SWMBIA Opposes the WARD Water Initiative
A Housing Moratorium Disguised as Water Policy
The Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA) strongly urges Bozeman residents not to support or sign the WARD ballot initiative. While it may sound like a responsible water conservation proposal, this initiative is a housing moratorium in disguise, but it would stop homes from being built, block affordable housing, and jeopardize our water future.
The Problem We Face
Bozeman is home. But for thousands of renters, young families, and workers, it’s slipping out of reach.
At a time when we need real solutions, a small group is pushing a harmful initiative under the guise of “water protection.” It’s called WARD, and it would make it nearly impossible to build new homes in Bozeman.
At a time when we need real solutions, a small group is pushing a harmful initiative under the guise of “water protection.” It’s called WARD, and it would make it nearly impossible to build new homes in Bozeman.
The people it hurts most?
Teachers, nurses, construction workers, first-time homebuyers, long-time locals just trying to stay in the town they love, and more!
What WARD Actually Does
What WARD Requires
What This Means for People
33% of homes must be deed-restricted “affordable” even in market-rate projectsMost developments will never pencil out—fewer homes for everyone
City can’t acquire new water rights unless extreme conditions are metBozeman’s hands are tied! City loses flexibility to plan and grow.
“Affordable” is defined up to 160% AMI & 99-year restrictionsSounds good, but doesn’t help working families who are already priced out
Bottom line:
WARD isn’t a water policy. It’s a ban on building homes.
What Happens if WARD Passes?
Home prices rise even faster – Less supply means more competition and higher costs
Affordable housing dies on the vine – Over 1,000 units currently in progress could vanish
Sprawl gets worse – People pushed to rural areas, farther from work and services
Water planning is frozen – Bozeman can’t secure new water or adapt to future needs
Real families pay the price – The people who make Bozeman work are priced out
We Need Solutions That Actually Work
We’re already doing the hard work, building smart, sustainable housing and protecting water. Bozeman’s system ensures every project offsets its water use.
Let’s fix what needs fixing, but not break what’s working.
Let’s fix what needs fixing, but not break what’s working.
SWMBIA supports:
- Water planning that’s flexible, efficient, and science-backed
- Housing options for the missing middle—the working families falling through the cracks
- Smart growth that stays within city limits and protects open land
- Collaboration, not confrontation with builders, planners, and the public working together
Why SWMBIA Is Speaking Out
SWMBIA isn’t a political group, we’re the ones actually building the homes, parks, patios, and neighborhoods where Bozeman families live.
And we’re deeply worried.
And we’re deeply worried.
This initiative wasn’t written by housing experts or water planners. It was written without any consultation and it could ruin everything we’ve worked so hard to build.
This is not progress. It’s a backdoor ban on growth. And it will hurt the people who already feel left behind.
Bozeman deserves solutions that help, not policies that punish.
What You Can Do
- DO NOT SIGN the WARD petition
- VOTE NO on this flawed initiative in November
- STAY IN THE LOOP – Sign up for our email list to stay informed about the WARD initiative
- SHARE THIS MESSAGE with friends, neighbors, and your community
Let’s Keep Bozeman Livable for All of Us
Together, we can fight back against policies that threaten our town’s future. We can build homes that people can afford, protect our water the right way, and keep Bozeman a place where everyone has a chance to belong