Wheeler Center hosts Montana affordable housing forum May 17-18 in Missoula. Missoula Housing Authority considers legal action over denial of funding for affordable housing project

The Burton K. Wheeler Center for Public Policy at Montana State University will host in Missoula on May 17-18 a forum that grapples with the issue of affordable housing in Montana.

A variety of building industry experts, housing specialists, city and county administrators and others will all focus on "The Price of Paradise? Affordable Housing in Montana" to be held at the Missoula Holiday Inn Parkside.

"Whether it is termed ‘affordable,’ ‘workforce,’ or ‘entry level’ housing, the time appears to have come for Montanans to discuss how best to address high housing prices vis-a-vis our still low state wages," said Gordon Brittan, director of the Burton K. Wheeler Center. The promotes the discussion, analysis and eventual resolution of critical issues facing Montana and the region.

Among the issues slated for discussion are whether home ownership is always a good investment, who should take responsibility for affordable housing, what is the responsibilities of the community and the states to supply housing, what are the responsibilities of real estate agents, builders and developers, and what should affordable housing look like.

Among the speakers are: George Masnick, Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, who also lives in Hamilton; Mike Vogel, Montana Extension Housing Director; Geoff Badenoch, Market Square on Russell, Missoula; Bob Gauthier, Ahoy Leasing and Development, Ronan; Sheila Rice, Neighborhood Housing Services/NeighborWorks, Great Falls; Ralph Johnson, MSU School of Architecture, Dab Dabney, Bozeman developer, Byron Roberts, executive director of the Montana Building Industry Association; Mike Smith, Glacier Bank in Kalispell; David Stanley, former member, The Millennial Housing Commission; Larry Gallagher, HUD, Helena; Bruce Brensdahl, Department of Commerce/Housing, Helena; Jeff Rupp, Bozeman City Commissioner; and Judy Smith, Homeword, Missoula.

The conference is designed for members of the general public, legislators, city and county officials, builders, developers, real estate agents, housing advocates, housing researchers, state agency personnel and all others who make or deal with housing policy.

Cost of registration for the conference is $40, which includes dessert on Thursday evening, a continental breakfast and full lunch on Friday, plus all materials. Individuals not sponsored by a business or agency may pay $20. Those registering after 4 p.m. Monday, May 14, will be charged $75 on a space available basis, with limited registration available at the door.

For more information, go to http://www.montana.edu/wheeler/spring_07_info.htm

Contact: Julie Hitchcock (406) 994-0336, [email protected]

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Affordable housing: Is there a solution?

By LAURA BEHENNA
Bigfork Eagle

An auctioneer calls for bids from a crowd of people at the Creston Benefit Auction on Saturday. More than 200 volunteers donate 3,500 hours each year to make the event happen. The auction raises an average of $35,000 per year and helps support four fire stations, seven fire vehicles and training for 30 volunteers who respond to 250 calls annually. Mike Richeson/Bigfork Eagle

Affordable housing has become nonexistent in Bigfork because the community’s well-off residents don’t want it here, a local advocate charges.

Full Story: http://www.bigforkeagle.com/articles/2007/04/05/news/news01.txt

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Missoula Housing Authority considers legal action

By KEILA SZPALLER of the Missoulian

Slighted in the latest award of low-income tax credits, a majority of the Missoula Housing Authority Board of Commissioners said Monday they support pursuing legal action against the Montana Board of Housing.

Last week, the Board of Housing approved tax credits for housing projects proposed statewide. Competition was stiff this year, and several projects – including a Missoula Housing Authority project to help build affordable units on Russell Street – did not receive funds.

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2007/04/10/news/top/news01.txt

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Real-Estate transfer tax to pay for affordable housing considered

By HENRY M. LOPEZ | The New Mexican

Talks are ongoing at City Hall on whether to ask voters to approve a real-estate transfer tax that would pay for affordable housing initiatives in Santa Fe.

Full Story: http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/59939.html