Missoula has been spending at rates dramatically in excess of population growth plus inflation – causing property taxes to spike.
It’s time for local governments to place firm limits on the growth of new spending, keeping budgets within the bounds of economic growth and what taxpayers can reasonably afford.
A new report provides an enlightening overview of the ways in which regulations are driving up the cost of housing in Bozeman.
One of the biggest factors constricting the supply of housing is zoning and building regulations imposed by local governments.
Imagine instead if a developer could walk into a city permit office with their plans, walk out with a permit and start construction that same day.
Some Montanans are turning to manufactured tiny homes as an affordable alternative to standard sized homes. But in many areas of our state, regulations stand in the way of tiny home development.
When our communities grow – expanding our tax base, bringing in new businesses and customers – it’s a blessing.
What big problems facing Montana could be solved if policymakers focused on their common ground?