Cooperative Housing: From Challenges to Community-Driven Solutions
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Cooperative Housing: From Challenges to Community-Driven Solutions
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
After the December 2 Townsend City Council meeting, there was a presentation and discussion of Cooperative Housing.
Cooperative Housing: From Challenges to Community-Driven Solutions
Tracy McIntyre, Director of the Montana Cooperative Development Center, kicked off the community housing discussion with an invitation: “We are introducing more broadly the cooperative component of what—or how—co-ops can work in a community, specifically around housing.”
McIntyre and her colleague Lyndsay Gutierrez led attendees through a comparison of two types of towns: one stuck in decline and another thriving through collaboration and creativity. “Every town vacillates between these two positions over time,” McIntyre observed, urging residents to focus on opportunities.
Participants were asked to map out Townsend’s assets—its people, places, projects, and partnerships—rather than simply list problems. The exercise revealed a community rich in strengths: skilled workers, engaged volunteers, ongoing infrastructure projects, and a tradition of local collaboration.
Housing Needs: Seniors, Workforce, and Youth
The heart of the discussion centered on Townsend’s housing challenges. Attendees highlighted the pressing need for senior housing that allows older residents to downsize without leaving town, thus freeing up larger homes for new families. “There’s a lot of value in keeping our youth here without kicking the elderly out,” said one participant.
Workforce housing also emerged as a concern, especially with the potential influx of workers from new or expanding local employers. The school district’s struggle with student homelessness underscored the need for multi-generational or mixed-income housing models.
Exploring Cooperative Models
McIntyre explained several cooperative models, including traditional housing co-ops (where residents own and manage housing collectively), investment co-ops (where community members or organizations pool funds to buy, build, or rehabilitate housing), and hybrid approaches. She emphasized the flexibility of Montana’s co-op laws and the potential to tailor solutions to local needs.
Direct questions from residents drove the conversation deeper. “What percentage of senior citizens are willing to give up their family home?” asked one attendee, noting resistance among elders to leave long-held properties. McIntyre responded, “If you can get them to come to the table and talk about what they want—less upkeep, staying in the community—there’s potential. But the approach has to be careful and respectful.”
Another resident raised the issue of homes needing repairs to qualify for FHA loans. McIntyre suggested that investment co-ops could help rehabilitate properties, making them accessible to first-time buyers and essential workers.
Next Steps: Steering Committee and Community Engagement
The meeting closed with consensus on forming a steering committee—potentially expanding the existing housing committee—to explore which co-op model best fits Townsend. The group will engage local organizations, research funding and property acquisition, and develop a vision for a pilot project.
“Don’t start an acquisition before you even start,” McIntyre advised. “This is a long process, but by engaging the community and starting with a steering committee, you can lay the groundwork for real change.”
For more information on getting involved, contact your City Council Representative
City Council Members:
Ward I:
JB Howick: councilmanhowick@townsendmontana.net
Second seat empty until filled
Ward 2:
Angie Wintrow: councilmanwintrow@townsendmontana.net
Doug Sitton: councilmansitton@townsendmontana.net
Ward 3:
Nate Brown: councilmanbrown@townsendmontana.net
Vivian Boaz: councilmanboaz@townsendmontana.net
