Nestled in the heart of Bozeman, the Human Resource and Development Council (HRDC) serves as a beacon of hope for the residents of Gallatin County. Since its founding in 1975, the HRDC has worked endlessly to address all sorts of issues in the community. From emergency assistance to senior services to community development, the HRDC stands to benefit each individual in the Gallatin Valley. The HRDC constantly assesses the community’s needs to assist and effectively serve local residents. In most recent years, as anyone living in Bozeman can attest, the HRDC has found an overwhelming need for affordable housing.
The organization’s passion for affordable housing began in the 1990's with a partnership with the City of Bozeman; they worked together to create housing for first responders. During this time, Bozeman started seeing a harsh spike in the cost of homes and rent, pushing residents like first responders out of the community to find more affordable housing. The partnership between the City of Bozeman and the HRDC led to the first-ever community land trust in Montana. Together, they organized homes and places to live for the first responders, a preschool, and various community spaces.
As exciting as it is to build new developments, one of the most essential jobs HRDC does is preserve existing units and renovate them for future generations. Take the Boulevard Apartments in downtown Bozeman, for example. When the private owner of the Boulevard Apartments wanted to sell, they could have renovated them and turned them into luxury apartments, selling them at a high price. Instead, the owner worked with HRDC to buy time to secure financing to purchase the building and completely renovate the apartments while keeping them affordable.
Through partnerships like the one with the City of Bozeman or the owner of the Boulevard Apartments, the HRDC can address the costly nature of housing developments and directly contribute to the maintenance of affordable housing. This partnership, however, does not have to be with just a business or extensive housing development; they offer this service to any home or property owner. Locals can collaborate with HRDC to ensure their homes are sold affordably, with pricing tailored to their local industry wages. This unique approach allows homeowners to earn equity while capping it to retain a fair price.
As a partner in other affordable developments, HRDC embeds a right of first refusal at the 15 year mark to ensure affordability is maintained, a practice integral to HRDC’s mission.
While HRDC has ambitious goals this year, from transportation to childcare, their commitment to housing remains unwavering. Over the past few months, HRDC board conversations have revolved around obtaining and dedicating 100 acres for future development, a venture through partnerships and community involvement.
Want to get involved? For those eager to contribute to the betterment of the Gallatin Valley, HRDC is a fantastic place to start. From assisting local seniors to staffing a food drive, the HRDC is always looking for more ways to involve the community, and you could be a crucial part of the future of the Gallatin Valley.
As Bozeman continues to grow in size and popularity, it is essential that we, as community members, work together to maintain affordability for generations to come. The HRDC stands as a local service provider and a catalyst for change. By constantly addressing the community’s needs and working tirelessly to serve those in need in Bozeman, the HRDC has paved the path to homeownership for a brighter future for all. Let’s join them in their mission!
While HRDC has ambitious goals this year, from transportation to childcare, their commitment to housing remains unwavering.
The program empowers locals, provides a tax benefit, and guarantees the home’s future affordability.
