The BUILD Helena Plan

When I'm out talking to folks, housing is a top concern for many in our community. Montana is one of the most expensive states in the nation, and the rent in our county is one of the most unaffordable in the state; that's why I developed the BUILD Helena Plan.

Helena faces a critical housing shortage that is driving up costs and creating barriers for families, workers, and businesses. Median home prices are now over $450,000, up 45% since 2019, and more than 1 in 5 renters are considered cost-burdened. At the same time, Helena’s population is projected to grow by 22,000 to 58,000 people by 2045, and there are already 3,500 acres of vacant or undeveloped parcels within city limits that could support more housing if barriers are addressed.

The City’s new Land Use Plan highlights many of these same issues, including the need for a greater variety of housing types, more infill development, and flexibility in zoning to encourage creativity and affordability.

The B.U.I.L.D. Helena Plan provides the framework to put these priorities into action.

B - Build Dense and Diverse Housing

• Encourage a wider range of housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, ADUs, and multifamily housing, consistent with the Land Use Plan’s call for greater housing variety.

• Promote infill and mixed-use development on the 3,500 acres of underutilized parcels already within Helena’s planning area to reduce sprawl and use existing infrastructure effectively.

• Align growth with Helena Forward’s housing targets to meet the needs of families, seniors, and essential workers.

U - Uncomplicate the Process

• Streamline zoning, planning, platting, and permitting to reduce delays and uncertainty that increase housing costs.

• Guidance and Pre-approved plans for Accessory Dwelling Units.

• Establish clear timelines and accountability standards for reviews.

• Implement a user-friendly online system to improve transparency and efficiency.

• Align permitting reforms with the Land Use Plan’s goal of simplifying regulations while preserving neighborhood character.

I - Infrastructure Investments

• Recognize that infrastructure is one of the largest drivers of housing costs.

• Prioritize water, sewer, roads, and sidewalks in growth corridors.

• Seek state and federal grants, building on efforts like HB 505/ Montana Board of Investments to cut infrastructure costs from housing prices.

• Coordinate housing development with infrastructure planning to ensure sustainability.

L - Local Input and Engagement

• Partner with Helena Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, NeighborWorks Montana, as well as the building and development community.

• Establish community housing advisory groups to guide development decisions.

• Host regular public forums and neighborhood-based meetings to build consensus.

• Utilize digital platforms to engage more residents, echoing Helena Forward’s commitment to public participation.

  
  
  
  

  

D - Diversity of Funding Sources

• Leverage Helena’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund: increase the city's contribution, expand its scope, and make it easier to apply for the program.

• Utilize tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to support infrastructure and project costs.

• Partner with nonprofits such as Trust Montana to create community land trusts.

• Pursue state and federal housing funds to maximize local impact.