POLICY POSITIONS

We believe that lasting change requires more than just direct services, it also requires shaping the systems that impact our customers’ lives. That’s why we engage in policy work at the federal, state, and local levels. We support policies that strengthen the social safety net, expand access to community housing and transportation, reduce food insecurity, and promote economic opportunity for all.

Whether we’re weighing in on national legislation, collaborating with state partners on funding for human services, or working with local governments to improve housing policy, we use our on-the-ground experience to inform smart, community-centered solutions.

Current Policy Positions

  • Coming Soon

  • Coming Soon

  • WARD Initative

    What is the Water Adequacy for Residential Development (WARD) ballot initiative? 

    Gallatin County's elections office announced on Wednesday, June 25th, that the Water Adequacy for Residential Development (WARD) initiative would appear on ballots in the City of Bozeman on November 4, 2025. This citizen-led initiative would require all development within the City of Bozeman to comply with affordability requirements, in which ⅓ of units in a multifamily development must achieve deep levels of affordability in exchange for the ability to access water rights, a necessary requirement for development. 

    Is this proposal too good to be true? How would this policy change our community? 

    This policy would restrict the supply of new housing development in the City of Bozeman, impacting all but subsidized developments and pushing new homes outside City limits, resulting in sprawl and increased water usage. Fewer homes built to keep up with demand and a growing population would drive up the cost of existing housing in Bozeman. The City of Bozeman hosted a formal work session to discuss the initiative, inviting the WARD group to present the policy, and with City staff presenting potential data-driven impacts of the policy. The session was recorded and is available for viewing here.

    Why would this be the outcome?

    Building affordable housing at this level is cost-prohibitive for market-rate developments. As developers and partners in affordable development for renters at or below 60% of the Area Median Income and homeowners at or below 120% of the Area Median Income, we understand the challenges of securing the necessary subsidies to achieve this kind of development. 

    Want to learn more about how to build affordable rental housing? Try it yourself with this tool from the Urban Institute: The cost of affordable housing: Does it pencil out?