HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Jennifer MadgicJennifer Madgic – September 29, 2020
Dear City Commissioners:
As a Bozeman resident for over 25 years, I very much appreciate the hard work and passion of
our local elected officials, board members and staff. I am proud to be a member of this
community and particularly proud of many of the forward-leaning policies and initiatives that
have helped make Bozeman exceptional.
I am submitting an application to be considered for the city commission because, above
everything else, I care about my community. Years before moving here in 2007, I tried to
choose a career path that I could put to use in the rapidly growing intermountain region. I
chose community planning because quite simply, I like community. I like the idea and process of
working together as a community. I enjoy having neighbors, participating in processes, working
together to find solutions. It is this desire to participate, to listen, to learn, to help make things
better that is behind my motivation to further serve my community.
I chose community planning in part because I know how quickly a place can change. I grew up
40 miles south of San Francisco, CA, in the middle of Silicon Valley. During the ‘60s, ‘70s and
‘80s, the community of my childhood experienced rapid change. Today, my old neighborhood,
the town and place I used to call home, is unrecognizable.
It is a privilege to call Bozeman my home. For those of us, lucky enough to have purchased
property years ago, we are incredibly fortunate. We are surrounded by mountains, wildlife,
good water and good coffee. We live in a place that people save money and vacation time to
visit. And while many of us experience and enjoy this privilege, there are many others who
cannot afford to live in the town they work. This is problematic on many levels.
Events over the past year illustrate the extensive challenges our community and community
members face. A pandemic has made Bozeman more popular than ever, testing our ability to
protect public health and provide adequate housing to meet growing demand. Demand is
surging a market that was already out of reach for the average home buyer. For the first time in
years, a destructive wildfire exploded on the edge of town, destroying homes of our friends and
neighbors. Over the past year, our city has seen a city manager leave, a police chief retire, and a
mayor resign. And like communities across the country, we’re witnessing the struggles inherent
in advancing principles of fairness and equity. Through the growth and change, our community
is becoming increasingly unrecognizable and solutions to issues are proving more difficult.
As a community planner and Bozeman resident, I support pro-active, thoughtful growth and
planning. Progressive ideas and policies can help ensure Bozeman doesn’t fall victim to
inefficient development or development that doesn’t address community needs. Proactive,
thoughtful action can help us with housing supply, allowing a mix of affordable options within
close proximity to work and play. Thoughtful planning can help maintain and create desirable
neighborhoods available to all of us, encourage active transportation, allow us to grow food
locally, conserve water and energy, and help protect our personal health and natural resources.
Jennifer Madgic – September 29, 2020
A lot of good work has been done to date in Bozeman and there is more that is needed.
As the commission knows, Bozeman has recently launched review of a couple of important
processes: the Bozeman Climate Plan and Community Plan. These plans, similar to our Strategic
Plan and Community Housing Action Plan, help lay a foundation to build processes and policies
that can lead to action and results. Implementing these plans needs to be a priority.
Experience I have that can help me as a city commissioner:
Bozeman Planning Board: Over the past two and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of working
with fellow board members on a comprehensive update of the Community Plan. This process
has taught me the importance of good public processes, processes that are inclusive, proactive
and soliciting of information from various professionals and groups. It has also reinforced a
belief in user-friendly processes. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate. You
shouldn’t have to hire a planner or a lawyer to understand how a process or plan works.
Community Planning: I have worked in the field in Montana for over 14 years, 12 years as a
local planner in city and county offices (Helena and Gallatin County), and as a local consultant
since 2017. A master’s degree in community planning from the University of Rhode Island has
been a great help in furthering my understanding of the principles, history and processes
involved and required in good community planning.
Government: I have over 20 years of experience working in various facets of city, county, state
and federal government. I was Regional Director for U.S. Senator Jon Tester for over a decade
and a senate aide to the Rhode Island and Montana legislatures.
Community Food Co-op: Following a passion for local food and local business, I have served as
a board of director for the Bozeman Co-op for the past seven years (including terms as
president and vice president).
Work/Life Balance: There have been times in my career where I have experienced burnout,
frustration, depression and feelings of ineffectiveness. I’ve had to learn how to manage my
work life in order to be a happier, healthier person. Over the past few years (in addition to
working as a consultant), I’ve taken time out to travel, do yoga, walk/hike, hang with friends
and family, and have explored the design world through classes at Gallatin College.
I’m happy to answer any questions and wish you all well in making this important decision.
Sincerely,
Jennifer (Jen) Madgic
406-582-9544
jmadgic@gmail.com