HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-18 Public Comment - D. Schliem - Support for Opportunity Zones hbpzeman area
canier
of Commerce
March 21, 2018
To: Governor Steve Bullock
From: Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce
Subject: Opportunity Zone Tract 11.02 (30031001102)Support
Dear Governor Bullock,
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 established a new economic development program called
Opportunity Zones designed to encourage long-term private investments, specifically in areas that are
currently the focus of mutually reinforcing stat, local, and/or private economic development initiatives
to foster start up activity.
Opportunity Zone tract 11.02 (30031001102) creates opportunities for investment to the East Main
Street Corridor which encompasses Montana State University and lends itself well to expand our
Research and Development opportunities, support start-up companies and provide an opportunity for
the next generation state of the are facilities.
With unemployment rates below 2.8%in Bozeman Region this Opportunity Zone tract could also
become attractive site for public/private partnership for expanding Gallatin College and its' skills
training for expanding our workforce and offering opportunities to recruit new employees to our area.
We feel that partnering the right Businesses with Gallatin College to address workforce shortage and
skill sets needed could be a win/win for not only Bozeman, but the State of Montana as a whole.
Thank You in advance for your consideration of selecting tract 11.02 as and Opportunity Zone in
Bozeman.
Sincerely,
ar' Schliem
Presid nt/CEO