In recognition of October’s World Architecture Month theme, “Housing is a Human Right,” the International Union of Architects called on architects and urban designers to use research, policy advocacy, sustainable building reuse and inclusive design models to expand equitable housing access. The City of Helena recently proposed three initiatives to support Attainable Housing. In a press release, City Manager Alana Lake said, “These proposals create opportunities to make housing development more accessible, generate new resources and bring innovative housing ideas directly into the community. Among the initiatives: creating a library of “Ready-to-Issue” residential home plans that have been pre-reviewed by the City focusing first on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and smaller homes, helping to reduce design costs and simplify the permitting process. Secondly, the proposed “Guardian of the Gulch” Specialty License Plate initiative would give residents an opportunity to voluntarily support affordable housing through sales of a specialty plate with proceeds dedicated to the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The City hopes to have the plates available to the public starting July 1, 2027. The third initiative is a proposed “Community Housing Showcase” of innovative housing solutions. The showcase would be an opportunity to display attainable housing solutions, innovative construction methods, and manufacturing ideas in Helena. “It gives people something they can see, experience, discuss, and learn from while helping move the conversation about housing affordability forward,” said Lake. Developer Mark Runkle and his wife, Director of Design Rebecca Ryland continue to add new housing products to the existing expansive range of plans offered by Weatherall Builders, Sierra Custom Homes, Gebhardt Development, and McCall Homes at Mountain View Meadows. Excavation has started on Ryland’s first ADU designed plan and a second all-electric solar home that includes solar panels and landscaping. Duplex condo plans include a comfortable and efficient 1219 SF home priced at $399,900 complete with AC, an attached 2-car garage, landscaping and a fenced, covered outdoor living space. “It is our goal,” said Ryland, “to provide a diversity of housing that reflects the evolving needs and interests of home buyers. We will continue to explore ways to reduce the cost of housing while maintaining the high standards of design and construction buyers need and deserve.”