HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-12-20 Public Comment - N. Bailey - Urging You to Reconsider Policing BudgetFrom:Nicki Bailey
To:Agenda
Subject:Urging you to reconsider policing budget
Date:Friday, June 12, 2020 9:04:20 AM
Attachments:Screen Shot 2020-06-12 at 8.54.03 AM.png
Dear Bozeman Commission,
In reviewing your budget, I have some major concerns in regards to 27% of General Funds tobe spent on policing (see attached screenshot). Economic development, affordable housing
and sustainability are alarmingly underfunded (1% of general budget) and are clear areaswhere we as a community can effectively reallocate police budgets to address the root causes
of social inequality and vulnerability. We can target investment and services in Census Tractswe know are more diverse than Bozeman appears and may be experiencing more
vulnerability, hopelessness and adverse relationships with police.
I strongly urge the Commission to reconsider how we look at policing as a community. Howand who we invest in directly says what we value as a community. High living costs and racial
inequality should be the Commission's priority and addressed through clear, transparentmessaging, budgeting and decision-making.
Thanks for your consideration,
Nicki Bailey59715