That housing crisis inspired the founding organizers of the Bozeman and Missoula tenants unions, both of which officially formed in 2022. Founding organizer and union steward Sapp, 31, said the Missoula Tenants Union began with informal meetings of renters that led to the idea of a union. While about 300 people have signed the Missoula Tenants Union’s membership form, about 100 pay dues, and about 30 are active organizers, Sapp said. “That’s one of many reasons why we feel invested in growing the tenants unions in Montana and beyond.” Locally and nationally, the tenants’ unions still face challenges, such as limited capacity and opposition from the real estate lobby, organizers said.