Bozeman Magazine

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University will present "Crisis! How Low Rental Inventory and High Rents Impact Us All, Part 2," the second event of a two-part Friday Forum. The event will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 14. It is free and open to the public, though registration is required at montana.edu/olli/register or by calling 406-994-6550. The deadline to register is 11 a.m. on Oct. 14. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bozeman was one of the top five fastest growing micropolitan statistical areas in the country between 2010 and 2020, with the population increasing from 37,280 to 53,293. Bozeman was one of just six micropolitan areas to gain at least 15,000 people during that period. The growth has contributed to substantial increases in housing prices, according to forum presenters. They say the rising costs have prevented some from purchasing a home in Bozeman while limiting affordable rental options for many citizens, impacting the availability of employees. The Oct. 14 event will feature interviews with peer communities struggling with housing affordability, including Missoula; Bend, Oregon; and Boise, Idaho. In addition, Bozeman City Commissioner Christopher Coburn will highlight Bozeman and Gallatin County's responses, solutions and additional ideas to help address the rental situation. The first part of this series was held Sept. 9 and is available on the OLLI at MSU's website at montana.edu/olli/recordings/. Friday Forums are offered on the second Friday of each month, September through May, by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MSU. OLLI at MSU is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement.