Page 9 - Patrick Barkey News Today

Montana economists say after several years of rapid economic growth in the state, signs are pointing to a change.

Montana economists say after several years of rapid economic growth in the state, signs are pointing to a change.

Agriculture prices are up considerably from a year ago, higher incomes have resulted in an unprecedented $1.8 billion revenue surplus for state government, and businesses harmed by the pandemic are

From 2010 to 2020, Montana’s population grew by 9.6 percent, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Housing in Montana has not been able to keep up.

Last week Gov. Greg Gianforte created by executive order a new council aimed at addressing the lack of affordable home options for people to rent or buy.

A new housing task force organized by Gov. Greg Gianforte held its first meeting Wednesday in Helena, and the discussion quickly drew out the size of the challenge they’re taking on.

A new housing task force organized by Gov. Greg Gianforte held its first meeting Wednesday in Helena, and the discussion quickly drew out the size of the challenge they’re taking on.

The Montana Housing Task Force met Wednesday at the state Capitol for the first time since Gov. Greg Gianforte announced its formation last week.

The task force made up of state and local government officials, business professionals, economists and low-income advocates are developing actionable proposals to make housing more affordable.

Gianforte provided some sobering statistics about the housing situation, not just in Montana, but throughout the country.