Bozeman officials say a bill in the Montana Legislature that would nix a key part of the city’s affordable housing ordinance would limit the city’s ability to respond to the housing crisis.

Bozeman’s affordable housing ordinance, which requires 10% of developments of more than 10 homes be sold at affordable prices, has produced 17 homes and has been the subject of complaint from some in the building industry who feel it drives up the cost of other homes and burdens developers. House Bill 259 would prohibit local governments from requiring developers to pay a fee that would go toward providing homes at specified prices or for people in specific income levels or from dedicating property for that housing.

It takes aim at “inclusionary zoning,” which is the basis for Bozeman’s affordable housing ordinance.