Southwest Montana continues to experience a growing population and a significant increase in the cost of living. Park County is no exception. Housing prices have increased by more than 100% since 2019. Rental rates, fuel prices, and the cost of food continue to rise creating intense pressure for households while the community’s most vulnerable residents have been hit the hardest and are experiencing real crises.

To better understand and address escalating needs, HRDC is forming an advisory council for Park County which will provide direct input and advice to HRDC’s Board of Directors. This group will be composed solely of Park County residents and will meet regularly to discuss trends and changes in the county, especially those which impact residents who are struggling to make ends meet. 

“We’re seeking a wide range of perspectives for this council to ensure we’re hearing all Park County voices. Lifelong residents, new transplants, leaders from education, healthcare, and business, folks active in civic groups and local government, those who live in rural areas, and Livingston-proper residents are all invited to join. This includes all income levels, all ages, and those representing the full span of our racial, cultural, and gender spectrum. In other words, we seek the most comprehensive representation of this county we can assemble,” expressed Dean Williamson, HRDC’s Economic Development Director.

The newly formed council will work in tandem with HRDC to help tailor the agency’s Park County strategies, resources, and solutions. While separate from the Park County Housing Coalition whose purpose is solely focused on housing issues, the two councils will work in conjunction with one another. 

HRDC hopes everyone will consider joining this effort to serve the needs of Park County and to support a healthy, safe, and vibrant community. Council applications are available at thehrdc.org. 

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in Southwest Montana and has actively served the residents of Park County since 1975, the year the agency was formed.