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
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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