The Burton K. Wheeler Center Hosts: "The Price Of Paradise: Affordable Housing In Montana", 5/17-18, Missoula

Registration is now open!!

Whether it is termed "Affordable," "Workforce," or "Entry Level" housing, the time appears to have come for Montanans to discuss how best to address high housing prices vis a vis our still low state wages. You are invited to participate in this process during a day and a half conference in Missoula, MT.

Several questions come immediately to mind:

Why is home ownership a goal? Is home ownership (as compared to renting) always a good investment?

What exactly is affordable housing and who, if anyone, should take responsibility for providing it?

What obligation is there on the part of a community and/or the state to supply housing? In what form? Where? For what age and income groups? What options are available to communities?

What is the role and responsibility of the realtor, builder and developer? What should affordable housing look like? Where might it be located? What impact do either mandates or incentives have on the building industry?

What is the role of supply and demand in the equation, and what does the future hold, given recent market developments?

The forum will begin with a Thursday evening dessert reception and speaker (tba). The following day, Friday, speakers will frame the issues and offer well-informed insights, ideas and suggestions. Panel presentations will be followed by in-depth discussion sessions during which the attendees are encouraged to bring their ideas forward.

A number of well-known public and private sector building industry and housing specialists at the local, state and national levels will be invited to Missoula for this public discussion. The conference is designed for members of the general public, legislators, city and county officials, builders, developers, realtors, housing advocates, housing researchers, state agency personnel and all others who make or deal with housing policy. Please join us for this very important discussion.

Agenda coming soon

Contact: http://www.montana.edu/wheeler/spring_07_info.htm