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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-23 Public Comment - M. Wilhelm - Public Comment for STRFrom:Mauri Wilhelm To:Agenda Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment for STR Date:Tuesday, August 8, 2023 11:25:07 AM Attachments:image001.png image002.png 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. I am writing as a concerned resident of Bozeman and an employee of a short-term vacation rental company. I would like to express my strong opposition to the proposed ban on short-term vacation rentals within our city. Short-term vacation rentals have become an integral part of Bozeman's tourism industry, offering visitors a unique and personalized experience that traditional hotels cannot replicate. These rentals contribute significantly to our local economy by attracting a steady stream of tourists who spend money at local businesses, restaurants, and attractions. In addition to tourists, short term rentals also provide housing for visiting professors, traveling nurses, and families of MSU students. The economic boost provided by short-term rentals helps CREATE AND SUSTAIN JOBS for our community members. The proposed banning of short-term rentals will cause myself, many of my coworkers and employees at other local companies to be put out of work. Banning short-term vacation rentals may have a miniscule effect on housing, because it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. A more comprehensive approach that considers various factors and strategies is needed to effectively tackle housing affordability in Bozeman. Some strategies that would have a more successful impact on the housing market are: Affordable Housing Funds: Establish a dedicated fund to support the development of affordable housing projects. This could be funded through fees on new developments, property taxes, or other revenue sources. Density Bonuses: Offer density bonuses to developers who include affordable housing units in their projects. Developers could be allowed to build more units or additional floors in exchange for providing affordable housing. Land Trusts: Create community land trusts that acquire and hold land for affordable housing purposes. This can help maintain long-term affordability by controlling land costs. Streamlined Permitting: Simplify and expedite the permitting process for affordable housing developments to reduce construction costs and timelines. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private developers, nonprofit organizations, and housing agencies to leverage resources and expertise in creating affordable housing projects. Data-Driven Decision Making: Collect and analyze data on housing needs, market trends, and affordability gaps to inform policy decisions and allocate resources effectively. A combination of these approaches, tailored to Bozeman's specific challenges and opportunities, could contribute to improving housing affordability and availability in the city. In conclusion, short-term vacation rentals play a crucial role in the success of Bozeman's economy and the well-being of its residents. I implore you to reconsider the proposed ban and explore alternative solutions that allow us to continue enjoying the benefits of this industry while addressing any legitimate concerns. Thank you, Mauri Wilhelm Mountain Home Montana Vacation Rentals Phone: 406.586.45891102 W Babcock Street, Bozeman, Montana 59715 mauri@mountain-home.com www.mountain-home.com