HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-21 Public Comment - E. Bode (Fwd MT) & I. Shaida (GVSM) - BudgetFrom:Emma Bode
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment for tonight"s meeting
Date:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 3:29:50 PM
Attachments:Public Comment on Commission Budget (1).pdf
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
My apologies for my late submission of this public comment. Neither Isabel nor I will be ableto attend tonight's meeting in person to provide this comment verbally, so I would appreciate
you reading the attached document if you have time before the meeting.
Sincerely, 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 Commission,
This budget season, the Commission has the additional task of allocating $12 million in
federal pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan. This community faces many
urgent needs directly caused or exacerbated by the pandemic. Social services are among
the most pressing, including access to behavioral healthcare, affordable housing, and
childcare. We must invest in these services to recover from the pandemic and to support
our community. Our city is also experiencing massive growth and with that comes pressing
needs to invest in infrastructure. $12 million is not nearly enough to meet all of these needs,
therefore we support the City’s plan to apply for County and State money.
The City can coordinate with Gallatin County to distribute $22 million they received and
apply for some of the several hundred million dollars the State received. City staff
recommend using the majority of money the City has in hand to meet urgent infrastructure
needs and working with local partners to apply for County and State funds for social
services. They explained that City funds can be efficiently allocated to infrastructure
projects, while County and State funds are better distributed to non-profit partners for
social services since they already have existing distribution systems.
We must recognize, however, that this is a strategic gamble with money for social services,
and therefore human lives, on the table. The City is certain of receiving $12 million, but
cannot be sure to receive County or State funds. Is the risk we take by not immediately
funding social services worth the potential reward of efficiency and greater capacity later
on? At this point, the reward is too unclear to be sure.
Please work to give the community some assurances.First, mitigate the risk by increasing
our chances of receiving County and State funds. Mayor Andrus’s recommendation to
contract a grant writer is a good one. We also recommend designating whatever money
remains by next year for pandemic revenue replacement to social services.
Secondly, let the community in on your aspirations.Recognizing there is no guarantee we
will receive additional funds, let us know what your goals are. How much would you apply for
from each fund? How would you use that money if secured?Will your strategy, especially
surrounding affordable housing, actually address the severity of the problem, or just
perpetuate it by allowing developers to reap the majority of the benefits? General intentions
are not enough to justify this risk. We need a city budget with firm commitments to funding
the needs of our community and a clear plan to invest in securing further funds.
Sincerely,
Emma Bode (she/hers)Isabel Shaida (sher/her)
Bozeman Field Manager Gallatin Valley Hub Coordinator
Forward Montana Sunrise Movement