HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-23 Public Comment - L. Milburn - Short Term Rentals Louise Milburn
2728 Daisy Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
March 9, 2023
Terry Cunningham
Bozeman Deputy Mayor
121 N Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Mr.Cunningham,
As you already know, there is a housing crisis in Bozeman. I have lived here all my life and have
a proposal to help the issues I see happening daily. The issue I will be focusing on is short term
rentalsNRBOS. These short term rentals give visitors the perfect place to stay but take away a
surprising amount of housing that could be affordably rented out by locals. As the article,
Bozeman needs homes, not short term rentals says, "There are approximately 500 of these
units within the city limits of Bozeman." Those 500 houses are not enough to completely
diminish the housing crisis in Bozeman, but they could offer a very accommodating place for
Bozeman residents to live.
Housing for Bozeman locals should be the number one priority when it comes to renting out a
home that's in town, easy to commute and affordable to rent. The residents in Bozeman need
areas where they can easily travel to and from work, and are affordable enough if they work at a
local business, store, hotel, etc. Without those homes, our work force gets smaller and smaller,
leading local restaurants and stores to be understaffed and close earlier than normal.
Although these short term rentals can help the tourists who help our economy, the businesses
that are understaffed due to housing shortages outweighs tourists' positive effects. We need
local shops to thrive and be welcoming to tourists, but without affordable housing within city
limits, we lack businesses tourists enjoy most. Out of state buyers should especially not be able
to rent their house out all year, earning money off our city when they don't even live here.
My dad was born and raised in Montana, working many different local jobs throughout his life,
giving back to our community. I also work at a local restaurant, providing for tourists and
newcomers in Bozeman. My family comes from a lower/middle class that in no way can afford a
new home here. Even though both my parents work for locally owned businesses and MSU,
they can barely afford living in the house I grew up in the last 16 years.
This past summer, my dad was searching for a home in Bozeman. It needed space for my sister
and I, and our two dogs. It was nearly impossible to find that, and the only way it happened was
by renting from a friend, and Bozeman local that my family has known for years. We would've
had to move out of Bozeman if we didn't know that person.
We need affordable housing for locals. We give back to the community every day, running the
shops downtown, serving at restaurants, and providing activities for visitors during the summer.
It's only fair we get a nice home that we can afford in return. I greatly appreciate you taking the
time to read this letter, please consider my suggestion.
Thank you,
9jp v rSl�, Jv V
Louise Milburn
i
i
i
i