Volts A closer look at Montana's housing "miracle"
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Jul 9, 2025 Montana state senators Forrest Mandeville and Ellie Boldman dive into the state's impressive bipartisan housing reforms, labeled the 'Montana miracle.' They discuss the unique coalition behind these changes and how they are tackling the state's escalating housing crisis. The senators explore generational divides in housing perspectives, why some argue 'housing is the new weed,' and the critical balance between local control and state mandates. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and successes in making affordable housing a reality for Montanans.
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Keep Bills Simple and Single-Subject
- Keep housing laws simple and subject-specific to enhance understanding and clean legislative progress.
- Breaking complex reforms into bite-sized bills avoids overwhelm and builds broader support.
Housing Is the New Marijuana
- Housing is becoming a highly politicized issue similar to marijuana legalization.
- Bipartisan housing reform signals shifting societal values and emerging political coalitions.
Streamlined Laws Aid Bipartisan Support
- Montana avoided 'everything bagel liberalism' by keeping housing reforms free of excessive labor and environmental mandates.
- Streamlined laws enabled smoother bipartisan support and clearer implementation paths.