problems in your community? These five strategies are listed in order of perceived effectiveness, with strategies in the Housing Assistance Programs being considered most effective:Imagine you have $100 to support different kinds of housing strategies. How would you distribute the $100 across the five strategy areas? 100 EMPLOYER BENEFITS HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS HOUSING COST SUBSIDIES GOVERNMENT OR POLICY SOLUTIONS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR RESEDENTIAL HOME BUILDING $17.89 $23.31 $19.75 $22.72 $16.33 A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 1110 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION How important is each of the following groups in solving the housing problems? As with strategies to address housing issues, participants recognized the interconnected nature of work to address problems. Participant survey responses reflected a sense of shared responsibility to address housing solutions. The responsibility of government emerged as a key theme in discussions. Do you support or oppose each of the following funding sources for housing solutions? Participant and host discussions tell us that property taxes are not well supported, with almost a third of responses in opposition to using them to fund housing solutions. “We need philanthropy. We have seen a lot of people move here who have a lot of money and this has increased costs (cash offers) - how can we engage them in this problem?” “Development and construction sector need to define for themselves what their minimum need is to invest in affordable housing that demonstrates their commitment to the community.” “I’m willing to vote to raise my taxes if it means contributing to affordable housing efforts.” “Property taxes can’t be the only way we raise money for housing solutions.” Who is responsible for addressing housing needs? How should solutions be funded?“Every group must be involved. And individuals, too. While government has a role it cannot be solely responsible. Individuals must adjust their perspective of how Bozeman will change. Businesses must pay wages that provide sufficient money to afford decent housing. Government can support diversifying housing opportunities. I have seen an increased level of participation in our community and they’re starting to understand how these changes are occurring and the government processes, which opens up greater understanding of how they can participate.” “Nonprofits, government and private sector need to partner.” COMMUNITY VOICES: COMMUNITY VOICES: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DEVELOPERS/BUILDERS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS/NON-PROFITS EMPLOYERS INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS LOW HIGH PHILANTHROPY FEDERAL MONEY PRIVATE INVESTMENT PROPERTY TAXES OTHER OPPOSE NEUTRAL SUPPORT RESULT 3: RESULT 4: A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 1312 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION There were 67 pages of solutions captured by host notes from A Seat at the Table 2021. To read additional stories and ideas from participants, please go to onevalley.org/regionalhousing, or follow the QR code: Solution Ideas for Governments The participant responses and host descriptions of A Seat at the Table conversations clearly demonstrate strong support for government actions to address housing problems. However, responses varied regarding what actions should be taken. These included higher taxes on part-time residential properties, maximizing density, extending temporary housing permits, simplifying applications, and eliminating some regulations. SOLUTION IDEAS: The following pages are Solution Ideas presenting selected quotations for different community partner groups. “Maximum density shift to maintain minimum density allowed instead...make it easier to build and reduce development time.” “The time it takes for the city to make a decision costs lots of extra money. This extra goes directly back into the cost of housing. The city needs to reduce the size of their rule book and make quicker decisions.” “Regional sewer treatment plan.” “City set aside land for residential.” “Reduce parking requirements.” “Transportation planning needs to be linked to housing planning.” ”Educate the electorate!... Catalyze people to be informed and then act!” “Heavily tax second/third/fourth homes and/or part time residents who take housing out of circulation.” ”More information sharing - communications - about how solutions and funding decisions can influence the individual voter or resident. We don’t understand how larger scale policies influence us.” “Private or public landowners might be more likely to deed or donate land if there was some initial incentive.” “City officials can create incentives for developers through permitting, taxes, and lower impact fees if they include deed restrictions.” “Host a community workshop for property owners who would like to know what it takes to add residential to their residential or commercial property... permitting, review process, requirements with water, etc.)” “The city could use their land, hire someone to build it, and then sell it. The money made would then to go buying/ building more.” Policy change allowing camping trailers on public streets or driveways for limited time sheltering” “State level audit or analysis of tax structure – to examine how this old tax structure is impacting localities all over the state – prohibiting regularly used funding sources in other states to be used here in Montana. Provide that analysis to local decision makers and engage in coordinated lobbying efforts at the state level to make some changes.” “Rural communities in Montana are resistant to taxation. But loosening up the structure could allow some communities to generate revenue in a different way.” “Government, local, can provide vouchers for housing for students and seniors, thereby reducing monthly payments.” ”Incentivize development. Not force it with policy.” “Changes in zoning rules to that people can build ADU or tiny homes on their property.” “Proposals that include units that developers can guarantee will be sold below market rate could go to the front of the queue, or be fast-tracked.” ”Be able to subdivide properties in the county.” “Moratorium or limits on number of short term rental units.” A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 1514 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Solution Ideas for Nonprofits, Community Organizations and Faith Communities “Rent subsidies available for middle income families to make homes affordable to workingpeople/ families.” “Rent control” “We need a year round shelter.” “Have funds available to curb the gap between the cost to build a home and the cost to make it affordable.” “...education could be beneficial to future generations so they know how to rent or purchase a home” “Connecting people with wealth to sponsor individuals or families with needs” “Real Estate Investment Trusts - buying up stock models of philanthropy - loan to a fund that helps attain housing” Tenant awareness and renters rights... stories of rent hikes and no or short notice contract terminations.” “Policy Solutions public trust - build or buy existing housing to be used as permanently affordable housing in Bozeman and other communities” “How can people find out about federal and other housing subsidy (and other support programs? The folks at the table don’t understand how to apply for CARES Act support for housing (Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program). Also, HRDC is such an important resource for people needing resources.” “Many churches in the valley have land but can’t develop it. Churches could lease land for modular houses and City could reduce costs for infrastructure connections.” “One Valley should conduct a livable wage study to help inform employers. “ “...provide bilingual home ownership classes. They don’t have bilingual services.” “Nonprofits should provide resources and education to employers so they know how to afford and offer workforce housing...Someone needs to offer education to landlords on benefits of Section 8 and affordable rentals, possibly nonprofits.” “Community Housing Trust idea...land trust for housing. They would favor more manufactured housing and especially the CO-OP model so that people can also jointly own the land so that manufactured housing is more stable.” “It isn’t obvious where to go for services and support, we can offset costs by providing other services (energy, transportation, gas) but this needs to be more apparent on where to get these. More marketing on availability.” ““Have non-profits and individuals that know the reality of the housing situation push to educate the community more about the housing crisis and its impacts on the people we serve.” “Perhaps the MT Non-profit association or One Valley Community Foundation could help with setting up an affordable housing endowment fund.” “Buy up any available land and convert any public land we can to build more housing and keep it affordable by way of things like the community housing trust.” Housing subsidies and assistance programs drew diverse ideas to provide financial and educational support to renters and buyers. Common topics included housing trusts or funds that could fund or offset costs of rent restrictions and subsidies, home construction, and home buyer or renter education. “Need to make a list of Housing Solutions NOT available to us. So we don’t keep talking about solutions thatare not possible – or legal – here. ” “Connecting locals and local stories to development community. Connecting locals and local stories to realtors.” A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 1716 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION16 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Participants also thought employers could take on the role of providing housing or housing subsidies, or employer-funded housing trusts. Some participants noted that employer-provided housing has risks, which might require government policies as safeguards. Solution Ideas for Employers “Dorms or shared kitchen quarters for employee housing - like seasonal employee housing” “Bankers/lenders could provide reduced lending fees for public employees, or service workers.” “School districts and other public agencies - give land for workforce/employee housing.” “MSU invest in staff housing or housing subsidies.“ “Unions can play a role and have had some recent success.” “Employers help with securing childcare, and subsidizing it if possible.” “The city and community can step in to build houses for teachers like in Big Sky.” “Teacher housing could be put in one of the old elementary schools. Vacant now.” “Large employers providing housing (MSU, Bozeman Health, etc.).” “Big Sky business are contributing to a trust that is building housing for employees to own or rent. They will still be able to run their businesses. Other employers in the valley will need to do this as well.” “Collective bargaining controls wages, and State. Classified employees are earning about $13 hourly...we can’t compete with fast food! We can try and advocate for higher wages.” “Discussion of co-ops for housing and child care for employees.” “Innovative tax abatement for employers who build housing that stays in workforce housing.” “Chamber of Commerce more focused on work and business and need to help employers provide housing and support housing initiatives and bonds.” “Housing put up by employers has potential, but a big red flag: if your healthcare depends on employment and housing depends on that, you are in trouble if your employment stops. There’s a book on Andrew Carnegie on unrest in 1880s. Workers who were union members trying to organize but the workers risked losing their jobs and housing leaving them nothing. It’s a dangerous precedent. “ “I heard multiple stories about employers who offer free housing but then put 10-15 people in 3 bedroom units and don’t pay employees enough to leave those situations or go home.” “...a micro-lending opportunity to transfer home-ownership that could even be sponsored by some of the employers.” “Recommend workforce training in the trades (electrical, plumbing, building) in addition to higher ed system through partnering with Labor Unions.” “Hospital - contribute as a major employer to housing their own staff. Also - housing influences health and they should participate.” “How about Pooled Employee housing for transitioning new employees from being new to finding a rental or home [to purchase]. 6 month stay?” “Companies help employees find housing, and enter homes (help with first/last rent, tips for finding housing, housing stipend).” A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 1918 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION18 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION A Seat at the Table 2021 also revealed that residents of Gallatin County believe those working in the housing industry are well positioned to help solve affordable housing challenges. Suggestions included property management tools that provide assistance to renters, expanding lending practices related to loan practices, establishing opportunities for micro-loans to help fund mortgages and investments in creating a diverse supply of housing. Solution Ideas for the Housing Industry “Formalize and centralize rental listings. It’s HARD to find a rental! If you’re not savvy and on top of a new listing within the hour, you lose out!”“Cost-free or subsidized credit checks so that first, last, and deposit on a $2,000 doesn’t cost a renter $6,000 to move in”. “Build houses where the jobs are.” “Engage HOA’s in the housing conversation.” “Combine affordable work space with livable space.” “The rapid loss of trailers and this type of housing…can we rethink manufactured homes and change the zoning and incentives?” “Need more programs to finance homes at all levels: need program to finance trailer homes and first homes, need assistance with down payments - Need a market where houses can be financed and buyers don’t need all cash payments” “Partner with AFL-CIO Housing Income Trust (HIT) for investment in pension fund in housing here in Gallatin County. It’s used all across the country and in larger markets.” “We need to be careful not to vilify the landlord - solutions that work for renter and landlord is important.” “Welcome wagon and REALTORS should address some of these issues...share the affordable housing issue and share ideas of how people can lessen their impact or contribute to lessening the problem (i.e. let them know about an existing affordable housing fund). My siblings and I don’t want to continue ranching so my parents chose to sell the land and retire. It got developed, but is there a way we can make a sale like that pay for the owners like my parents AND ensure that affordable housing gets developed?” “More affordable types - condos, building up not out, mobile homes, but when these are proposed the neighbors object - we have to be open to these alternatives - be honest about it.” “Could developers donate lots from larger projects for moderate home development? They could even be given to low income developers like HRDC or Habitat.” “Perhaps there is a way for [developers, contractors] to put some time in on projects that are more actionable, and not necessarily as profitable... similar to a licensed attorney’s responsibility to perform a certain number of pro bono hours each year.” “More tiny homes if the population wants them. Match the housing stock with the needs and wants of the people.” “Need a developer to create a decent looking mobile home part or place to park RV’s and vans so people are willing to have it in their area”. “Lenders need to support loans on alternative housing options, such as housing co-ops (buildings that are co-owned by the stakeholders) and homes on leased land.” “Eliminate first month’s rent, last month’s rent or security deposit.” “Cooperation among realtors, title companies, developers, governments... share ideas and resources.” Belgrade has been using a Revolving Loan Fund for years to help small businesses. Let’s do that for developers on moderate and affordable housing.” “Funders and banks can create innovative finance solutions to multiply funds available to support people’s housing needs and the needs of organizations providing housing.” A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 2120 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION “I would vote for a sales tax if the money was to be used to subsidize the cost of building affordable homes and to reduce property tax” “Accept infill like ADU’s and multiplexes in my neighborhood - that has been more traditionally single family” 20 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Though individual citizens were not rated as the most important group to address the housing situation in the participant surveys, host descriptions showed that A Seat at the Table participants wanted to be active in finding solutions. Many people said they were willing to be involved in advocacy, to make financial contributions, and were willing to accept personal changes in housing or their own neighborhoods. Solution Ideas for Individuals “Pay all my employees higher wages.” “Run for public office (city commission).” “Willing to offer loans to family and friends for down payments” “My partner and I built a tiny home and we live in it full time. “Begin a coalition of low- wage folks, whose explicit purpose is to develop a bill of housing rights.” “Make donations to politicians, and nonprofits that are helping create positive change.” “Our legislature has compounded the problem - I am willing to advocate to return the policies and tools we lost like inclusionary zoning and other policies that help local jurisdictions meet their local demands and challenges.” “Three years ago, my partner and I bought a home in Belgrade. We rent the top floor to 4 tenants to create low-rent opportunities. We are remodeling the whole house, and will probably put an additional unit for rent on the property.” “I’m willing to support upzoning, as long as more density means more affordability. Why would we only encourage infill and dense walkability but only as a luxury for people who can afford it?” “Volunteer for local non- profits that help people avail of housing support programs.” “Get involved (e.g. go to public hearings, provide feedback via questionnaire or send e-mail in response to the proposals or discussions).” “Part of the issue is we need to get the word out and inform the community of all the struggles and we don’t want to think and realize how much of the community is struggling. I will do presentations to groups to talk about this.” “Educate ourselves and others better about this housing crisis.” “Help my kids pay rent so they can stay.” “home sellers... sell to locals!” “I’d pay more taxes to support density”. Landowners could donate or reduce cost of land used to develop affordable housing with the promise of some kind of return in the long term.” “Social influencers could share that “small is cool”...the message would be that building small helps keeps things affordable, helps the climate, builds community, etc.” “Vote. Get more community involvement in local politics... Could commit to campaigns, meetings...for myself and on behalf of my restaurant.” What Are You Willing To Do? Housing and affordability are hard problems to address. They are complicated and overwhelming. If we do nothing, we lose income and other types of diversity in our community, eroding our social fabric. Individuals can have meaningful influence. Here are some ways your neighbors effect change or are willing to be involved. NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS: “As an investor, willing to keep rent low enough to cover bills and mortgage without much profit.” A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 2322 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HOW ARE PEOPLE FEELING ABOUT HOUSING ISSUES? A Seat at the Table conversations affected people who joined them. People wanted to keep talking and educating others to drive change. Some participants were left questioning the efficacy of individual efforts. Others were energized by participating. For most, conversations led to reflection on the issue Gallatin County faces in dealing with affordable housing. “These are articulate and passionate people, who nevertheless were respectful of one another’s opinions, of the time they each took to voice their own opinions. Which is to say, I came away thinking that there is a core of longtime residents here who love this place, myself included. They are committed to solutions and to problem solving, not to lying, to blustering, to screaming, to name-calling, to disingenuity. This group gives me hope; this group reminds me why I myself continue to fight to make this the place I want to be.” “Nonprofits, government and private sector need to partner.” “Bring people together instead of emphasizing division and creating more polarization.” COMMUNITY VOICES: A SEAT AT THE TABLE 2021 23 Want to be Involved? One Valley Community Foundation will continue to support regional partners in their efforts to address housing, and also coordinate information, capital, and actionable solutions. We welcome your involvement! Follow this QR code to learn more: COMMUNITY VOICES: Please take time to read some of the participant stories collected throughout Gallatin County. We have neighbors and colleagues who have compelling stories to tell and, though we could not include them all here, we have provided them on our website. VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY: ATTHETABLEGV.ORG/STORIES-DATA “These folks want to change and be active members of the community. We need more information like seat at the table. We are busy, but we need to create time and our volunteers could do more to get the word out there.” “The right to have a chance at a decent life is more fundamental than the right to make money hand over fist. We have to educate and change minds by challenging the big money out there controlling the narrative.” “Ask what can we do as a community.” “Learn stories of individuals and families affected by the current housing market instead of assuming.” “Be open to others’ perspectives and change the mindset from disagreement to agreement (i.e. what can we agree on, what’s working and how can we make the other things work).” 24 ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Thank you! Thank you to each of the 424 colleagues and neighbors that contributed their time and ideas during the 87 housing solution generating conversations in the fall of 2021. We value your time, your expertise and your commitment to our community here in Gallatin County. One Valley Community Foundation would like to extend gratitude to the volunteer committee members who helped us with A Seat at the Table 2021. We couldn’t have done it without: ALISON HARMON DANI HESS PAUL LACHAPELLE CATHY COSTAKIS SKYE WERNICK JENNIFER BOYER PHIL RONNIGER CHARLIE AVIS We also want to thank those that generously sponsored this event: CITY OF BOZEMAN GALLATIN COUNTY PLANNING BOARD BOZEMAN HEALTH NORTHWESTERN ENERGY MONTANA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION BRIDGET KEVANE FUTURE WEST FOUR CORNERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION KESTREL AERIAL SERVICES JIM MADDEN ANONYMOUS MSU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HEALTH & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT KBZK YELLOWSTONE PUBLIC RADIO PROFITABLE IDEAS EXCHANGE TOWNSEND COLLECTIVEThank you to Liz Aghbasian, Daniela Lopez-Morales, and Tey Silva for helping us think about how to reach members of our community who might not traditionally be included in policymaking and public engagement. Thank you to Tey Silva, Michael Ruíz, Dani Hess, and Mikayla Pitts for starring in our films and marketing materials! We appreciate you all! Thank you to the Montana State University HELPS Lab and Dr. Amber Raile for helping us collect the rich information in this report. Thank you for sifting through it all to find meaningful themes, findings, stories, and metrics to help inform housing solutions in Gallatin County. A special thank you to the team at Townsend Collective for generously supporting our team at One Valley Community Foundation and helping us craft this report. Thank you to Jon Catton for capturing our community and its members in beautiful photographs and our marketing films.ONEVALLEY.ORG ATTHETABLEGV.ORG