HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-08-18 City Commission Packet Materials - C3. Letter of Support for USDA Relocation
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Brit Fontenot, Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: Letter of Support on behalf of the Bozeman City Commission for the
Relocation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National
Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic Research Service
(ERS) Headquarters to the Montana State University Innovation Campus,
Bozeman, Montana.
MEETING DATE: October 8, 2018
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize Mayor Andrus to sign a letter of support, on behalf of the
Bozeman City Commission, for the relocation of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
and Economic Research Service (ERS) headquarters to the Montana State
University Innovation Campus, Bozeman, Montana.
BACKGROUND:
USDA notice to relocate 600 ERS, NIFA employees
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it is requesting “expressions
of interest” for the relocation of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic
Research Service (ERS) headquarters. The notice reads, “[t]he need for a proposed NIFA facility would
be approximately 90,000 square feet to house approximately 360 employees. The need for a proposed
ERS facility would be up to 70,000 square feet to house up to 260 employees.” The USDA notes that
both the ERS and the NIFA are now housed in space rented from the General Services Administration,
and that the lease for the NFIA offices is expiring.
12
The USDA is requesting input from state and local governments, industry, academia, interested
parties and organizations on potential locations that would accommodate “the construction and/or
lease and operation of a NIFA and/or ERS headquarters facilities.” Noting that this “includes a significant
opportunity to improve economic conditions and create employment opportunities” in a community,
the requirements include “being located within a reasonable distance of a commercial primary airport,
and “in close proximity to a critical mass of intellectual capacity and potential employees to continue the
high value and productive work of NIFA and ERS.” The notice goes on to state that the “USDA wants to
locate the NIFA and ERS headquarters in a community where our employees will enjoy living,
recreational opportunities, educational opportunities, and an overall high quality of life.”
Bozeman is the ideal fit for the USDA relocation. The Montana State University Innovation
Campus is the lead organization in this expression of interest and is seeking letters of support from local,
county, state and federal officials.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None
ALTERNATIVES: As proposed by the City Commission
FISCAL EFFECTS: Undetermined at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Letter of Support dated October 8, 2018 on Behalf of the Bozeman City Commission for the
Relocation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and
Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic Research Service (ERS) Headquarters to the Montana State
University Innovation Campus, Bozeman, Montana.
Report compiled on Monday, September 24, 2018.
13
October 8, 2018
The Honorable Donald K. Bice
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
United States Department of Agriculture
Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 240-W
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
RE: Letter of Support on behalf of the Bozeman City Commission for the Relocation
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and
Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic Research Service (ERS) Headquarters to the
Montana State University Innovation Campus, Bozeman, Montana.
Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Bice,
The Bozeman City Commission enthusiastically supports the Montana State
University Innovation Campus’ desire to host the USDA’s NIFA and ERS headquarters.
Bozeman, Montana, and specifically the Montana State University Innovation Campus,
provides the ideal location for this headquarters facility. Bozeman exemplifies the all-
important work-life balance sought by the USDA for its employees and their families.
The City of Bozeman enjoys a strong and productive relationship with Montana
State University and supports MSU’s mission of educating students, creating knowledge
and art, and serving Montana communities by integrating learning, discovery and
engagement. Created as a land-grant institution, MSU is a welcoming, energetic,
aspirational institution that inspires excellence in education, research, creativity and
civic responsibility.
As recently reported, Montana State University’s research spending in FY 18 was
$126 million, the fifth consecutive year of research expenditures exceeding $100
million. MSU’s College of Agriculture recorded the highest total research spending in
the amount of $35.6 million.
Additionally, as the host community for Montana State University and the
Innovation Campus, Bozeman is a high amenity, high quality of life, full service
community which provides excellent public service for its residents and businesses.
Some areas of excellence include: 1) lowest crime rate of Montana’s largest cities; 2)
14
highly educated population, 48% of residents 25 years old or older have a bachelor’s
degree; 3) fastest growing and busiest airport in Montana with 7 airlines and 16
destinations; 4) 21st century fiber-optic communications infrastructure; and 5) gateway
to Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by approximately 730,000 acres of public
land, of which 662,000 acres is managed by the USDA vis the US Forest Service.
Bozeman is minutes away from world class fishing and skiing and the vigorous pursuit of
all things outdoors.
We know that Bozeman and the MSU Innovation Campus are ideal locations for
NIFA and ERS headquarters. Please feel free to contact me directly
at candrus@bozeman.net if I can be of additional assistance in your decision making.
For more information on Bozeman, MSU and the Innovation Campus see our 2017
Economic Profile.
Respectfully,
Cynthia L. Andrus
Mayor
Bozeman, Montana
15