HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-23-21 Public Comment - G. Beardslee - Negative Ad CampaignFrom:Greg Beardslee
To:Agenda
Subject:worker exodus and affordable housing
Date:Friday, July 23, 2021 3:42:40 PM
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Dear City Commissioners,
Right before our eyes, we're witnessing a drastic decline of the quality of life in Bozeman.
Many young people I know have moved away due to displacement from their rental units,
others are worried, highly stressed, about losing their homes and jobs when their eviction
notice arrives. The booming real estate market is killing our community.
Rampant real estate speculation due to incoming residents (many of whom don't work) has
driven rental prices beyond most worker's means. Bozeman is infected and it's sores are
showing. This is not news; it's festering all around us.
I'm aware the City Commission is concerned with creating affordable housing and has lost a
key tool to incentivize developers. I'm not sure the Commission can effectively build its way
out of this situation, due to the overwhelming scale of the problem. I have another suggestion.
20 years ago, Mayor Marsha Youngman mounted a successful push to land Bozeman onto a
list of most livable cities. This effort resulted in an upward growth pattern, even during
recessions. This was great for a while, but things have gone too far. I believe that the City
Commission should now try to reverse this trend through a negative advertising campaign. I
think a persistent negative campaign simply telling the country the true score of Bozeman's
sick economy could help stem the extreme rate of growth, buying some breathing room for
everyone affected. This could be done by carefully worded press releases or perhaps a short
video. I know this is sad to contemplate, but I believe necessary anyway.
Years ago the State of Oregon had a tongue in cheek tourism campaign, telling tourists to visit
Oregon, spend money, but don't stay. It's one example of what could be done. Likely Bozeman
will need a multi-faceted approach to achieve measurable success. In contrast to the Oregon
example, we have a much more serious situation unfolding.
With this letter I'm formally asking the City Commissioners to initiate serious discussion
regarding mounting a negative ad campaign, what it's goals should be, and what verbal
content should be conveyed to those contemplating a move to Bozeman. Something must be
done before all the workers leave, we're quickly running out of time.
Sincerely,
Greg Beardslee
221 N. Church Ave.
Bozeman, MT
586-8357
gregb406@msn.com