HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-20 Public Comment - Forward Montana - Statement for City Commission VacancyFrom:Emma Bode
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment for 10/7 Special Commission Meeting
Date:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:35:13 PM
Attachments:Forward Montana Statement on Bozeman City Commission Appointment .pdf
To whom it may concern,
Please accept the attached public comment on behalf of Forward Montana.
Kind regards, Emma
emma bode
bozeman field manager | (she/her/hers)
forward montana | forward montana foundation
406-542-8683 | 307-413-8886
emma@forwardmontana.org
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
As Montana’s largest youth civic engagement organization, Forward Montana is deeply
invested in advocating for leadership that is prepared to meet the needs and vision of our
generation. The resignation of former Mayor Mehl creates a unique opportunity to appoint a
Commissioner whose lived experiences reflect Bozeman’s diversity. We strongly urge you to
appoint someone who will represent a new voice and bring bold ideas to the Commission. The
decisions you make will shape the future of our community; your policies and plans will inform
who thrives and who struggles to live in Bozeman.
Bozeman faces a number of challenges including 1) a severe lack of affordable housing and
skyrocketing housing costs, 2) discrimination and injustice towards the LGBTQ+ community,
Black and Indigenous folks, and communities of color, and 3) a climate crisis that threatens our
economies and way of life. These pressing challenges require creative thinking and
out-of-the-box solutions. It requires someone who is willing to listen to residents and advocate
for those most impacted. You now have the incredible opportunity to appoint a Commissioner
who intimately understands these challenges and will bring new voices to the table in designing
solutions.
While the Bozeman City Commission has always demonstrated a deep responsibility to their
constituents, the makeup of the city commission hasn’t been fully reflective of the diversity of
our community. Bozeman is the youngest city in Montana, with 70% of residents under the age
of 40. It’s a diverse generation who needs a representative who’s lived experiences reflect their
own.
In the coming weeks you have an incredible opportunity to make the commission more
representative of Bozeman’s vibrant community. As the City enters a new chapter, we urge you
to look to fresh ideas and new leadership.
Sincerely,
Kiersten Iwai Emma Bode
Executive Director Bozeman Field Manager