Housing

Montana Democrats this week unveiled plans to boost housing affordability, with a specific focus on renters.

As property taxes surge in Montana, some say the state’s tax code is letting luxury real estate owners benefit from a tax break intended to support farms and ranches. The longstanding policy passes sizable tax savings to property classified as “agricultural.” But, critics say it may be too easy for high-value homes to qualify for that tax break.

The state will soon offer a new drug treatment program and housing assistance through Medicaid.

A new investigation from Montana Free Press and High Country News found thousands of people who own luxury homes in Montana benefit from a tax break intended for agricultural producers.

Flathead County commissioners last week declined to participate in a state program designed to help low and middle-income Montanans purchase homes. That means the county will forgo millions in state funding.

Nearly 1,400 Flathead Electric Cooperative customers will briefly lose power early Thursday morning in a planned outage; State officials encourage renters to complete rent study survey.

The number of unhoused seniors is expected to triple by 2030. About half of this population are becoming homeless for the first time. Programs that can help are struggling because it’s especially hard to find affordable housing that’s also accessible for older Americans with medical conditions.

Ravalli County’s only shelter for people fleeing domestic and sexual violence is expanding.

Missoula City Council voted Monday to ban camping in city parks. The decision will tighten restrictions passed six months ago on where unhoused Missoulians can stay overnight.

Montana’s expensive housing market poses particular challenges to senior citizens who live on a fixed income and need a space they can age in. Locals in Park County are hoping to build more housing options that seniors can afford.