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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Bozeman 2021 Legislative Priorities and AgendaC I T Y O F B O Z E M A N Legislative Priorities and Agenda M A Y O R C Y N D Y A N D R U S D E P U T Y M A Y O R T E R R Y C U N N I N G H A M C O M M I S S I O N E R J E N N I F E R M A D G I C C O M M I S S I O N E R I -H O P O M E R O Y C O M M I S S I O N E R M I C H A E L W A L L N E R 2021 Montana Legislative Session table of contents CITY'S MISSION HERE LETTER FROM CITY COMMISSION....................3 BOZEMAN'S TOP PRIORITIES............................4 BOZEMAN'S PREFERRED POLICIES.................8 BOZEMAN'S ISSUES OF INTEREST...................10 PARTNER AGENDAS TO ENDORSE...................13 CONTACT INFORMATION....................................14  from the bozeman city commission Dear Bozeman Residents, State Representatives and Senators, and Montanans, Since the Blackfeet referred to the Gallatin Valley as many come together country, Bozeman and the surrounding area have drawn folks who are interested in living in a thriving, resilient community. It is going to take more than a global pandemic, economic crisis, and social unrest to shake Bozeman’s strong sense of community. Despite these circumstances, residents and neighbors continue to pull together to achieve big things like passing a levy for parks and trails maintenance and opening a new high school. As we enter a new decade, our community faces unique challenges from ensuring access to modern necessities like broadband and childcare to transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, renewable technologies. In true Montana spirit, Bozeman continues to do what we can to solve these problems with the tools and skills at our disposal such as constructing affordable housing units with the Human Resources Development Council. However, we cannot solve all our challenges without help. Therefore, we will engage in a concerted lobbying effort at the Montana State Legislature beginning in January 2021. Whether the session is in person or remote, we are prepared. The City will have a lobbyist who will represent our interests before legislators. Additionally, staff and City Commissioners will testify before committees of jurisdiction on bills relating to this agenda and provide expert opinions from the City’s perspective. We look forward to working closely with local legislators and partners across the state to ensure Bozeman’s voice is heard loud and clear in the Statehouse halls or over video conferences from right here in Bozeman! Signed,  Mayor Cyndy Andrus Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham Commissioner Jennifer Madgic Commissioner I-Ho Pomeroy Commissioner Michael Wallner 3LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 4LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 Bozeman's top priorities Affordable Housing Clean Energy Opportunities Property Tax Relief Allow municipalities to fund their affordable housing staff from building permit revenues. Montana law currently prohibits such uses of building permit fees. funding affordable housing personnel with building permits Support legislation that creates new funding to preserve subsidized homes that would otherwise return to the private market when subsidy programs expire. preservation of subsidized housing Potential partners: Montana league of cities and towns montana housing coalition city's effort level: draft legislation affordable housing STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: A SAFE, WELCOMING COMMUNITY A WELL-PLANNED CITY 5LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 The Commission has four policy proposals to improve housing affordability throughout Bozeman. With rising home prices outpacing wages, the Commission calls on the State Legislature to provide local governments with new tools to manage housing supply. Support the creation of State Housing Tax Credits to attract more private investment and federal housing dollars to Montana to support the creation of more single-family homes and apartments. Expand low income tax credits Collaborate with Montana cities and counties to help communities reach their 100% renewable energy goals by 2030. Allow Investor Owned Utilities the ability to offer a customized electric portfolio or clean energy product to increase utility-scale renewable energy. Community renewable energy Allow jurisdictions the option to participate in a statewide C-PACE Program to reduce the upfront costs of renewable energy or water efficiency improvements. commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) renewable net energy metering Defend small-scale net energy metering laws including interconnection standards. clean energy opportunities STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT A WELL-PLANNED CITY 6LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 The Bozeman City Commission recognizes the threat of climate change to our local economy, public infrastructure, community health, and the natural environment. Bozeman residents are already familiar with some of the consequences of inaction— hotter and drier summers, more extreme weather events, and more frequent wildfire and poor air quality days. With these challenges, comes great opportunity, particularly for clean energy. Advancing a clean and equitable energy future requires collective action and the City would like to partner with Montana state government in tackling this challenge to accelerate a transition that benefits all Montanans. Potential partners: Montana league of cities and towns the big 7* the nature conservancy Sierra Club city's effort level: draft legislation Montana Renewable Energy Association Northwestern Energy Northern Plains Resource Council Montana Building Industry Association *T H E 7 L A R G E S T C I T I E S I N M O N T A N A -B I L L I N G S , B O Z E M A N , B U T T E , G R E A T F A L L S , H E L E N A , K A L I S P E L L , M I S S O U L A 25% for property tax relief 25% for Rural Revenue Fund (communities of <5,000 people) 5% to administer Rural Revenue Fund 45% for local infrastructure and affordable housing projects Changes to the local option sales tax law to allow Bozeman to put the issue before voters. Require the tax be used as follows: Modify the possible uses of funds collected by the Tourism Business Improvement Districts (TBIDs) to include infrastructure projects. Such changes benefit communities across Montna, not just Bozeman. tbid changes Potential partners: tourism heavy communities the big 7 city's effort level: draft legislation property tax relief STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: AN INNOVATIVE ECONOMY A HIGH PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION 7LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 Under Montana law, Bozeman’s only sources for collecting revenues are property taxes, special districts for assessments on property owners, and user fees. Therefore, the burden for local government operations falls almost exclusively on permanent residents and businesses in the community without capturing any revenue from tourists or business traveling through the City. The City Commission is looking to work with legislators and other interested parties to develop new revenue streams to ease the property tax burden on residents. local option sales tax Montana league of cities and towns montana infrastructure coalition gallatin association of realtors 8LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 Bozeman's preferred pOLICIES broadband The COVID-19 Pandemic has only further highlighted the need for high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet connections throughout our community. The City of Bozeman will support efforts to remove restrictive regulations on broadband deployment and to plan and fund an expanded statewide broadband network and ensure that all residents and businesses have access to high speed internet connections. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, Montana Economic Developers Association, The Big 7 City Effort Level: Endorse Legislation Strategic Goals: An Innovative Economy; A Creative, Learning Culture childcare The COVID-19 Pandemic drew more attention to the growing need for high-quality, affordable childcare in our community. Many parents were already struggling to balance demands on their time without working from home while schooling their children. Bozeman supports initiatives to make childcare more accessible and affordable. Potential Partners: Montana Childcare Connections, Montana Advocates for Children Member Organizations City Effort Level: Endorse Legislation Strategic Goals: An Innovative Economy; A Creative, Learning Culture gallatin college Facilities Over the last ten years, Gallatin College has become the center piece of the Gallatin Valley’s workforce development strategy. The college is looking for ways to meet the strong demand for its programs in photonics, industrial sewing, aviation, and various other high-growth industries critical to Montana’s economy. Bozeman will continue to support this excellent community asset. Potential Partners: Montana State University, Gallatin Valley Manufacturing Partnership, Gallatin College City Effort Level: Endorse Legislation Strategic Goals: An Innovative Economy; A Creative, Learning Culture Aging septic systems Bozeman’s growth has created lots of new opportunities. However, there are several areas in the city that have aging septic systems which threaten water quality and safety. Bozeman supports cost effective measures such as a grant or loan program to replace aging septic systems with sewer systems to achieve the state’s nutrient water quality standard. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7, Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Groups City Effort Level: Endorse Legislation Strategic Goals: A Well-Planned City; A Sustainable Environment special election date The Bozeman City Commissions supports changes to Montana election law to allow for special elections to occur on the next closest general election date. Changing the special election date will allow for cost savings as well as increased citizen participation in the special elections. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7, Montana Association of Counties City Effort Level: Draft Legislation Strategic Goals: An Engaged Community; A High Performance Organization 9LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 Bozeman's preferred priorities The State of Montana funds certain criminal justice activities local governments manage. The City opposes burdening local government with additional financial responsibility for these programs. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, Montana Association of Counties, Montana County Attorneys City Effort Level: Defend Criminal Justice Funding 10LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 Bozeman would support legislation to allow city building codes to exceed a minimum standard set forth in state law especially in reference to water efficiency standards. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Environmental Groups City Effort Level: Monitor Building Codes Streamline the public procurement and bidding requirements while maintaining best practices to ensure transparency, openness, and participation. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, Montana Association of Counties City Effort Level: Monitor Co-op Bidding and Procurement bozeman's Issues of INterest The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on our economy and the daily lives of Bozeman residents. City staff will actively monitor any further relief efforts from the State of Montana and offer input as needed. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7, Montana Association of Counties, Department of Commerce City Effort Level: Monitor covid-19 response Under current law, blood warrants are limited to drivers who have previously refused to provide a blood sample to law enforcement or individuals with a prior DUI conviction. Bozeman supports changes to allow blood draws on a suspected first offense DUI. Potential Partners: Montana Peace Officers Association, Montana County Attorneys Association City Effort Level: Endorse Legislation DUI Blood Draws Bozeman’s growth has led to new construction across the city. The City supports legislation to require new development to use community water systems and to limit the use of exempt wells. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7, Environmental Groups City Effort Level: Endorse Legislation Exempt wells The City must follow specific standards for noticing different types of assessment and meetings. Standardization of and increased options for noticing requirements would yield a more efficient process. Potential Partners: Montana Clerks, Montana League of Cities and Towns City Effort Level: Draft Legislation Public Noticing Options If the Constitutional Amendment to legalize marijuana for recreational use in the State of Montana passes in November, the Legislature could begin to consider bills relating to land-use regulation, safety, and taxation of marijuana sales. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns City Effort Level: Monitor marijuana In Montana, legislative redistricting is done by an independent panel after the completion of a decennial census. If Montana is reapportioned a second Congressional District, the City will monitor the process to ensure Bozeman is properly represented at the federal level. Potential Partners: Local legislators City Effort Level: Monitor Legislative Redistricting Board consolidation allows for consistent meeting times, a streamlined public input process, and greater efficiencies by reducing staff time expended on managing and staffing a second board. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns City Effort Level: Draft Legislation Planning and Zoning Board Consolidation Bozeman is interested in any legislation assisting cities meet water quality standards at water and wastewater facilities. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, Industry Groups, Department of Environmental Quality City Effort Level: Monitor Nutrient Water Quality Standard 11LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 Many of Bozeman’s major thoroughfares are controlled by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). MDT control limits the ability for cities and other local governments to manage infrastructure assets within its jurisdiction. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7, Bozeman Downtown Partnership, Montana Association of Counties City Effort Level: Monitor Montana Department of Transportation Local Agency Processes bozeman's issues of interest Subdivision review applications require a long, burdensome process under state law. Bozeman supports efforts to streamline the process such as final plat processing under state law. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, Gallatin Association of REALTORS City Effort Level: Draft Legislation subdivision review The City of Bozeman currently has five urban renewal districts that utilize tax increment financing to support development and reuse. Any changes to limit the use of this tool would harm the City’s ability to improve the livelihood of its residents. Potential Partners: Montana League of Cities and Towns, The Big 7 City Effort Level: Defend Tax Increment Financing and Urban Renewal Districts Reform how the Department of Revenue issues beer and wine licenses to restaurants across the state to create a more inclusive process. Potential Partners: Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, Montana Brewers Association, Montana Distillers Guild, Local Cities City Effort Level: Monitor beer and wine Licensure The creation of a local option sales tax on soda, caffeine, or sugary drinks. Soda Taxes, as they are often referred to, have generated revenue and improved health outcomes in other cities in the western United States. Potential Partners: American Heart Association, Cancer Action Network City Effort Level: Monitor soda tax 12LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 bozeman's iSSUES OF iNTEREST 13LEGISLATIVE POLICY 2021 MONTANA LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TOWNS Bozeman participates in the development of the League’s legislative agenda ahead of every State Legislature session. By cooperating through the League, municipalities provide for themselves a research program and a legislative voice which would be impossible for any of them individually. MONTANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION NEXT GENERATION AGENDA In 2019 MEDA, the Montana Economic Developers Association, created a vision to bring Montana’s economic development policies, programs, and practices into the 21st century. The framework is centered on building a unified coalition to move Montana forward by modernizing Montana’s programs and tools, investing in Montana through entrepreneurship and training, and upgrading Montana’s economic and community structures. THE MONTANA INFRASTRUCTURE COALITION The Montana Infrastructure Coalition members represent over 100 industry, labor, and trade associations, local governments and business entities. Based on its research and analysis, the Coalition develops funding and financing suggestions for infrastructure investment to meet ongoing maintenance needs, to meet increasing health and safety standards, and to accommodate and stimulate growth. PARTNER AGENDAS TO ENDORSE THE MONTANA HOUSING COALITION The Montana Housing Coalition is made up of many traditional and non-traditional housing sector organizations. The coalition is supporting two policy goals—money from the coal trust fund for affordable rental units and the creation of a state workforce housing tax credit. legislative core team THE PEOPLE TO KNOW Mayor Cyndy Andrus candrus@bozeman.net Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham tcunningham@bozeman.net Commissioner Jennifer Madgic jmadgic@bozeman.net Commissioner I-Ho Pomeroy ipomeroy@bozeman.net Commissioner Michael Wallner mwallner@bozeman.net Jeff Mihelich, City Manager 406-582-2306, jmihelich@bozeman.net Anna Rosenberry, Assistant City Manager 406-582-2325, arosenberry@bozeman.net Chuck Winn, Assistant City Manager 406-582-2327, cwinn@bozeman.net Greg Sullivan, City Attorney 406-582-2309, gsullivan@bozeman.net Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director 406-582-2258, bfontenot@bozeman.net Melody Mileur, Communications Coordinator 406-582-2322, mmileur@bozeman.net Anna Saverud, Assistant City Attorney 406-582-2309, asaverud@bozeman.net Mike Veselik, Economic Development Specialist 406-582-2919, mveselik@bozeman.net