HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-07-21 Public Comment - K. Thane - FY22 Budget Affordable Housing MillsFrom:Kevin Thane
To:Agenda
Subject:PublicComment on FY22 Budget
Date:Monday, June 7, 2021 9:48:15 PM
Attachments:7_mils_memorandum.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Given the acknowledged affordable housing crisis in Bozeman, Bozeman Strategic Plan section 4.5,
Housing and Transportation Choices, that states the City should, “Vigorously encourage, through a
wide variety of actions, the development of sustainable and lasting housing options for underserved
individuals and families and improve mobility options that accommodate all travel modes” and the
inclusion of Affordable Housing as a top goal in the City's stated priorities, I urge the Commission to
follow CAHAB's recommendation of providing 7 mills for affordable housing in the FY22 budget. For
your reference, I have attached the memorandum from CAHAB to the City Manager requesting that
the Community Housing Fund be funded at 7 mills in the FY22 Budget.
Thanks for your consideration,
Kevin Thane
3432 S 29th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718
To: Jeff Mihelich, City Manager
Subject: Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board FY22 Funding Recommendation
From: City of Bozeman Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Date: March 10, 2021
This memorandum summarizes the results of CAHAB meetings held in December of 2020 and
January of 2021 with regards to discussion of the members’ preliminary thoughts on funding
the Community Housing Fund. Based on these discussions, CAHAB recommends that the
Community Housing Fund receive the equivalent of 7 mills, or approximately $900,000 in FY22.
2020 Community Housing Action Plan
There is general agreement that the Community Housing Fund is lacking finances to support the
requests CAHAB receives for housing related projects in our community.
Focus & Measurable Objectives
This past year we were particularly short on funds due to the increased demand from HRDC for
their Boulevards, Darlington Manor and Warming Center projects. As a result of funding those
community needs, the Bridger View Subdivision targeting the “Missing Middle” we were unable
to lend any support to this development even though it catered directly to our Affordable
Housing Action Plan by several of the parties that helped develop the plan.
Economics and Issues
The current housing situation in Bozeman has moved from an affordable housing crisis to a
housing crisis in general with Median sales prices increasing close to $90,000 this past year (the
greatest increase on record and much greater than wages increased) and record low inventory.
If it is truly a priority for the city and commissioners and our community to make an impact on
affordable housing in Bozeman, we respectfully ask that you provide us the funds to continue
to say “yes” to these requests rather than turn them down due to lack of funding.
Summary
From the CAHAB meeting of January 13th: 00:54:50 Vote on the Motion to approve Suggested
Motion Language:
Having reviewed the packet materials and considered today's discussion, I move to recommend
that the City Manager's proposed budget funds the Community Housing Fund at 7 mills for fiscal
year 2022. The Motion carried 6 – 0
We appreciate your consideration of this important topic and including the request for 7 mils in
the City Manager’s FY 22 recommended budget.